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If you’re black you’ll experience racism but not nearly to the extent of the US.
Are you Muslim?
Christian is probably better on balance than Muslim (unless one already practices strictly or is ready to do so). Different, stricter rules apply to Muslims. But it makes you more susceptible to racism. Somehow the Muslim/Arabic/Maghreb black people are seen as less “black” than those from the west, to some people at least.
Obviously knowing Arabic will help but UAE is very English-friendly - knowing Arabic could help establish you as plausibly Maghreb though and may lessen the amount of racism you will receive (some is inevitable, but such is life for us POC in most parts of the world).
Since you are black you will unfortunately need to be careful walking alone at any time of the day (unless, during the day, you have an exceptionally thick skin. Night time is a nonstarter). There will be less sexual catcalling but unfortunately likely more overtly racist things being hurled at you. Walking with a man who is Middle Eastern will likely deflect much of the vitriol to him.
If you will be working at an office of an American biglaw firm, your officemates will be able to show you expat-heavy areas that are safer and generally more tolerant.
Be careful drinking too much even as a Christian unless you’re around safe company. If you want to drink to inebriation on a regular basis (and frankly you may have to for work), establishing a regular relationship with a trustworthy cab driver will be huge.
In short, it is definitely achievable but there are some very real caveats that you will need to keep in mind. Writing this all out made me remember how much of a balancing act it all is.
Thank you so much. This has been so helpful. I am relocating to take a postgraduate degree for 12 months and will be working mostly from home (well... hostel). I had reservations but, Dubai (where I will be based) I am told is more like London.... More expats than locals. So hoping to build a network of friends