How do local residents view Dubai?

Dubai – local life and city residents

Dubai is a cosmopolitan, multinational and multicultural city. It is difficult to close this place in one template of action. From the very beginning, Dubai was built by the hands of Emiratis, citizens of South Asia and other countries of the world. It is a joint work of all those who now together form one of the most modern metropolises in the world. Millions of tourists visit Dubai every year. Even on their fifth visit to this city, it is difficult for them to know the city as well as its local residents. From their perspective, Dubai is a city to live in, not to visit and experience. It is worth learning about their opinions and perceptions of life as a resident of this city.

Let's start with the question of where they live: do Emiratis live in the centre of Dubai? The answer is interesting; yes, Emiratis also live in the centre of Dubai, but they are a definite minority. Most Dubai residents live outside the centre, in quiet neighbourhoods of villas and family homes, close to green spaces and recreational areas, especially towards the desert in the west of the city. Modernity versus tradition in the centre of Dubai clashes with the international character of the new city, which makes Emiratis prefer to live outside the centre, as they are people who cultivate their traditions and customs.

How do the local residents of Dubai live? What is everyday life like in Dubai? To see how Emiratis live in Dubai, you have to go outside the city centre to less touristy neighbourhoods such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Barsha, Jumeirah or Arabian Ranches. In such places, they have peace and quiet, there is no noise, they do not have to stand in traffic jams and they can spend family time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Is it easy to make contact with locals in Dubai? It is not easy if you are a tourist and visit typical, popular attractions. Emiratis can be found in shopping centres in the more crowded areas, and outside the city centre in the desert, where they spend their free time, in parks, entertainment centres and other places traditional to UAE culture, such as camel races, falconry venues and horse racing tracks. Is Dubai only a city for the rich? No, and we debunk this myth and many others in the article Myths about Dubai.

Knowledge of local life in Dubai and the character of the city's inhabitants is essential for running a business there. With 13 years of experience in Dubai, our travel agency and real estate agency – Two Continents and Estate Two Continents – are at your service. On our website, you can buy local attractions and tours, book accommodation in Dubai and purchase a trip to Dubai package that includes accommodation, attractions, insurance and tour guide assistance. We also offer the purchase and rental of apartments in Dubai and assistance in planning investments in the United Arab Emirates. The property market varies in terms of regulations and customs depending on the country, which is why over 13 years of experience is a testament to our knowledge of the local market and experience in sales and rental brokerage.

Traditions and culture of Dubai

What traditions and values do the people of Dubai hold? The traditions of Dubai and Arab culture in Dubai date back thousands of years. Over the years, a culture of extraordinary hospitality has developed in the Emirates, as well as a commitment to tradition and local art. Arab heritage has had a significant impact on the fate of the world, and the inhabitants do not forget this. However, we live in the present day and face the challenges that come with it. What are they?

Dubai is a city of many nationalities and a true mix of cultures. Representatives of over 200 countries live here, including more than 10,000 from a dozen or so countries (data from the Dubai Statistics Office). In such a case, it is normal for local culture to be promoted not only by Arab nations, but also by visitors. Daily life in Dubai has managed to combine this into a peaceful whole. Representatives of different religions and cultures live side by side here, respecting one another. How do the Emiratis themselves perceive Dubai? What do the residents think about tourists in Dubai? The Emiratis perceive Dubai as a city of development, future and business, but for them it is a home for guests they can take care of, not a place to live and cultivate traditions. The mentality of UAE residents as respectful and hospitable people does not allow them to speak or think badly of tourists. Visitors, as in the old Arab custom, must be welcomed in the best possible way. Before you go, it is worth learning about the customs of Arabs in Dubai so that you can feel more comfortable while exploring, communicate with the locals and see that life in Dubai is not all about luxury.

Local cuisine of Dubai

The traditional cuisine of Dubai is inextricably linked to the history of the city. With the influx of workers (mainly from South Asia), a mix of delicious local cuisine was created. The basis of Arab dishes here is fruit that was once grown in the desert, fish and seafood. Due to the fact that Dubai was a port city, sailors from other parts of the world constantly came to the city with new culinary inspirations. The most significant influences came from India and Persia (modern-day Iran). The local perspective in Dubai appreciates foreign influences and loves the constant influx of new things from around the world.

When visiting Dubai, it is worth trying typical local dishes such as shawarma, falafel, hummus, mezze, grilled meat, fish and seafood, baklava, luqaimat and khuzi. You will find great restaurants serving local cuisine all over Dubai – the more expensive ones in the newer districts, and the cheaper ones, more frequently visited by workers from South Asia, in Old Dubai. The best cafés in Dubai – we have compiled a list of the best cafés in Dubai. Thanks to it, you will always know the answer to the question – where to go for a coffee in Dubai?

Local shopping in Dubai

Dubai is one of the best places in the world for a shopping spree. In this city, you can go shopping in both a luxury shopping centre and a traditional clothing market. Dubai residents, of course, go to the same shopping centres as tourists and visit the Dubai Mall or The Mall of Emirates, but they also know that the best shops can be found in less obvious places. The daily life of Dubai residents is often closely linked to shopping. Why? Because Dubai residents love shopping!

Locals go to City Walk, for example, a beautifully designed complex with shops, boutiques and cafés, The Beach when they want to shop in the neighbourhood of the beach and excellent restaurants along a long promenade, or to Souk Al Bahar and Souk Madinat Jumeirah when they want to buy fashionable products in a traditional style with an Emirati character at the market.

Less popular attractions in Dubai

Tens of millions of tourists visit Dubai every year. First and foremost, visitors want to see all the most popular attractions of the city. For this, a guide and plan for visiting Dubai is essential. If there is enough time during the holiday, they set out to visit the less obvious places. However, with limited time, it is impossible to completely stray from the beaten track. The real gems are known to those who live in Dubai permanently. What less obvious attractions do Dubai locals visit? What is the leisure time and life of locals in Dubai like?

• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – tens of thousands of migratory birds settle in the wetlands on the outskirts of the city in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – this is how you can admire wild nature while still in Dubai.
• Jebel Ali Beach in Dubai – a hidden beach at Palm Jebel Ali in the south of Dubai. It is difficult to find a piece of sand without people in this city, but this place is not crowded. If anyone is here, it will be the locals.
• Al Mamzar Beach Park – a 106-hectare park complex with 5 beaches, where Dubai families love to spend their evenings together picnicking and chatting. This place offers relaxation and peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Al Qudra Lakes – an oasis by the Al Qudra lakes is an escape from the city towards the desert and a place to relax. It is the perfect place to admire sunsets over the desert, watch animals such as flamingos, swans and desert foxes in their natural habitat, and enjoy delicious meals at the nearby food trucks.
• Meena Bazaar – this bazaar is known as ‘Little India’ and is less popular and less crowded than the Spice and Gold Souks in Old Dubai. It is located in the Bur Dubai district, and for a few dirhams, you can buy great local delicacies here. This is where Dubai residents come to buy jewellery, fabrics and clothing at the market.

Advice from Dubai residents

From the Emiratis' point of view, Dubai is a multidimensional city. Modern, too noisy, but beautiful and financially necessary for the country to function. Since we already know that no one knows Dubai better than its local residents, it is worth listening to what they have to say! The opinions of Dubai residents can turn an ordinary holiday into a real exploration of a new culture. Here is some advice from Dubai residents for tourists:

• Go shopping at a shopping centre, but one that is smaller than the most popular ones. You will also find good shops there, but at lower prices.
• The cheapest food can be found in Old Dubai. It is full of restaurants serving typical Arabic, Pakistani or Indian cuisine.
• In the tourist districts of New Dubai, you will find almost only tourists. If you want to get to know the life of the local residents, head to the districts on the other side of the metro, not on the Arabian Gulf side. There you will find quiet neighbourhoods of Emirati houses.
• It is worth renting a car for a few days and driving around to lesser-known tourist attractions. Why a car? Because they are often located on the outskirts of the city or outside it.
• Tickets for attractions and city tours are best purchased on the Two Continents website under the tab attractions in Dubai. Yes, this is their advice, not mine!

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• What do Dubai residents think about tourists?

The Emiratis' attitude towards foreigners is very positive, and there is no need to worry about how tourists are perceived in Dubai. Dubai residents usually welcome tourists with hospitality, trying to make them feel welcome and comfortable, which is part of their multicultural identity.

• Do locals enjoy the same attractions as tourists?

Yes, Dubai locals enjoy the same attractions as tourists, but they also visit less popular places that are off the beaten track. While tourists tend to focus on luxury shopping centres and spectacular attractions, residents also know other places, such as local markets (souks), complexes such as City Walk or The Beach, and lesser-known local neighbourhoods and places that cultivate the traditions and values of the local community, such as mosques or Islamic centres.

• What cultural differences can be seen between residents and visitors in Dubai?

The differences between tourists and residents of Dubai are not apparent at first glance. Both groups go to the same shopping centres and spend their free time in the same parks. However, Dubai residents are more likely to go to the desert to relax, know more hidden gems, and have a more conservative lifestyle.