In 2014, upon my arrival, my former employer generously provided me with a duplex for a month as I sought permanent housing. Unable to find a suitable apartment, I temporarily resided in a shared room with three bunk beds before settling into my current building. The shift from a spacious duplex to a single room shared with two other men encapsulates the ups and downs of Dubai—a city that embraces you warmly, introduces you to diverse faces, and occasionally leaves you feeling adrift. Despite its challenges, Dubai endows you with friendships and lessons that endure a lifetime.
My initial days were characterized by daily metro rides, which I eagerly looked forward to. The ease of visiting the Mall of the Emirates without the stress of parking felt like a genuine luxury. BurJuman became our customary meeting spot, while Lamcy Plaza was the prime location for catching Bollywood premieres. Dubai has a unique way of crafting experiences, fostering connections, and igniting unexpected friendships. You might overhear someone lamenting a tough day at work, another person excitedly discussing weekend plans, or someone worrying over their monthly sales targets. These snippets of life unfold around you as you queue at Carrefour or Lulu supermarket. Living in Dubai transforms you into the 'wealthy' cousin who resides abroad, and by default, the host who chauffeurs them around the city. You derive joy from showcasing landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Frame, and the Global Village, taking pride in these attractions as if they were your own creations.
A prevalent myth about the UAE, particularly Dubai, is its high cost of living. When I first relocated here, I brought everything I believed I would need, from furniture to matchboxes, only to discover that affordable options abound thanks to numerous Day 2 Day shops, the UAE's equivalent of 'Dollarama'. I term this a myth because there is a lifestyle tailored for everyone. You can easily satiate your appetite with local delights like a Dh5 shawarma and a Dh1 kadak chai, or you could indulge in sushi at some of the world's most luxurious restaurants. The same applies to living options—you can select a lifestyle that aligns with your budget. From a Dh100 a day motel in Deira to a $25,000 (Dh 91,825) per night 7-star luxury hotel, there's something for everyone here.
Despite its allure, there’s an underlying sense of longing and impermanence, as Dubai remains a transient paradise. However, owning what you cherish in Dubai is fleeting; it quickly becomes #myDubai. Like a lavish hotel during holidays, we all check-in to this paradise, secretly hoping the good times never end. I vividly recall the tears I shed 10 years ago during immigration, knowing my departure meant leaving behind my tearful mother and a piece of my heart. Despite the initial desire to leave for personal reasons, I now find myself yearning to return to Dubai every time I’m away from it.
As the famous song from the movie Umrao Jaan goes, “Is Anjuman Mein Aap ko aana hai bar bar (to this gathering you must return again)…” This year, I completed a decade in Dubai, and there’s no better day than this 53rd milestone year to thank this beautiful place for transforming my life for the better. Happy Eid Al Etihad. Here’s to making the most of life abroad. Yalla!
Sadiq Saleem is a UAE-based Chartered Accountant and a writer, reachable on his Instagram handle @sadiqidas.
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