Ar Rehlah ila Dubai?

Wow it has been long time since I last checked my blog. Not that I dont have story to tell here but in fact I have so many things going on at the same time I don't know which one should be shared in this blog.

Then I realised the title of this blog is KEMBARA ILMU, so it is supposed to talk about my journey for knowledge which in reality, about my day to day understanding of the events, peoples and things around me.

So remember about the Important Decision I have made last month? Yes it was actually about a career move to oversea. I think a few of my close friends have already known that I accepted a job offer in Dubai. I will still continue to practise law but not in Malaysia jurisdiction but in Dubai/UAE jurisdiction. I am joining a regional law firm in Dubai for Islamic banking and finance practice which is what I have been doing here in Kuala Lumpur.

The interview parts and securing the job was easy, Alhamdulillah. But the ones proves to be tedious are all the process for visa and looking for a shelter in Dubai. But again I think it becomes tedious because I had to manage it whilst working.

Just to show you the nitty gritty which i have to go through for my residence visa:

1) Get my law degrees certified by UAE Embassy - but before they can certify my certificates I need to get certification from Wisma Putra and Ministry of Higher Education in Putrajaya.
2) Cost of certification - RM10 per copy with Wisma Putra, RM150 per copy with UAE Embassy plus petrol and toll to Putrajaya
3) Collection of documents - less than 1 hour with both Wisma Putra and Ministry of Higher Education, but 2 days with UAE Embassy. The Embassy can certify your certificate less than 1 hour but with extra fee of RM75. Macam tu pula...

And then come the issue of accommodation in Dubai. I have been searching the internet for room or apartment for rental for about 1 month now. The reality in Dubai is that everything nice is still under construction and they construct it for the rich peoples. Everything new in Dubai is of high quality and come with high price. So a small room rental per month can cost me more than a month salary in Malaysia. To make matter worst most of the landlords want you to pay rental one year upfront by 1 - 3 cheques. How absurd is that?

That is where their economy is directed i.e Dubai is built to be a place where rich people want to come and spend money. The result will be a small rat like me have to pay at premium just to get a basic necessity like a bedspace, room or flat. Hahah... already I am complaining. But this is reality and every place has its own pros and cons. In summation, I still dont have any confirmed accommodation in Dubai at the moment.

What about the pros? As of now I can see it in my letter of offer only...hehe . But I am hoping to see more. Life is not all about work and money.

Another cons would be my involvement in Dewangga Sakti. There is no way I can be active with them whilst living in Dubai. I plan just to continue listening to the music and practising with my bass guitar. Perhaps I could still jam with them whenever I go back to KL.

All in all the above are just what I expect it to be. I am excited but at the same time very worried and anxious about the move. Is this for real? Am I cut for this?

Last but not least, as a preparation to lead a closest possible life like in Malaysia, my wife has graciously taught me on how to prepare Nasi Lemak. Today I brought and ate Nasi Lemak prepared by myself. Below is the picture. Delicious.... and I found out a box of Nasi Lemak is sold at AED16 in Dubai. Oh Nasi Lemak...

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream"

Vincent Van Gogh