You should buy a 4x4. S##ew enviroment, think about your own safety. I was thinking like you when I came here, two months of renting a small car and driving around every day thought me a lesson - in a small car you are nobody, invisible, cannon fodder. With a big car the kamikaze are at least worried that their 4x4 pet might get damaged in the collision too. :(

http://www.7days.ae/en/2007/03/07/dubai-cop-jailed-for-killer-smash.html

This is from a Dubai newspaper, but stuff like that happens here too...