Dubai Living

Living in . . . Dubai is the go-to guide for everything you need to get the most out of life in the world’s fastest growing city. Dubai is a product of the vision of Dubai’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, resulting in one of the modern wonders of the world. Living in Dubai provides many advantages. Articles written and documentaries shown across the world feature Dubai as the place everyone wants to be: consider the thrills one derives from the glamour and the daily exercise of sharing life with various cultures and religions, and from taking part in helping shape an unfinished city project.

Whether you choose to look at its gleaming surface of amazing skyscrapers, or discover its deeply-rooted heritage and tradition, Dubai holds endless surprises for its visitors and residents alike. It boasts sunshine and good weather more than half the year and offers activities for the whole family, from shopping to camel racing, from dune-bashing to snorkeling.

This fascinating work in progress where cranes, luxury hotels, the world’s largest shopping centre and tallest tower can be found side by side is an intriguing and happening place. It is not unusual to hear that famous celebrities have bought a residence in Dubai or have lent their names to a specific project.

Naturally, the entertainment and leisure scene is benefiting from all this. Fine restaurants offer dining options with renowned chefs, no longer limited to cosmopolitan cities such as New York, Paris, London or Hong Kong. Young couples, singles and the party scene crowd have ample bars and venues to choose from. Annual conferences, events and shows attract all industries and participants. Even practicing seasonal sports is not an issue anymore, as swimming and skiing can be enjoyed on the same day all year round.

 Nonetheless, Dubai has its own challenges to overcome. It is a city in transition still looking for its own identity. Expectations should be based on the awareness that Dubai is undergoing constant change in order to move forward. It is working hard at building its infrastructure, service and cultural life, which is why the place where almost anything is possible will have to deal with certain unresolved issues, and one can only imagine what this emirate will be like in another decade when the major construction projects are complete and Dubai settles into the rhythm of its more ‘grown up’ counterparts in Asia, Europe, and North America. That the result is stunning, exciting and overwhelming is not in doubt, although the exact form Dubai will take is still very much a mystery.