Yes, I did come back from Dubai. I wasn’t necessarily ready to come back, but I do have a family here so…
There are so many things I could write about this trip. But I’m just going to start with a dozen things I want you to know that I learned about Dubai on my first trip to the U.A.E.
1. Nobody speaks Arabic, well not many of the people you will encounter. I worked my tail off over the past year learning Arabic, and for what? The people I came in contact with for the most part are from Pakistan, India, Egypt and Kenya. If they are working when you encounter them, they do not speak Arabic and are not Emarati. On the other hand, if they are not working and simply standing in line at Starbucks wearing a pristine white thobe and looking extra handsome, they probably speak Arabic. And if you say something to them in Arabic, they will be so smitten that they will pay for your coffee, your souvenir mugs, your friend’s coffee and mugs, and your other friend’s too. But then they will sit and stare at you the rest of the time you’re at Starbucks because they probably expected you to fall out over them. So speak at your own risk.
2. I already knew this but it’s worth passing along – The men are incredibly handsome, but don’t get caught up. They’re either really rich and will never take you seriously, or barely making ends meet and would love to make your acquaintance. Either way, in the end you lose. So look but don’t touch. Yes there is the rare Janet Jackson or Rihanna jackpot win, but that is not the norm. You have been warned.
3. You are going to be heavily harassed when you shop at the Souk. Be strong. Try not to get annoyed. You will be called Michelle Obama or Rihanna, depending on your skin color.Whatever they call you, they’re just trying to make a living. Once you find a shop you like you may want to stick with it. They actually start to give you gifts after you’ve purchased a few things.
4. While at the souk, there will be multiple attempts to sell you hair and knock off bags. You will be asked to follow the salesman around the corner and up the stairs. I highly doubt it is an attempt to lure you away from the crowd for the purpose of sex trafficking, but more of an attempt to make you a customer. Don’t get offended. Just politely but firmly decline, unless you want some real hair and fake bags.
5. It’s very safe and very clean in Dubai. Like, you could eat off the floor. Someone is constantly cleaning everywhere you go. Litter is illegal and nobody wants to get “locked up abroad”, especially for some silliness like litter, so nobody does it. Nobody is picking your pocket. You are safer in Dubai than in the states. I really believe this. I went to the Souk and all up and down the Marina by myself and felt just fine. I took a couple of cab rides alone with no worries. Again, nobody wants to get “locked up abroad” (or publicly beheaded as everyone is so afraid will happen) so they are on their best behavior. I’m not saying be careless, but you can relax and not be paranoid.
6. The food is wonderful. I had a good meal pretty much everywhere I went. Only the desert safari dinner was bland. I attribute that to the fact that most of the people who were attending the desert safari appeared to be European, and prone to prefer bland flavors. I found much more Lebanese and Turkish food that I had been told I would, and I was very happy. Those are my favorites and they were very well done.
7. The weather in February is totally uncharacteristic of a desert city. A mild mid 70’s was such a pleasure to experience. My last day there was the only hot day, with a high of 90. Unfortunately that was the day I chose to go for a walk. Bad idea. I ended up getting a cab back.
8. There is construction everywhere. Just ignore it. When you visit, enjoy what’s there. When you return, there will be all new sights and activities for you to enjoy.
9. Although it is a Muslim city in a Muslim country, you would never know at first glance. People wear pretty much what they want, but they do keep it respectful. You won’t see a lot of boobs hanging out or Daisy Dukes. But people do wear sleeveless and form fitting clothes. None of that is tolerated when visiting the Mosque. Ladies are to be literally covered from head to ankle – not even your neck or wrists showing, nor your silhouette. Just wear an abaya and hijab to the Mosque to be on the safe side.
10. The city is not very walker friendly, and most of the time it’s too hot anyway. I was visiting the Marina and there is lots of walking there, but not much in other areas. Conveniently there are cabs everywhere, or you can take the metro. I didn’t do the metro but I hear it’s quick and convenient.
11. Sex in the City 2 was not filmed in Abu Dhabi. I already knew this but most people don’t. What I did learn is that the outside of the hotel shown in the beginning of the movie is indeed in Abu Dhabi, but that’s it. The rest of the movie, including inside the hotel, was filmed in Morocco, one of the locations where we will actually be visiting later this year. So yeah, they may take credit for the movie, but nope, that was Morocco.
12. You will need to visit Dubai again. Just accept this as a fact. Unless you will be there for 3 weeks or more, you will need a return trip to experience everything. It’s like Vegas – always something else to see and do. So just go ahead and make a plan to visit again. It’s okay. Many people do it. If you return a year later, with all the construction you may not even recognize the place. I’m already planning my 2019 trip. Wanna go? Click here to join us.
Have you visited Dubai? Would you add something to this list? Let me know in the comments if so.
