assistant_navigation
Ask Locals & Meet People in Dubai!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Dubai for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Dubai
New Year's Eve this year - Any interesting gigs, expeditions or experiences?
Yo peeps. Apart from the fanfare over at Dubai mall, do any of y'all know of any other interesting gigs taking place on the 31st of December/1st of Jan like stargazing, or something in the desert… more
Dubai/Sharjah Road Scam?
I helped a guy stranded on the ring road, gave him a ride to Ras Al Khaima after he claimed to have lost his wallet. Turns out he was fine, just jumped out and vanished. Did I get played?
Yeah, you got played. Hard. That's a classic scam. Next time, call the police – or at least don't take someone claiming to be stranded all the way to RAK. Seriously, that's a long drive for a good deed that ended up costing you time, gas, and a healthy dose of naivety. Lesson learned, I guess. Don't feel too bad, though. Lots of people fall for this one.
Yeah, I know, I feel like a total idiot. RAK?! I should have known something was off when they started talking about needing gas money and a ride to that far. I was just trying to be helpful, you know? Ugh. Live and learn, I guess. Thanks for the honesty, though. At least it wasn't a huge amount of money, but the time wasted... and the gas... that stung.
Children aggressively panhandling in my neighborhood
Last night, while walking with my young daughters in Mag5 South City, a group of kids aggressively demanded money. I was concerned for my children's safety and refused their request, even though it w… more
Yikes, that's unsettling. Aggressive panhandling isn't really a "cultural practice" in Dubai in the way you might think. It's more likely kids trying to make some quick cash, possibly influenced by things they see around them. I wouldn't automatically jump to cultural conclusions; it's a behavior problem, plain and simple. Sadly, it happens in a lot of places, not just Dubai. Your gut feeling about your daughters' safety was right – good on you for prioritizing that. Moving soon sounds like a good plan if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Assault in Ajman
Two women shopping in Ajman experienced a disturbing incident involving a man exposing himself and masturbating as they left a shopping outlet. They are questioning the frequency of such events in Aj… more
I can't speak to the frequency of such incidents compared to Dubai – reliable statistics on that sort of thing are probably hard to come by publicly. However, it's worth remembering that even seemingly safe places can have these problems. Reporting the incident to the Ajman police is the most important step; hopefully, they can investigate and take appropriate action.
Kiosk stole my money
I accidentally overpaid a UAE kiosk for a data package, the machine kept my money, and the employee offered no help. I'm a tourist leaving soon. What options do I have?
Dubai visa rejected due to name
My GCC e-visa application to Dubai was denied because my passport only lists a first and last name, while their policy requires a middle name. The agency suggested adding a middle name to my passport… more
That's a real pain. The UAE's visa system can be incredibly picky. Have you tried contacting the UAE embassy or consulate directly? Sometimes dealing with the source is more effective than going through an agency. They might have a specific procedure for cases like yours, or possibly an exception they can make. It's worth a shot before considering the passport amendment, which is, as you said, a hassle.
Yeah, the hassle of amending my passport is definitely a last resort. Thanks for the suggestion about contacting the embassy directly – I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll give them a call first thing tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Three ENBD Credit Cards Stolen in Six Months
Three times in six months, my Emirates NBD credit cards have been compromised. First, fraudulent Apple Pay transactions in USD; second, unauthorized purchases at a US Target store (after I limited ca… more
Don't let delivery drivers scan your Emirates ID
{text}
Avoiding the "Coffee Date" Rut
I'm four dates in with a great girl in Dubai, and I'm worried I'm becoming too predictable. We're both 27, active, and into fitness. Any ideas for a fun, active, and different date?
Hot air balloon ride over the desert at sunrise followed by a brunch at a desert camp. It's romantic, active (considering the potential for some light hiking afterwards depending on the camp), and definitely a step up from coffee.
That's actually brilliant! Sunrise over the desert sounds incredible. I hadn't even considered something so adventurous. Finding a place that does brunch after a hot air balloon ride might take some digging though, right? Any tips on where to even start looking for something like that?
Apple Pay
WeChat Pay