What foreigners think about Dubai, and is Dubai is in their list of traveling? And why??

Question

My question is very open but I want to know the answer, because I am Local from Dubai,

Answer 1

Parween,

From what I have seen of Dubai, on the Internet it is very beautiful and a very modern city.  It also doesn't seem to have a high crime rate.  I'm sure there is crime there but not to the extent of other major cities.  However, I've also noticed it is very expensive, especially for those not born there or a member of the UAE.  I would love to be able to visit there but it's going to have to remain in my dreams.  I'm also a stamp and coin collecter and would like to get some from there but that'll have to remain in my dreams too.  I'm surprised more famous people don't visit there.

Answer 2

I think Dubai looks amazing. I don't think it will last long and I want to see it before a storm washes away those islands or an earthquake takes out those skyscrapers. It is probably 2nd on my list of places to visit next though.

Answer 3

I live in Abu Dhabi and have guests very often who of course also visit Dubai.



Regarding what foreigners think about Dubai, my experience is the following:

Americans and Europeans who visited many other countries, like to see Dubai's landmarks. Most of them say that Dubai is a very impressiv city and it is great what got accomplished in within 50 years. But - most of them also say, that after they have seen Dubai, they do not have to come back for the next 10 years. Dubai has it's pros and cons, but for a relaxing vacation Dubai is to hectic, has to many construction sites and everything would be so "faked". Dubai for them is interesting, but not necesserly the no. 1 destination. Americans are amazed that they do not see any "terrorists" and that the UAE is a peacefull country. For many Americans the Middle East means: Saudi, Israel (Palestine gets ignored), Afghanistan and Iraq.

Then you have middle income people who saved for a long time to visit the UAE and they are impressed, loved is and would come back every year if they could avoid.

Some female guests did not like that Fridays the streets are full of male workers who are off and because of them they also did not feel comfortable at public beaches.

Feedback from all my guests was positiv in general. The positive aspects were: of course Dubai's landmarks, the malls and shopping opportunities and the low crime rate.

Some people were disapointed by how many prostitutes they saw in Dubai doing their business openly because they didn't expect this in an Islamic country.  

I hope I will not offend you by saying that people who can afford to travel worldwide have Dubai on their list, but not on the top. Many times the "arabic touch" was missing. Normal visitors do not have any contact to Locals. Example: If you visit Italy (or any other country), you will be served by Italians, eat original Italian food etc. The hotel staff will be Italians etc. In the UAE everything is done by foreigners, mostly Indians, Philippinas and Pakistanis.

I had this one friend who could not get over how friendly and nice the Egyptian cab drivers are. She was more than disapointed by taking a cab in Dubai. Anyway, I always have a whole lot explaining to do.

Salam.

Answer 4

im lebanese and lived there for 13 years.. im back in lebanon now and waiting to graduate to go back.. its a great place and full of great career paths and possibilities.