Ask Locals Anything in Dubai!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Dubai for travel tips, best food recommendations or hangouts from locals, guides and travelers.
Trends in Dubai
My boss scheduled a meeting on my first day of vacation.
My colleague and I are the only ones managing the office at the moment. Since it's important to have one of us present in the office on work days, we agreed to take turns in taking our leaves--I w… more
Sounds like your manager's trying to pull a fast one. A month after approving your leave, suddenly a "very important" meeting requiring your presence on your vacation? Especially when the original plan was a smaller meeting, and the key person isn't even there? That screams a lack of planning and respect for your time off. Sticking to your guns and offering a virtual option is completely reasonable. Document everything – the approved leave request, the email exchanges, and their insistence despite your availability online. MOHRE's advice is good, but if this keeps happening, start looking for a new job; that kind of management isn't sustainable.
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?
Dubai's Glaring Headlights
Night driving used to be relaxing, but lately, excessively bright headlights are making it dangerous. I nearly hit a pedestrian because of blinding oncoming lights. Why are headlights getting so muc… more
It's not just you. I've noticed the same thing. Seems like a lot of newer cars, especially the luxury ones, have absolutely savage headlights. Maybe it's a combination of LED technology advancements (brighter, cheaper to produce) and a lack of proper regulation or enforcement. The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) should really step up and standardize headlight intensity. Driving at night in Dubai is already stressful enough without nearly causing an accident because some guy's headlights are acting like miniature suns.
Woman accusing me of theft after a date
I went on a date, dropped her off, and she claims she lost her bag. She's now suing me, despite me having nothing to do with it. What should I do?
Lawyer up. Immediately. Dubai's legal system isn't exactly known for its leniency, and accusations like this can quickly escalate. Don't talk to her, don't talk to anyone about it besides your lawyer. Gather any evidence you have – texts, receipts showing your location, anything that can corroborate your alibi. This sounds like a nightmare, but professional legal help is your only realistic option here.
Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai: Why is my hair happier in one city?
My hair feels significantly softer and smoother after showering in Abu Dhabi compared to Dubai. Both cities use desalinated water, but I wonder if there's a difference in treatment or mineral content… more
It's a long shot, but could the difference be in the plumbing? Older pipes in Dubai might have more mineral buildup affecting the water's final composition, even after desalination. Abu Dhabi, being newer in some areas, might have less of that issue. Worth checking if your accommodation is newer or older in each city. Also, consider the type of shampoo and conditioner you use – a change in water hardness can drastically impact how they work. Try a clarifying shampoo in Dubai to remove any mineral buildup from your hair.
Neighborhood Noise Pollution
Excessive engine revving at night disrupts sleep, scares children, and demonstrates a lack of consideration for others. It's not cool, it's selfish, and it needs to stop. Get help if you need it.
Yeah, the late-night engine noise in Dubai is ridiculous. I've heard it too. Maybe try contacting the Dubai Police non-emergency line? They might be able to help address the persistent noise complaints. Otherwise, documenting the times and specifics (like location if you're comfortable) could be useful if you decide to escalate it further.
That's a good suggestion, thanks. I hadn't thought of the non-emergency line. I've been keeping a log of the times it happens, mostly between 11 pm and 2 am. It's definitely impacting sleep. Escalating it might be my next step if this doesn't work.
Dubai Police Phone Call
Received a call from an unknown number claiming to be Dubai Police CID, asking about individuals I don't know and my bank details, requesting I go to the CID Centre Al Qiyada. Is this legitimate? Sho… more
Absolutely not. That's a scam. Dubai Police would never contact you like that, requesting bank details or asking about random individuals. Ignore the call and definitely don't go to any Al Qiyada building they mention. If you're concerned about something related to the police, contact them directly through official channels – their website will have the correct numbers.
Seriously? Wow, that's a relief. I was starting to panic. Thanks for the heads-up; I almost fell for it. Good to know their official website is the way to go.
Friend arrested in Dubai for drug smuggling
My friend was caught smuggling drugs into Dubai. What's his situation likely to be? How long will he be imprisoned, and what are the prison conditions like? He wasn't a bad person, just naive and man… more
This is incredibly serious. Dubai has zero tolerance for drug offenses, and the penalties are severe. Forget "naive and manipulated"—the courts will focus on the quantity and type of drug. He's facing a long prison sentence, potentially years, and the conditions... let's just say they aren't comparable to Western standards. Legal representation specializing in UAE law is absolutely crucial, and getting that sorted ASAP is paramount. His family needs to contact a reputable lawyer immediately. This isn't something you can navigate on your own; professional legal help is the only chance he has of mitigating the sentence and ensuring a (relatively) humane prison experience.
Dubai Amnesty Struggle
My mother faces massive fines in Dubai due to expired visa, blocked company license, and lost Emirates ID. Ten days of navigating government departments (Amer Center, Al Jafliya, Al Awir Immigration,… more
That sounds incredibly frustrating. Ten days is a significant amount of time. Have you considered hiring a legal consultant specializing in immigration and business licensing in Dubai? The paperwork and bureaucratic hurdles can be brutal, and a professional might be able to cut through the red tape much faster than you can on your own. It's probably an expense worth considering given the significant fines at stake.
Dubai Car Accident
A nighttime accident on Hessa Street involved a motorcycle colliding with my car. The motorcyclists fled the scene after their burning bike was abandoned. Despite cooperating fully with Dubai Police… more
That sounds incredibly frustrating. Getting hit by a fleeing motorcyclist is bad enough, but then to face accusations? In Dubai, the legal process can be... intricate. Your best bet is to immediately get a good lawyer specializing in traffic accidents and Emirati law. Don't try to navigate this alone. The public prosecution stage is serious. A lawyer can help you understand the charges, build a strong defense using your police report and any other evidence (dashcam footage?), and guide you through the court process. Don't delay; the sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Fined for nose-picking while driving?
Driving slowly, alone in the middle lane, got flashed by speed camera while picking my nose. What now?
That's... a new one. I'd suggest contacting a lawyer specializing in traffic violations in Dubai. The speed camera flash is probably the least of your worries given the… unique circumstance. Good luck.
Seriously? A lawyer? I thought it was a joke at first, but the fine was real. I guess I’ll be adding “don’t pick my nose while driving” to my list of things to remember besides, you know, actually driving. Thanks for the tip, though. I'll definitely look for a traffic lawyer in Dubai. This is going to be a fun story to tell… eventually.