It’s peak July summers and the air conditioning is on the right temperature, a nice warm bowl of Indomie (the buldak of our times) and the TV has your favorite show on. That was an average summer for an expat Dubai kid, If your family didn’t plan on going to your home country that is. In my case, it is the land of color and spices, India.
It was too hot to play outdoors. So summer fun meant either the pool or the Mall. As much as the summers were dreadful, the winters here are absolutely phenomenal. Road trips, camping, safaris, BBQ nights and so much more.
For anyone who’s curious or wants an insight on the Dubai Life, I hope you find this article insightful and thrilling.
EARLY YEARS
As a hyper and extroverted kid my early years were no less than mini adventures and hunting for the closet that leads to Narnia.
There was always something to explore, and with parents who loved exploring as much you do, I’d find myself in a new location every weekend, Whether it was the hot springs of Al Ain or the never-ending mountain ranges of Hatta.
Reading this might make you realize that the UAE is more than just deserts and the Dubai Skyline. Weekends also meant going to the Baqala (grocery store) grabbing your favorite snacks, heading to a CD rental shop and picking out a movie of your choice.
Our weekends started on Thursday nights. The Emirates followed the Friday – Saturday weekend system so Fridays were off because of The Jum’ah prayers (From 2023 onwards they started following the Sat-Sun weekends and half-days on Fridays).
MAJESTIC EMARATI LIFE & THE CULTURAL MOSIAC
Me attending a South Asian-oriented school means missing out on the local culture right? Not at all! The essence of Emarati culture was everywhere. National Days filled our schools with joy and the aroma of all our favorite Emarati cuisines.
You’d always find ways to get connected to their culture. The rich heritage of the United Arab Emirates will make you fall in love with their traditions and admirable hospitality.
UAE stands for its cultural coexistence and spirit of harmony. The country actively promotes cultural harmony and inclusion.
Emiratis have preserved their cultural legacy despite external influences by striking a balance between tradition and modernity. The UAE’s togetherness and distinctive cultural identity are preserved in part by this blending of beliefs and customs.
AROUND THE WORLD ON PLATE: ENDLESS CUISINES TO TRY
As a Foodie myself, you can never run of out food options here. It’s Food Paradise. Owing to its incredibly diversified population, which comprises residents from over 200 nations, Dubai has developed into a world-class culinary hub.
The goal of today’s culinary scene is to provide “food from home” to one’s own community while embracing diversity and ethnicity. It was laboriously crafted and refined over the last 50 years by gifted chefs and cooks from all over the world.
You are spoiled with the amount of variety available here. But the simplicity and warmth of traditional Emarati cuisine here hits different. The juicy Shawarma, earthy Mandi and fresh green Fattoush will make you keep wanting for more.
Lunches and Dinners are the best part of my core memories. You get to experience almost everything. Asian convenience stores, New York-style food trucks, Desi Dhabas and even Pan African restaurants. No matter where you’re from, you will always be able to find a taste of home.
A SAFE HAVEN FOR WOMEN
The sense of safety and security will always be something I’ll be grateful for growing up here. You can go on late-night walks and never feel like running back home. A Georgetown University study indicates that the UAE has the highest proportion of women globally who feel safe in their communities.
It should come as no surprise that the UAE scores highest when it comes to women’s perceptions of their safety in their communities and cities, as one of the best things about living here is the extraordinary level of safety and security that we enjoy and are grateful for.
That’s not all, UAE conforms to Islamic laws with women’s rights and equity. You have women-only beaches, parks, and library spots. Even special days are reserved just for women. How wonderful is that!
A STEP CLOSER TO FAITH
United Arab Emirates is an Islamic country so you’ll have a better chance of getting closer to your faith. Personally, it also depends on, how you make the best out of this opportunity.
It was really important for my parents that we grew up in an Islamically inclined-society. We had mandatory Islamic Studies from grades 1 to 12, with Arabic classes as well.
My favorite part growing up here was that every corner of this land has a beautiful Mosque which was built in its glory in all forms of architectural style. Gardens, Malls, Amusement Parks, you name it. There are Mosques everywhere.
Ramadan and Eid’s here will be the best months you spend here. Especially the late nights till Suhoor. The city has a special Noor. The community becomes closer and happier. It’s the type of feeling you can’t express with words.
LAND OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURS HUB
This Desert has more to offer than you could ever imagine. Being one of the few to witness the rapid growth of this country, it’s almost unbelievable UAE was a lot calmer back then and less intense. Now it feels like the time never stops and the city of Dubai hardly sleeps. The hustle culture is the highest it’s ever been.
The government provides various programs to assist small and medium-sized businesses.UAE has established the best technological institutes, and academic institutions to foster innovation, creativity, and research.
Whether it was Art or Texh, we had the best time with innovative projects at school and that helped us fuel our creative minds. It motivated us to work harder.
But, being an Entrepreneur here is quite challenging, with massive competition in the market. However, it can cost you a fortune to run a business here, once you get a hang of it and aren’t afraid to take risks. You’re good to go!
Hope you enjoyed my anecdotes and learned a thing or two about UAE. UAE will always have a special place in my heart as T.S Eliot once said:
Home is where one starts from
Would you ever move to the UAE? Let us know in the comments.
Nusrat Jaffery says
Mashallah luv ur post.
Exactly the life of every expat child in gulf.very nicely described 👌