The Dirty Little Secret of Canada, Dubai, and Malaysia
A lot of Muslims in the West dream of moving to one of three places: Canada, Dubai, or Malaysia. These countries are seen as the ultimate destinations, where life is supposed to be easier, better, or at least more aligned with Muslim values. But the truth? None of them are perfect. Let’s break it down.
Dubai: The Luxury City Where Your Poop Gets Trucked Away
Dubai looks like something out of a sci-fi movie—skyscrapers, luxury cars, gold ATMs. But behind all that glitz? A sewage system that, for years, couldn’t handle the city’s rapid expansion. That’s right. For a long time, there were no proper underground sewage pipes, so literal convoys of trucks had to haul away waste from fancy buildings, including the Burj Khalifa. Every single day. Imagine taking a luxurious shower on the 80th floor, and your waste gets driven out of town in a truck. They’ve built better treatment plants now, but this problem was very real for years. Growth happened so fast, infrastructure couldn’t keep up. And even today, some areas still rely on those trucks.
Canada: Free Healthcare, But Good Luck Seeing a Doctor
Canada has “free” healthcare, and yeah, daycare is subsidized. Sounds amazing, right? Until you actually need a doctor. Then you realize it’s almost impossible to get an appointment. Why? Because the system is overloaded. Too many people see doctors for every minor issue, while people with real problems end up waiting months to get help. And while healthcare is “free,” it’s actually funded through insanely high taxes. So you’re paying for it, whether you use it or not. Canada looks like the land of opportunity, but the cost of living is high, the winters are brutal, and navigating the system can be a nightmare.
Malaysia: The Paradise Where You Can’t Breathe Outside
Malaysia seems like the perfect blend—affordable, Muslim-friendly, and filled with beautiful modern buildings. But step outside in the summer (which is basically half the year), and you’ll feel like you just walked into a sauna. The humidity is so thick it feels like you’re drowning in the air. This country is built on what used to be a literal jungle, so nature is always trying to reclaim its space. Huge insects, constant rainstorms, and the kind of heat that makes you want to never leave your air-conditioned bubble. Sure, it’s great if you’re used to it. But for a lot of people moving there? It’s a shock.
So Where’s the Perfect Place?
I picked these three countries because they’re the top choices for Muslims looking for a better life. And yeah, they all have good things going for them. But there’s no utopia. No “perfect” country. Every place has its own set of problems.
So what’s the answer? Move to outer space? Nah. Just realize that the best place for you depends on who YOU are. Some people love the fast-paced, tax-free hustle of Dubai. Others don’t mind Canada’s long wait times because they value stability. Some thrive in Malaysia despite the heat because it gives them the lifestyle they want.
At the end of the day, a fish is only at home in water. So instead of chasing the “perfect” place, figure out what your water is—and go there.
Yours Truly,
The Mayous Parent