10 Misconceptions about the Gulf

1. Every citizen has an oil well

Though gulf is famous for its oil, the local citizens do not own oil wells. Atleast a majority of them don't. Income comes from government jobs which is high paying.

2. Electronic gadgets are extremely cheap

Gadgets in the gulf are not exponentially cheap. Only laptops are very cheap(in comparison with indian prices) while other gadgets are equal or more in price.

3. There is no winter in the Gulf

Because of the temperature being around 45-50s during summer, people have the notion that the gulf never has a winter season but the reality is something different. Temperatures dip to around 0-4 degrees during December upto January end with the temperature drop differing based on the region.

4. There are no taxes

Saudi has social security payment and capital gains tax. Bahrain has taxes on rented property and stamp duty on real estate transfers. Oman  and Kuwait have contributions to be made by citizens towards social security. Only UAE and Qatar have no taxes 

5. Alcohol is extensively available

Alcohol is available in UAE , Qatar, Bahrain and Oman but its strictly banned in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

6. Women are harassed 

Gulf has laws curbing the rights of women but they have strong rights towards women harassment. Yes, empowerment of women is happening slowly but not too far away.

7. Locals drink camel milk

Camel milk is produced in UAE and Saudi Arabia and has nutritional value but not so easily available.  Cow milk is consumed by the locals and camel milk is consumed on occasion to fulfil fetishes and cravings.

8. Dubai being a country

Dubai is one city amongst the many in UAE. It is one of the prominent ones in UAE and often mistaken for a country. And in the same vein, Saudi Arabia is a country and not a part of the UAE.

9. Infrastructure is mind-blowing

Public transport is not so well developed in any of the cities except Dubai. Roads are good because the Gulf depends on them majorly apart from airways. The only buses famous in the Gulf are the USBs (Universal Serial Buses)*Please Laugh*.

10. Arabs are rich and illiterate

The new generation of Arabs are well educated and literate and no different then the rest of the world. They are itching to shy away from the camel-riding, oil loving stereotype.

P.S : I have spent 5 months in the Gulf and ended up compiling this, I hope you enjoyed reading this! ;)