Vantaggi
The vast majority of my students are great! Most are committed to working to make the UAE the best country in the world. When properly engaged, they are inquisitive and focused. Great faculty around the university. The cohort model used during orientation for new faculty creates bonds amongst faculty in different departments that are lasting. Great country! The UAE is probably the best country in the world, albeit not without problems. Minimal taxes and housing allowances create competitive salaries and quality lifestyles. Fair online library with easy access to full text journals and e-books. Great modern environment and smart classrooms.
Svantaggi
Currently (2017) no longer any faculty input into decision making. All decisions, including curricular, are made by the deans and one elected faculty member from each campus. No job security. Any contract can be, and they often are, cancelled with 6 months notice, no reason needed. If you are not Emirati, you will have to leave some day (but you know that coming in) Heavy teaching loads (4-4) with minimal release time for research or administrative duties. Research expectations inconsistent with high teaching loads A lot of last minute 'hurry up and do this'. This is often coupled with... A lot of time invested in projects requested by admin who then just seem to lose interest or move into a different direction so the work is no longer needed. All sections of a course must use identical syllabi, textbooks, content and assessments. Most faculty underestimate our students' abilities and I often hear talk about 'dumbing things down' for the students, which is offensive Tensions between Abu Dhabi faculty and Dubai faculty.