Half of UAE expats consider moving

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DUBAI, Feb 23 (AFP): Nearly half the expatriates in the United Arab Emirates are considering relocating as the global economic downturn hits the second-largest Arab economy, according to a survey published yesterday.

The survey by YouGov, an Internet-based market research firm, also found that 54 per cent of the 779 foreigners questioned were nervous about job security.

"The shock of the current economic crisis on the lifestyles of UAE consumers has also begun to shift the perspectives of many residents," said the report by YouGov, which conducted the survey between January 20-29.

"Forty-six per cent indicated that the current economic climate in the UAE is making them consider relocating to another country," up from 38 per cent in December, it said.

More than half of those surveyed said either a close friend or family member has lost their job in the last three months, mainly in the real estate or finance sectors, it said.

YouGov said consumers were cutting down on spending and avoiding shopping malls because of the economic crisis.