While Dubai is at the forefront of some of the world’s greatest industries, the driving culture there is a lot different than in other places. Sadly, distracted drivers are one of the most common reasons for car accidents in Dubai, and in the UAE in general. Many of those accidents are caused by young drivers who text or use social media on their phones while driving.
In 2018, students from the American University of Sharjah pledged not to use their phones while driving in an effort to fight road fatalities. While their initiative is commendable, this issue is far from being completely solved. Still, no matter where you are, it’s always advised to look both ways before crossing the street.
Dubai is Growing at an Extremely Fast Pace
Dubai is growing so rapidly each year that economists have voiced concern surrounding a potential financial and housing collapse in the near future. With the third-highest amount of skyscrapers in the world, the second-biggest mall in the world, and a population that is growing substantially in size each year, everyone is wondering if the rapid growth is sustainable.
In 2009, Dubai’s metro system was completed and features 42 stations. The system was amazingly built in 18 months! That’s much less than it takes most cities to build public transportation systems. Though the discovery of oil reserves initially put Dubai on the map, the city makes most of its money from tourism and the trade of other commodities.
Alcohol Consumption is Limited
Due to religious beliefs, you will only find non-Muslims drinking in Dubai. Tourists are allowed to drink alcohol if it is purchased from licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars that are attached to hotels with licenses. If you are found drinking in a public place, including the beach, you can be seriously punished. It is considered extremely unacceptable to drink in public.
Further, you have to be careful about how much you consume. Dubai is severe regarding its rules about public drunkenness and has absolutely zero tolerance for anyone found drinking and driving. In order to actually purchase an alcoholic beverage from a store, you must have a special license, even if you are a tourist. However, you can buy alcohol at the airport and bring it back to your hotel. Though the rules in Dubai may come off as harsh, the city is known for having some of the highest-quality alcohol in the world.
You Can Get Some of the World's Most Expensive Cellphones
The level of wealth among high-class people in Dubai is sometimes hard for common folk to wrap their heads around. Most of us walk around with a smartphone that has limitless access to the internet and the apps we need, but in Dubai, the latest iPhone can be disregarded as a peasant's gadget.
No matter how many new iPhones and Androids keep coming out, those advanced mobile phones will never be custom-made items. As it turns out, custom-made smartphones or simply ultra-expensive models are something you see in Dubai more than anywhere else.
Matchmaking Is Still Done Through the Newspaper
Say goodbye to dating apps or online dating. If you live in Dubai, it is totally an option for you to find your one true love in the classified section of whatever newspaper you're subscribed to. That's right, what used to be common before websites such as Craigslist or OkCupid came along is still going strong in some countries.
Dubai natives (or their parents or matchmakers for that matter) can post an ad in the newspaper specifying some personal information about the person and their desired spouse. People who think they could be a good match (or, again, their parents or matchmakers) may get in touch with them through the contact information at the bottom.