1. You Can Dress However You Want
Before I left for Dubai, I kept wondering what to pack. I’d heard stories about how the Emiratis dress up, how it’s a super-rich country and everyone is always dressed to the nines. When I reached Dubai, I heaved a sigh of relief! The city is like a global melting pot, filled with Indians, Pakistanis, Africans, Europeans, Asians & of course, the local Emiratis. Everyone dresses in what they are most comfortable in. So you’ll find Indians in salwar kameez, Europeans in jeans, tank tops, and no makeup, Asians in shorts, Emiratis in their traditional wear, the Lebanese dressed to the hilt in stylish clothes and makeup. There is no right way to dress up in Dubai. And there is definitely no wrong way to dress up.
2. Way More Indians & Pakistanis Than You Expect
The cab driver who picked us up from the airport told us that over 60% of the population in Dubai is Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. It’s almost like entering a city in India, except its way cleaner, people don’t spit on the roads, and they actually obey traffic laws. So when you visit Dubai,you’ll probably be speaking a lot of Hindi. Almost all the hotel managers are Indian while almost all the cab drivers are Pakistani. Stand up comedian, Russell Peters had once said that considering India is the second-most populous country in the world, you’re bound to find Indians everywhere. This couldn’t be truer of Dubai.
3. There Is NO Free Drinking Water, So Carry Your Water
Never ever take free drinking water for granted! There is no free drinking water in Dubai, not even in homes! Dubai’s tap water is unsafe for people to drink and you have to buy water. The best hack is to buy drinking water from a local supermarket and carry it with you. Most restaurants will let you drink from your own bottle and that will save you money. You can also order drinking water (which comes in bottles BTW) at restaurants, but you will be at the mercy of the restaurant pricing.
4. Dubai Food Is Amazing – There’s Plenty Of Veg & Non-Veg Options
Travelling abroad and worried about your food? If you’re non-experimental and prefer a shuddh desi meal, then there are plenty of options in Dubai. From veg biryani to dosas to dal, butter chicken and even thaalis – there’s something for everyone. For the non-vegetarians, boy – you’re going to love Dubai! The quality of meat in Dubai is SUPERIOR. You must try the Madhbee and the Madfoon or eat kababs at an Afghani place. My personal favourites were Al Hallab for Turkish fine dine, Afghan Korsan for Afghani Kebabs & Afghani pulao and Zam Zam for the Mutton Madhbee. Another fun fact about Dubai meals is that they all serve complimentary soup, vegetable salad and sometimes even hummus.
• The Hummus in Dubai is phenomenal and is a must-try, whether you’re a vegetarian or non-vegetarian
• You must try the Luquaimat (a dessert) and Turkish tea
• Dessert lovers must try Kunafa
• Have the cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory
• Vegetarians should try the Falalfel
• The food quantity is MASSIVE so be warned when you order. One dish is easily enough for 2 adults with regular appetites