From Dream to Dune: My First Week Living in Dubai
It all started with a message from my new employer: “Welcome to Dubai, your journey begins now.”
As the plane descended, I caught a glimpse of the glittering skyline piercing through the golden desert. The Burj Khalifa stood like a shimmering needle among a sea of architectural marvels. I wasn’t just visiting—I was living in Dubai now.
Little did I know, this city had so much more waiting beyond the postcard-perfect view.
The City of Superlatives
Living in Dubai is like stepping into the future. The city holds a Guinness World Record for just about everything—from the tallest building in the world (hello, Burj Khalifa) to the largest mall, deepest pool, and even a rain-making machine in the desert. Wild, right?
But what makes Dubai truly unique isn’t just its skyscrapers or shopping havens—it’s the contrast. You can sip camel milk at a traditional souk in the morning and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the evening. You’ll meet people from every continent. Dubai is a cultural blender, and it somehow works seamlessly.
The Lifestyle: Fast-Paced Yet Surprisingly Balanced
One of the first things you notice when living in Dubai is how modern and structured life is. The city is built to make everyday living smooth—everything from grocery delivery to government paperwork can be done with a tap on your phone.
But don’t be fooled by the luxury cars and high-rises. Many expats find comfort in community living, desert barbecues, and weekend getaways to the beach or the mountains in Hatta.
Here’s what daily life looks like for most:
- Mornings: Gym, café-hopping, or remote work at stylish co-working spots like Nook or Nasab
- Afternoons: Quick metro rides or Tesla cabs, mall runs, or spa breaks
- Evenings: Rooftop dinners, shisha lounges, or quiet walks by the Dubai Marina
Oh, and let’s not forget Friday brunches. They’re practically a ritual here—a buffet on steroids with international cuisines, endless desserts, and live music.
Housing in Dubai: Skyscrapers or Sand Dunes?
Dubai’s housing options are as diverse as its population. You’ll find:
- Luxury apartments in areas like Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
- Family villas in quieter communities like Mirdif or Arabian Ranches
- Trendy lofts and shared co-living spaces for digital nomads in Dubai Internet City
The rent? It depends. Studio apartments can start at AED 3,000/month (~USD 800), while a beachside villa can cost tens of thousands. The good news? No income tax makes high salaries go a long way.
Culture & Diversity
With over 200 nationalities living in Dubai, it’s one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. People here speak English as a common language, but you’ll hear everything from Arabic and Urdu to French, Tagalog, and Russian.
Respecting cultural norms is key—modest dressing in certain areas, no public displays of affection, and alcohol consumption only in licensed venues. But don’t worry, the city is incredibly safe, open, and welcoming—especially to expats.
Weather: It’s Hot, But You’ll Adapt
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the heat.Yes, summers are intense—with temperatures soaring above 45°C (113°F). But nearly everything is air-conditioned: homes, malls, bus stops, even ATM booths. Winter, on the other hand, is an absolute dream. Think beach picnics in December and desert camping under the stars. According to vacatis.com, the best month to visit Dubai is around October to January, when temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 16°C to 35°C (61°F to 95°F), making it ideal for outdoor exploration.
Is Living in Dubai Worth It?
If you’re chasing big dreams, seeking a tax-free salary, or just want to live in a city where the future already exists, Dubai might be calling you too. Sure, it has its quirks (traffic, high cost of living, bureaucracy), but where else can you ride a camel and a Lamborghini in the same week?
Living in Dubai is not just a change of address—it’s a lifestyle shift. It’s a place where ambition meets opportunity, and where every sunset over the dunes feels like a movie scene.
Whether you’re planning a short stay or thinking of relocating, living in Dubai can be an unforgettable adventure. It’s fast, glamorous, deeply rooted in culture, and constantly reinventing itself.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in the Middle East’s most iconic city—now you know. Pack your sunscreen, keep an open mind, and get ready to live like never before.
