Last updated: 17 July 2023
The Emerati people are making their mark on the world with a bang. I’m sure we’ve all seen this image below. A comparison of Dubai in 1991. Merely a main road and a couple of scattered high rise buildings. Well how things change in a decade or two! The image underneath shows Dubai in 2005, well let me tell you, its growing exponentially since then!
Dubai is now a powerhouse for tourism, gold and oil. It’s still seen as an ‘exotic’ destination, something I only really discovered upon my return to London. But like all cities, Dubai has two very distinct sides to it.
If you visit Dubai, stay in a fancy hotel, take a cab from the airport and only visit the mall you will see one the face Dubai puts on show. But the other side to it is a completely different story.
I spoke to some locals who educated me to how Dubai ‘really’ runs. There is a never ending supply of migrant construction workers who build the glittering skyline you’re there to visit. These workers work in appalling conditions and some sharing a small room with up to 8 other men for housing. Forget about the air con you have in your flashy hotel, these workers might make as little as £5/day. Sure, that’s more than they would likely make in the villages in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh where the majority of them are from, but they’re still battling that desert heat at work and at home!
How do I feel about this? Well the ruling family of each Emirate holds the power. They make the rules and the laws. You can be deported or even jailed for public shows of affection, being drunk or eating during Ramadan. But it’s their country. If you don’t like it, don’t visit.
Ladies traveling solo or those looking for some advice on surviving Dubai?
