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Ep. 5 & 6: Dubai - From Desert to World-Class City

Updated: Jul 14, 2023






As a city emerged out of the sand just a few decades ago, today Dubai takes first place in many things: the tallest building in the world, the world’s first 7-star hotel, the number one destination for travelers in 2023 according to Tripadvisor and the most cosmopolitan city in the world with over 200 nationalities.


“There’s a good mix of people from all over the world in Dubai,” says Ranjeeta Ramkumar, a writer who moved to the city six years ago with her husband and two daughters from India. (You can follow her on Twitter @Ranjeeta_ram)


“There’s a lot of tolerance and acceptance, you can earn a lot of money and have a lot of fun, it’s the best of East and West.”



Way of Life


So what's life like in the most luxurious city in the world? Dubai is not for those who want to take it easy. Dubai residents work hard and play hard. Many expats come to Dubai to make their fortune and to enjoy life. It’s a place filled with entertainment and luxury, but everything has a price and things don’t come cheap.



Most families have two working parents. If you have a corporate job, you’re looking at long hours from nine in the morning to seven in the evening. Many families hire maids and cooks to take care of their housework.


“Both parents have to earn a six-figure salary (in dirhams, minimum) for a family of four to enjoy the luxuries that Dubai has to offer” says Ranjeeta. However, you can save better in Dubai because there’s no income tax.



Culture and Customs


The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. Although the local Emiratis make up only 10% of the total population, the rest being expats, their beliefs and cultural practices must still be respected and followed in public.



Today, expats can purchase alcohol in Dubai without a license but alcohol can only be consumed inside homes and at licensed venues. Swearing and public displays of affection are not allowed in public and offenders are fined, but you can dress however you like in most places except in mosques.



“Respect is such a big part of their culture here,” explains Ranjeeta.


Travel Recommendations


The Dubai Frame

If you’re looking to visit Dubai, here are Ranjeeta’s top recommendations:


· Dubai Frame – an observatory in the shape of a frame where one side you get impressive views of Old Dubai and the other side of New Dubai

· Dubai safari and dune bashing – try sand surfing, Arabic food and enjoy a belly dancing performance and a falcon show to experience the local culture

· Dubai souq and creek with an 'abra' ride – get a taste of the local items when you visit the markets here that sell everything from gold jewellery, local spices, perfumes to clothes and then take a small trip across the creek in the traditional boat called abra

· Dubai Mall – the largest mall in the world with 1000+ luxury brands

· Jebel Jais – the longest zipline in the world at 2.83 km

· Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world

· Burj Al Arab – the world’s only 7-star hotel

 

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