Hi,
Fortunately for me I was a bit informed and I did my own research about almost everything before coming to Dubai. But sometimes no matter how well informed you are, it's different when get to experience it.
The first few months I got very home sick, even though I was very excited to be in a new environment with endless possibilities- I missed home. I missed home food, because UAE is a desert-there is very little fresh produce coming from here. The food is very international and very safe but it is different(taste & smell), perhaps due to different soil, climate, etc.
I missed home natural landscapes,our rough seas and dry mountain, different seasons of the year especially- the beautiful flowers that blooms freely during spring time, the fresh fruits that welcomes summer, the smell of rain drops as it touches the souls, the cold winter nights that are perfect for soups and warmers.
I missed my people, South Africa is very diverse, which makes it more colorful and exciting and we seem to all share the same values and spirit of community. I missed the clicks in our mother tongues.
The UAE locals are very warm and gentle but in most cases there is a language break down ,and also because this city has a lot of different people from all over the world speaking different languages and most only learning to speak English once they get here as a medium language.
You also have to complete a year in a company before going on vacation, I think it's like that with most places, but that year can be very long if your family(parents,children or spouse) are not with you. So you have to use every technology possible to keep the communication and relationships going.
Depending on your job discription, the accommodation is shared with one or more people working for the same company in the same level of employment, but with an option for live out, but outside accommodation do not come cheap,some are cheap according to the UAE currency but expensive if you have to convert to your own.Oh that goes the same with food, clothes, education and entertainment. If you planning to bring your family here you need to consider all the cost of living for everyone involved and see if you can afford.Also all depend on your lifestyle as well.
You also need to be very disciplined when it comes to money, there are a lot of places to see, things to do, high end fashion/home appliances specials almost all year round that can lead you to spend more if you not careful.
But other than that, expert to see one of the most beautiful nations in the world, the gentle and humble. The biggest malls, tallest buildings, beautiful hotels, medium to highest standard in education in all levels.Expert PEACE and HARMONY.Expert growth all around you,tolerance,heat,culture, religion,discipline and LOVE.
At the end of the day it's all worth it.