Mankhūl, United Arab Emirates

With a population of 41,244, Mankhūl is hardly the glamorous Arabian oasis one might imagine. In reality, bureaucratic hassles are a persistent headache, and the climate can be a grueling test of one's fortitude. While the source text offers no specifics on crime rates, the overall picture is one of a functional but uninspiring town - hardly the stuff of dreams for most would-be expats. Unless you're prepared to navigate the local red tape and endure the harsh environment, Mankhūl may not be the Arabian idyll you had in mind.