Musaffah, United Arab Emirates

This industrial hub may not be the glamorous Middle Eastern oasis you've dreamed of - the population of 243,341 lives in what one author describes as "grimy shanty-towns" with "cramped, dirty quarters" far from the "smart, iridescent blocks" of Abu Dhabi. Musaffah's rapid growth as a special economic zone has been fueled by government incentives, attracting hydrocarbons-intensive industries and factories that now occupy over 60% of the land. But the area's bureaucratic challenges and persistent headaches like the 2022 Houthi attacks are a far cry from the luxury and tranquility many expats crave. Unless you're drawn to the gritty realities of industrial development, Musaffah may not be the UAE gem you're looking for.