Dubai Lessons You Learn the Hard Way

Here are 20 real Dubai problems you don't want to find yourself facing while living here or else feel pain and struggles.

Posted on

2 May 2016

| Last updated on 19 January 2020

It's no secret that we all do things we end up regretting - we're human, after all. With life comes life lessons that we all must endeavour to learn from.

Of course, here in Dubai, life here isn't necessarily tough. But there are lessons that are necessary to learn or else suffer bad traffic, endless cold calls and text messages.

So through our own experiences, and to prevent you from falling victim to any of the below circumstances, here's some real Dubai problems you won't want to find yourself facing.

1. Driving towards Sharjah at rush hour traffic is a very bad idea

But then again, when isn't there traffic heading towards Sharjah?

2. And rush hour is from 5:00am to 1:00pm, and 1:00pm to 10:00pm

It just never seems to stop...

3. Giving your number to a retail store

Once they have your number, they will NEVER lose it, no matter how many times you Opt Out!

4. Trying to get a taxi at midday on a Friday

If people who aren't going home from the mosque, they are heading to a brunch - good luck!

5. Turning into a tour guide when visitors are over

Yes - we have been to the top of the Burj Khalifa about a 100 times! Maybe we should start our own touring company?

6. Going to The Dubai Mall on a weekend

Ha! Yeah, you go right ahead...

7. Missing your exit on Sheikh Zayed Road

I guess we're taking the "scenic" route today.

8. Buying any kind of winter clothing

We're sure there's a better way to waste that extra space in your cupboard that you don't really have

9. When you buy your brand new TV or PC before Gitex

You most probably could have bought two TV's at Gitex for the same price that you just paid... #justsaying

10. Eating breakfast before brunch

This surely can't be the reason why our clothes have been a bit tight lately?

11. Splitting the bill as it's 'convenient'

You keep on telling yourself that...

12. Arriving at the cinema without pre-booking your ticket

Didn't you know that there's an app for everything in Dubai? PS. you're most probably not going to get tickets for that movie you wanted to watch.

13. Speaking only one language proves problematic

You eventually get used to not knowing what's going on.

14. Wearing comfortable shoes when venturing to any mall

Forget about making a fashion statement, we want to be able to still feel our feet tonight!

15. Forgetting 1 Dirham when visiting Geant.

Here we go again, how many things can you fit into the little red baskets?

16. You unknowingly adopt an unusual accent

Why you don't understand me no more?

17. Trying to explain to a taxi driver where you want to go

Ever noticed how every taxi driver has a different landmark that you absolutely must remember because every taxi driver will know what you are talking about?