Our Big News

Anastasia loves "walking"

...But she's not ALL smiles!

We have some big news. We've been busy going through the paperwork for the national ID cards, a requirement of both Emiratis and the expats who live here. While going through the paperwork, we learned something that they didn't tell us at the Corniche Hospital when Anastasia was born.


Because Anastasia was conceived and born here in the United Arab Emirates, she is entitled to 50% of the standard Emirati birthright. I looked up the birthright, which amounts to 5 acres of property in the UAE and $5 million!!!!!!!


When she turns 18, she will have full education costs paid for if she attends university in this country (and there ARE American universities here)--for any field of study of her choice.
If she marries an Emirati, she would receive FULL benefits of the Emirati birthright, in addition to the Emirati husband's natural birthright.


I can't believe that more people aren't taking advantage of this. Mexicans make their way to America to make a buck and have access to health care and education (and sometimes have kids who become legal US citizens)...Why don't more people come to the UAE for the same reason? It's just not publicized, just like in the US...you don't make ads for immigrants telling them what benefits they could have.


The late and revered UAE President Sheikh Zayed always believed that the expats were a part of the UAE citizenship, his vision of a forward-thinking society that would of course grant equal rights to individuals. By letting people have these opportunities, you certainly gain their allegiance and ensure that they do what is right for the growth of their country.


Needless to say, we're totally psyched about this. We haven't found a husband for Anastasia yet (ha ha), but of course she can make that choice on her own.


It's truly amazing news!

PLEASE NOTE: Yes, this was an April Fool's joke. I feel obliged to add this post script for those who have congratulated us: Paula, Ben, Mariah...