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CANDICE TURNER in Dubai
Published Date
10 March 2009
Now Living in
Dubai, UAE
Best Thing About the Country?
For me, the best thing about living in Dubai is the learning and exploration opportunities. Because it is the most liberal of the Arabic countries, living here has afforded me the chance to understand the culture, to explore its rich history, yet still have all the luxuries and some of the freedoms that I enjoy back home. And yes, out in this arid desert, they have Rooibos tea and Romany Creams.
Biggest Cultural Difference?
The cultural differences between South Africans and Emiraties (as the locals are known) are vast. We take many of our freedoms for granted, especially with respect to women, marriage and career choice. Emiraties, however, are very patriotic, something I only witness at a sporting event back home. They are also very loyal to their family, and the family unit is highly valued. A lesson to be learnt here.
Top Things to Do or See?
Top things I would recommend any thrill-seeking, adventure-craving South African do in this city would be:
1. Go on an overnight desert safari. Rolling down hills like you’re a kid again and speeding over the endless dunes in a 4X4 is a must!
2. Explore the Creek by boat. There are two options for creek exploration and I would recommend you try both. The ‘abra’ or water taxi is as old as the city itself, and some of the boats look they were built 100 years ago! In the evening I would highly recommend a Dhow dinner cruise.
3. Shop at the Souks. Even if you are not interested in return home laden with cultural nick naks, sampling the rich heritage of the souks is a true delight!
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Lost in Translation – an Expat’s Tale of Life in the Gulf
Since arriving in Dubai I have been amazed by its truly dynamic persona. A city of contrasts, Dubai boasts skylines dotted with gleaming towers against the backdrop of date palms and ochre-coloured sand dunes. Living in a city which is home to over 120 nationalities has left me with a new understanding and greater respect for the many, yet intriguing, cultures and religious sects in this small world we share.
Some say Dubai has no identity, that it is a city without soul, heart or spirit. I disagree, to me, Dubai sparks a taste of things to come – a kind of time warp into the future where peoples of all different backgrounds are grouped together with a common goal: success! Dubai sets the trend of the Global Village that we will soon come to know.
I am never without a place to explore or thing to do in this city. Albeit ambling through the culture trail along the creek and sampling the flavours of the spice and perfume souks, to shopping up a storm at their modern and futuristic shopping malls.
Where else in the world can one join a convoy of 4X4s in the arid desert and take your pick between boarding down sand or snow covered hills?
Dubai is a fascinating and truly exciting city to live in, and I would recommend that anyone who has an inkling of adventure should make a turn here.
Since arriving in Dubai I have been amazed by its truly dynamic persona. A city of contrasts, Dubai boasts skylines dotted with gleaming towers against the backdrop of date palms and ochre-coloured sand dunes. Living in a city which is home to over 120 nationalities has left me with a new understanding and greater respect for the many, yet intriguing, cultures and religious sects in this small world we share.
Some say Dubai has no identity, that it is a city without soul, heart or spirit. I disagree, to me, Dubai sparks a taste of things to come – a kind of time warp into the future where peoples of all different backgrounds are grouped together with a common goal: success! Dubai sets the trend of the Global Village that we will soon come to know.
I am never without a place to explore or thing to do in this city. Albeit ambling through the culture trail along the creek and sampling the flavours of the spice and perfume souks, to shopping up a storm at their modern and futuristic shopping malls.
Where else in the world can one join a convoy of 4X4s in the arid desert and take your pick between boarding down sand or snow covered hills?
Dubai is a fascinating and truly exciting city to live in, and I would recommend that anyone who has an inkling of adventure should make a turn here.
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