some decades ago, there was a tendency among individuals to flock to America, lured by the prospect of diversity visas distributed through a lottery system. Obtaining such a visa was considered the pinnacle of success, with many believing that all their woes would dissipate upon setting foot in the dreamland of America. Europe was similarly idolized. Consequently, a wave of migration swept towards these affluent first-world nations. However, over time, the allure of these countries has waned among certain demographics. Instead, attention has shifted towards selective Middle Eastern nations as potential havens for transforming fortunes. Notably, affluent nations in the Middle East are now offering coveted residency permits, presenting themselves as global destinations.
In contemporary society, the term ‘first world countries’ denotes developed nations characterised by advanced economies and elevated standards of living. Initially synonymous with Western nations, this classification now encompasses affluent Arab states as well. This article endeavours to explore and compare various important aspects, such as crime rates, taxation policies, and the accessibility of healthcare and education services, between first-world Western and Arab nations.
Source: World Population Review
Safety, paramount to the quality of life, is deeply influenced by crime rates. Among Arab countries, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out for its notably low incidence of crime. Similarly, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain exhibit commendably low crime rates, upheld by strict legal frameworks and robust law enforcement mechanisms.
While Western nations also prioritise law enforcement and crime prevention, certain nations in this segment are facing challenges from urban crime and organised criminal activities. Though relatively low by global standards, their crime rates pale in comparison to those of first-world Arab countries.
Source: World Population Review
A distinguishing feature of many first-world Arab nations is their favourable tax policies. Countries such as the UAE and Qatar offer tax exemptions on personal income, making them attractive hubs for businesses. Moreover, these nations have really nominal corporate and sales tax rates, thereby fostering economic expansion and investment.
In contrast, Western counterparts carry a heavier tax burden, particularly on personal and corporate incomes, alongside elevated sales taxes. Notwithstanding, proponents argue that such substantial tax revenues, as observed in countries like Germany and Norway, fuel vital social welfare initiatives, including healthcare and education.
Access to quality healthcare and education serves as a sign of a society’s commitment to social welfare. In the Arab world, governments allocate significant resources to furnish citizens with essential services. For instance, the UAE and Qatar extend free universal healthcare to all citizens, while Oman provides similar benefits to its nationals. Likewise, nearly all first-world Arab nations offer free or heavily subsidised healthcare and education to their citizens and residents.
Moreover, education in first-world Arab countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain is renowned for its quality and accessibility. These nations invest substantially in modern educational infrastructure, competent educators, and educational resources to ensure a well-rounded education for their populace.
Conversely, the affordability of healthcare and education in first-world Western countries varies. While nations like Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, and France offer more accessible options compared to the United States, where costs are notorious for their exorbitance, Canada boasts a publicly funded healthcare system, and tuition fees in countries like Germany are minimal, thanks to a blend of public and private healthcare and virtually free education at public universities.
All things considered, the first-world countries of Europe and America, although they offer many advantages, still lag behind the first-world Arab countries in terms of security, tax policies, low-cost education, and health care. Which makes the Arab countries a little bit ahead of the Western countries in the standard of living. And for the current generation, Middle Eastern countries have become like a new destination.
References:
03 Van Der Most, Laura (2024, April 19). The healthcare system in UAE. https://www.expatica.com/ae/healthcare/healthcare-basics/ the-healthcare-system-in-the-united-arab-emirates-71767/
04 Allan, Wesley (2023, May 23). Healthcare in Canada: Is it really free? https:// mdccanada. ca/news /live-in -canada/ healthcare-in-canada--is-it-really-free-
05 Nimani, Diona (2023, December 14) Is College Free in Germany in 2024? Here’s The Truth! https://www.studying-in-germany.org/is-college-free-in-germany/
Md Sazzadul Is... |
