Expats seem to love their job more than their partners as research shows they are will to delay their weddings in favour of boosting their careers.
An astonishing 42% of staff at the United Arab Emirates Ministry of the Interior told researchers that they were ‘legally single’ out of choice.
For the survey, single was defined as unmarried or divorced – separated counted as married.
What’s more, all the men and 95% of the singles responding to the study confessed they were ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to be career orientated.
In the UAE, career advancement is taken seriously as an investment in the future, so many take the decision to put their personal lives and marriage in second place.
Trust issues
Another issue highlighted by single expats was the difficulty they have in forming long-term relationships. Regular changes of posting, not only within their organisations but also between countries makes linking with partners a problem, they reported.
The ministry’s study also revealed many expats regarded the UAE as an ideal home for a couple, but two-thirds (66%) found making a home was a problem without local support from family and friends.
More than half (54%) also explained that they were discouraged from settling down and marrying because the UAE was an expensive place to live and that many expats were uncertain about the long-term prospects of their postings.
Many expats also seem to have trust issues with partners.
They argued that because expats are often on the move and may not see their partners for extended periods.
Younger women expats
Three out of four expats admitted this hindered long term relationships, while 80% were suspicious about what went on if their partner went home to another country because they were uncertain about their life and relationships when they were away from them.
The candid survey not only revealed a lot about the lives and relationships of expats, but also showed more single women were bucking the expat trend of following a husband and moving for working their own right.
Because of this, expat women tend to be younger, rather in their late 30s or 40s.
“The survey confirms what we thought – that people are putting careers before their personal relationships,” said a ministry spokesman.
“Nevertheless, we are confident that anyone can follow a career, earn a good salary, make friends and enjoy an excellent lifestyle.”
