I had people say “you’ll move back to the US!  You’ll miss it!”

I knew this wasn’t the case.

It’s been over a year, and I still love Dubai.

I’ve had 8 friends and family visit Dubai from the US over the last 6 months and they are all widely impressed.

Often they are more amazed by how much MORE they like Dubai then they originally thought…because there is a lot of misinformation out there.

Here are 11 reflections on my boots-on-the-ground experience of living in Dubai, with some highlights and annoyances.

No. 1  It’s Super Clean

I’ve been travelling a lot to London and while it’s a beautiful city, there is a surprising amount of trash and dirt everywhere. 

Meanwhile, in Dubai you will see people literally scrubbing the streets with a mop.  All trash is gone within 24 hours.

I think it’s because there are cameras everywhere and people know they can get caught for littering.

Also, the people who come to Dubai genuinely want to keep it clean because…

No. 2 People Here Are Nice

Because 90% of the population are expatriates, they appreciate and respect Dubai…otherwise they wouldn’t have put in the massive amount of effort, time and money to move their family, stuff and lives to this city.

The majority of people I’ve met, from entrepreneurs to the waiters, are curious to know where you’re from, and what brought you here.

Also, it’s sunny and nice outside, and I think that puts people in a good mood.  When I go to other cities, I don’t find people as friendly.

No. 3 The Service Is Fantastic

A lot of my friends were impressed by how speedy and helpful wait staff are in Dubai.  

Also, it comes from a place of genuinely wanting to make the experience better for customers.  You can feel it.  They want you to have a good time.

Elsewhere, I always felt like I was an inconvenience to the waiter, but not here.

I was with Elliot, a student I’ve been mentoring for 5 years, at a Georgian restaurant and I got some red sauce on my white shirt.  I turned to my left and the waiter immediately had a wet wipe, ready for me.

It’s almost as if he knew it would happen!  Elliot and I were pleasantly surprised.

No. 4 You Can Live Well Here Without Spending A Lot

I’ve had some of the best meals at the local Turkish restaurant where it costs $25 to feed a massive meal to two people.  (shout out to Zou Zou and Bosporus in JBR)

There are many restaurants that don’t cost a lot, and are high quality and healthy.

But besides the cost of eating out, you can experience a full-time live-in maid for $55 a day.

This person is a huge, huge time saver.  No more cleaning, laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, ironing, waiting for repairmen to show up or even making your own bed.  

Imagine what you could do with that type of time?

Also, my brother and his wife booked a 90-minute couples massage at my home for about $110.  Two very nice Philippine women came to my apartment and they enjoyed a really nice massage.  How much would that cost elsewhere?  A lot.

No. 5 No One Discusses Politics

I know what’s going on politically in the US, but here no one brings it up in conversation.

I think it’s because we’re so far away.

And also, this isn’t a democracy and you can’t vote (it’s a benevolent monarchy where the Sheiks have a long-term plan to improve the health and wealth of the city…which is going very well)

So people don’t really talk about politics.  The only times I discussed it,was when I had people visit me, but I don’t really care.

It results in an environment that’s quite relaxing.  News isn’t a topic.  And I like that,

No. 6  The Weather Is Great

In London in November, it was 5 degrees C (41 F)!  

I came back to Dubai and it was 22 degrees C (71 F).

It’s sunny all the time…and we’re always ready to go to the pool and the beach.

Although sometimes, it’s almost too hot and I kinda miss wearing a suit!

No. 7  Everything Is Modern and Sleek

You get a bit spoiled here.

A 4-star hotel is new, clean and very impressive…but less so when you travel abroad.

The building I live in is just 4 years old and it works so well.  The elevators are fast and prompt, even though I’m up high.

The roads have no potholes.

Walkways are very well maintained.

Walkable bridges are in great shape.

Why?  The country is very new.  Sky scrapers are coming up all around.

No. 8  If You’re Single, It’s A Nice Place

(Just to be clear, as of this writing I am no longer single and have a wonderful girlfriend.)

But as I dated a bit over the past year, I was amazed by the quality of women available to meet.

They were from all over the world, and often educated, attractive and respectful.

(not everyone…but the majority)

My guy friends who come visit are usually pretty amazed when walking through the streets.

Now…I’ll share some annoyances

No. 9  The Traffic Is Awful

Like every big city, there is a lot of traffic.

I don’t like driving in it.

So I hired a driver…which is not that expensive, and now I can just chill in the backseat when I get around town.

No. 10  You Can’t Watch A Lot of Movies In Theaters

Unfortunately, they only play big American blockbusters at cinemas.  This is annoying for someone like me who really enjoys going to the movies.

I couldn’t watch smaller, art-house films (which are usually better) like Anora, The Brutalist, Babygirl, A Real Pain and many others.

Instead, I’ll watch them at home on my projector…which has a 110″ screen.

No. 11  There’s Not Much Nature

Besides beaches and a few parks, there isn’t much nature here.

You have to drive out at least 1-2 hours to find a good spot to hike in.

But it’s a desert.

Soon, I’ll be in Warsaw for the summer which is full of mountains and trees.

The nice thing about having two homes is that you can have balance.  You don’t have to commit to one.

And it gives you a high level of security, flexibility and freedom.