The skilled workers of today are becoming increasingly picky as to what jobs they are willing to work. With almost every business looking for the new skills that these workers offer, combined with a shortage of talent, the cards are all in the hands of the workers. However, a huge salary and generous benefits are not the only things that are considered when looking for a job.
Community living and availability of amenities near the workplace has become a huge factor for workers who are looking for a place to work. If a business is situated in a good enough location, close by to great residential areas and amenities, it is much more likely that a worker would be willing to move to that area and accept a job offer there.
We can see the changes that are now being demanded by residents in Dubai. As community living becomes more affordable, Dubai’s population needs are also changing. From sustainable living solutions to more community gatherings, Dubai’s residents want “more”. Community residents are laying more emphasis on the environment, and more connectivity.
Despite the area around Dubai has developed with more facilities, families are hoping that more social activities and developments will be brought in to cater to families. Some of the more common complaints include a lack of community areas such as public pools. Recycling initiatives are also not up to par according to some residents. Parks are beautiful and well-maintained, however, there is not much to do there due to said parks being mostly empty; leaving children bored.
British expatriate Sabeena Ahmed lives in Al Barsha 1. Talking to Gulf News, the passionate environmentalist, a UAE resident since 2008, says all residential buildings should have access to recycling facilities. “Recycling bins should not be a luxury but a necessity,” she says. She suggests that recycling campaigns should be promoted heavily on all social media platforms, particularly television, YouTube and Instagram.
Jasmine Collin, another expatriate from the UK, has lived in the UAE for 12 years. However, she told Gulf News that she is hoping for more activities for her children to be implemented in her residential area. A mother of two, aged 12 and 9, Collin lives in the Arabian Ranches where she would “like to see a free space where teenagers can hang out and socialise in a safe environment. These days it’s all very planned and structured for them with school and paid extracurricular activities.”
Pet care is another area where the city is slow on the uptake. While pet parks and amenities are planned and construction is underway, residents that have moved to the city, expecting said amenities to be ready upon arrival were disappointed. When Lauren Cina moved in with her husband and two young sons to Town Square last year, they were looking forward to a dog park for their pets, and plentiful things to do for their two boys. However, the dog park is yet to open. “I feel like most communities in Dubai start off with all these great ideas, however, don’t always follow through with what they ‘sell’,” says Cina. She would also love to see the biodomes and environmental policy of Sustainable City, not far from Town Square, implemented across the emirate.
