There has been a lot of controversy about life in Dubai this week following an irresponsible piece of journalism published in The Telegraph Online (the editors are clearly either trying to generate buzz for their publication or are trying to create the next Daily Mail by publishing this drivel). How anyone can judge a country so harshly, when, by their own admission, has never taken the time to visit, is beyond me.
Not long after reading this article I received a Whatsapp message from a friend of mine who also lives in Dubai stating "I hate this country" (she unfortunately works in a profession that is notorious for having poor working conditions). On reading this I felt so sad for her as work has completely taken over her life here to the point that she hasn't really had the opportunity to experience everything that Dubai has to offer. Her admission prompted me to consider why I love living in Dubai and I was not surprised to discover there were many reasons. See my Top 10 reasons why I love living in Dubai.
Not long after reading this article I received a Whatsapp message from a friend of mine who also lives in Dubai stating "I hate this country" (she unfortunately works in a profession that is notorious for having poor working conditions). On reading this I felt so sad for her as work has completely taken over her life here to the point that she hasn't really had the opportunity to experience everything that Dubai has to offer. Her admission prompted me to consider why I love living in Dubai and I was not surprised to discover there were many reasons. See my Top 10 reasons why I love living in Dubai.
Top 10 reasons why I love living in Dubai
1 The Weather
With the exception of the summer months (typically June to September) the weather is one of the main reasons I wanted to move to Dubai as I was growing tired of the constant wind and rain back in Scotland. I especially love spending lazy weekends by the pool or at beach curled up with a good book - this is my idea of total bliss. During the week the sunny days make it slightly more bearable getting up for work - a far cry from dragging myself out of bed in the pitch black with the prospect of going outside into the wind and rain.
2 Tax Free Salary
I won't lie the money fact played a key role in my decision. With the economy as it is back in the UK the opportunity to save money looks much brighter in Dubai. Although in recent months there have been some pesky rumours doing the rounds, indicating that 'tax-free' salaries could be a thing of the past - this is a little concerning.
3 Friday Brunch
I loved the 'brunch culture' on my first visit to Dubai but I must admit a year and a half in and it's starting to get a bit old. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a good brunch, but it's not something I want to be doing every weekend. Going forward, this will definitely be an activity I save for special occasions - good news for my liver and my bank balance!
4 Pool and Beach Days
As I mentioned above, I love a pool/beach day. For me a perfect day in Dubai includes putting together a mini picnic and spending the day poolside engrossed in a good book. What's not to love?
5 BBQs
There is nothing better than getting a group of friends together and throwing a barbie. But unfortunately in the Scotland as soon as anyone plans a BBQ you can almost guarantee it will rain. I attended my first Dubai BBQ a few weeks ago and after we finally managed to get it lit it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
7 Take-Aways on Speed Dial
You can literally order any type of take-away imaginable, including McDonalds, Burger King, Wagamama's and Nandos. The only restaurant I know of that doesn't deliver is the Cheesecake Factory, which I'm completely gutted about.
8 Good opportunities to try new things
Regardless of where you live there is the danger of becoming stuck in a rut as life gets in the way. If you are ever going to try new things and get out of your comfort zone, Dubai is the place to do. For example, wake boarding, sailing, scuba diving and, something I've been dying to try and will around to eventually, paddle boarding, try doing any of these activities in bonnie Scotland (chilly brrrr).
9 People have a different outlook on life
Back in Scotland (or maybe it's just where I come from) there is a pressure to have your life all figured out by the time you reach my age (mid-30s). Back home the majority of my friends are settled down, married and have kids, in Dubai its the complete opposite most of my friends are single and have a similar outlook as me i.e. strong desire to see the world, meet new people and try new things. Don't get me wrong, I would love nothing more than to settle down eventually, but in Dubai it doesn't feel like it's the be all and end all.
10 Safe and Secure
During the time I’ve lived in Dubai I have never feared for my safety. I feel comfortable walking about at any time of the day and night, you can freely leave your belongings lying without worrying about them being stolen and you very rarely see any trouble. This is now unheard of back in Scotland where I have even found myself looking over my shoulder walking about on my own in the small village I grew up in. And don't get me started on if I were to leave something lying about you just can't do it if you treasure your possessions.
This is only a short list of positive things about living in Dubai and while I wont lie the place is face from perfect and there are certain things I dislike or disagree with but for me at the moment the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Are you an expat currently living in Dubai? Feel free to share they reasons why you love living in Dubai by leaving a comment below.
With the exception of the summer months (typically June to September) the weather is one of the main reasons I wanted to move to Dubai as I was growing tired of the constant wind and rain back in Scotland. I especially love spending lazy weekends by the pool or at beach curled up with a good book - this is my idea of total bliss. During the week the sunny days make it slightly more bearable getting up for work - a far cry from dragging myself out of bed in the pitch black with the prospect of going outside into the wind and rain.
2 Tax Free Salary
I won't lie the money fact played a key role in my decision. With the economy as it is back in the UK the opportunity to save money looks much brighter in Dubai. Although in recent months there have been some pesky rumours doing the rounds, indicating that 'tax-free' salaries could be a thing of the past - this is a little concerning.
3 Friday Brunch
I loved the 'brunch culture' on my first visit to Dubai but I must admit a year and a half in and it's starting to get a bit old. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a good brunch, but it's not something I want to be doing every weekend. Going forward, this will definitely be an activity I save for special occasions - good news for my liver and my bank balance!
4 Pool and Beach Days
As I mentioned above, I love a pool/beach day. For me a perfect day in Dubai includes putting together a mini picnic and spending the day poolside engrossed in a good book. What's not to love?
5 BBQs
There is nothing better than getting a group of friends together and throwing a barbie. But unfortunately in the Scotland as soon as anyone plans a BBQ you can almost guarantee it will rain. I attended my first Dubai BBQ a few weeks ago and after we finally managed to get it lit it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
7 Take-Aways on Speed Dial
You can literally order any type of take-away imaginable, including McDonalds, Burger King, Wagamama's and Nandos. The only restaurant I know of that doesn't deliver is the Cheesecake Factory, which I'm completely gutted about.
8 Good opportunities to try new things
Regardless of where you live there is the danger of becoming stuck in a rut as life gets in the way. If you are ever going to try new things and get out of your comfort zone, Dubai is the place to do. For example, wake boarding, sailing, scuba diving and, something I've been dying to try and will around to eventually, paddle boarding, try doing any of these activities in bonnie Scotland (chilly brrrr).
9 People have a different outlook on life
Back in Scotland (or maybe it's just where I come from) there is a pressure to have your life all figured out by the time you reach my age (mid-30s). Back home the majority of my friends are settled down, married and have kids, in Dubai its the complete opposite most of my friends are single and have a similar outlook as me i.e. strong desire to see the world, meet new people and try new things. Don't get me wrong, I would love nothing more than to settle down eventually, but in Dubai it doesn't feel like it's the be all and end all.
10 Safe and Secure
During the time I’ve lived in Dubai I have never feared for my safety. I feel comfortable walking about at any time of the day and night, you can freely leave your belongings lying without worrying about them being stolen and you very rarely see any trouble. This is now unheard of back in Scotland where I have even found myself looking over my shoulder walking about on my own in the small village I grew up in. And don't get me started on if I were to leave something lying about you just can't do it if you treasure your possessions.
This is only a short list of positive things about living in Dubai and while I wont lie the place is face from perfect and there are certain things I dislike or disagree with but for me at the moment the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Are you an expat currently living in Dubai? Feel free to share they reasons why you love living in Dubai by leaving a comment below.
