What to Consider When Moving to the Middle East

When an American Muslim considering making Hijrah, for the sake of Allah (swt) to a Muslim country what are some places in which to consider and why?
Every country has its ills, and they cannot be escaped completely, but there are many benefits in which a Muslim country can offer in comparison to a non-Muslim country.

So in my research and suggestions from my Islamic teachers I went on a virtual journey in search of countries in which to consider.

The United Arab Emirates is a Middle Eastern Country, which includes Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al Quwin.
Its capital is Dubai, and the official language is Arabic. There are many countries, which are full of Muslims, such as Indonesia, but if one wants to learn Arabic, it is a priority to live in a country in which you will be immersed in the language.

UAE has a very diverse population, compared to other places in the Middle East. Some are Emirati, some Arab or Iranian; but 85 percent are non-citizens.
UAE also has high living standards and excellent economic opportunities for work, business and more. Being an American it sounds, as thought here will not be much of a transition.

The climate is warm; there are a lot of beaches, and man made islands.
Internet access is strictly filtered over a proxy server and VOIP is blocked, except for the local telephone companies. In comparison to the US, broadband is expensive, about 95 USD per month.
But how is the cost of living there?

Some say the prices have risen because so many Europeans and Americans are moving there, That is ha become another New York City. Too much emphasis is placed on Economics and Materialism.

But living with in a Muslim state you hear the call to prayer, the meat is always halal, public restrooms are designed for proper astinga.
It's like having the benefits of a modern city and a Muslim Environment.

There are not as many Islamic classes that one would think you would find in a Muslim country in Dubai, and there are their shares of societal issues as well.
There are no questions of are you hot in that thing, there are no side ways looks when you stop and pray at a public park, if there is no Masjid near by.

Tv shows are the same but a few seasons behind,
A big Mac burger is 2.72
A three bedroom apartment is about 4000 USD

Saudi Arabia
In Saudi it is very conservative. Women must not leave their homes without the Abaya
There is no pork or alcohol, no bars, o gambling, no pictures of prophets. Etc/ No theaters, or public pools. Many complain about the lack of social activities.
Entertainment is education based. There are historical sites, the deserts, picnics, etc.

There are malls similar to the US, and gas prices are still inexpensive. Housing is about 35,000 annually for a two bedroom apartment
There are American, British, and French school systems. Arabic is the language unless its business, perhaps maybe one English TV station.
Unless you have cable or satellite.

The abaya is not required but if not worn one may be stared at, similar to how Muslims feel hear in the US, when they do wear one.
Women cannot drive, but there are taxi's.

What ever is against Islam is illegal. Christmas decorations, crucifixes, suggestive video etc. they will be confiscated.
And there may be fines.

Recent l in the headlines a woman was put into jail for sitting at a Starbucks with a male colleague. From what I've been told, there is a women's and Men's only area, as well as a family area. And you often will be stopped to provide, proof of marriage. You may have even heard in the news about the 15 girls who died in a fire, because the religious police would not let them leave the building without proper dress code.

Kuwait is another of my teachers desired places for migration. It seems to be a bit more in between the two.
It adheres to Islam values, and has various regulations for those who are not Muslims, but allows them to partake in the religious celebrations, and requires them to dress modestly.

Have you ever shopped for underwear and felt uncomfortable because the significant other was tagging along to help give an opinion about their likes. I know I have. I like to have my husband with me, but feel uncomfortable when others husbands are near.
I am a modest women, and not that any one is paying attention to me, but it makes me feel a little hesitant when I know that men other than my husband know what types of under garments I may be wearing.

Not in the Middle East. Such stores are managed by the same sex.
Moving to the Middle East as an American Muslim has many benefits as far as Morals so and adhering to the norm of an Islamic society compared to living in the west, however there are many things that one will have to learn to get used to if they do make such a move.