Kalbā, United Arab Emirates

With a population of just 54,876, Kalbā may seem like a sleepy coastal town, but the reality is far from tranquil. The town's location as an exclave of Sharjah has led to "almost constant outbreaks of squabbling and disputes" with neighboring Fujairah, requiring military intervention to settle land disputes. And while the government is pouring money into development projects like the Kalba Beach Corniche, the persistent bureaucracy and red tape around approvals remains a headache for residents.

Kalbā's remote location and fragile political dynamics make it a tough sell for most expats. Unless you're a die-hard nature lover willing to tolerate the hassles, this UAE outpost is best avoided.