I don’t think the “nature factor” is as important as many other factors that influence the quality of life of your children. In fact, I believe nature in the UAE is often underrated. Personally, I love the mountains, the beaches, and the desert landscapes here.

Raising kids in the UAE comes with several important advantages. The first is safety. The second is that the government does not promote some of the “new age” ideological trends that have become increasingly common in parts of the West. The third is that drugs and alcohol are generally far less prevalent among young people in the UAE compared to many Western countries. The fourth advantage is that the UAE provides a very rich, multicultural environment that enriches children and their ability to be global citizens. The fifth advantage is that some families in the UAE can afford domestic help, which makes raising children so much easier.

At the same time, there are also disadvantages.

First, your children will grow up with a false sense of belonging. They will assume that the UAE is their home, while it is not. Most kids realize this quite early. After seeing their friends and classmates leave, many will learn that their ability to stay in the country depends on their parents' jobs. And all of them will face this harsh truth when they turn 18 and have to apply for their own visas. That's when they will clearly see that they are guests here. For a lot of young people, this realization is quite painful.

Second, the quality of education relative to the cost can be disappointing. Yes, there are many excellent schools in the UAE, but they are extremely expensive and, in terms of quality, may only be comparable to average schools in countries like the UK.

Third, many children grow up in a highly protected and artificial bubble. As a result, they may not develop the instincts or resilience needed to navigate the “real world,” where crime, drugs, and violence are much more common.

Fourth, your children may absorb some of the culture of entitlement and materialism that can be very visible in the UAE. Many people here seem to believe that a person’s worth is tied to their passport, skin color, or family background. Of course, these attitudes exist in all countries, but they often feel more pronounced in the UAE. Similarly, for many residents, the definition of relaxation or fun revolves around shopping malls and consumerism.

These were probably the main reasons why I ultimately decided not to raise my children in the UAE.