17 Comments
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Anne Ryan's avatar

The biggest plus to me from your pros and cons list Zuby is the safety element. It has become second nature to be alert to being robbed in most European cities now. Almost expected. My house has been broken into twice, and 2 of my cars over the years. I worked in accounting in a Jeweller manufacturer in Dublin so over time I had managed to buy some nice jewellery. Well in one foul sweep everything was gone, Just like that, some of it I was still paying off. It was a lesson I never forgot, It shouldn't be this way in the West and its only getting worse. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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Zuby's avatar

I'm sorry to hear that that happened. There is no good reason why that should be tolerated in Western nations. It's not inevitable to such an extent. The liberal 'soft on crime' approach just enables and emboldens the most predatory people.

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Rodrigo Bressane's avatar

Excellent analysis, Zuby. I certainly felt most of your remarks in person when I visited for the first time. I hope to be back soon. Dubai is a fantastic project.

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Zuby's avatar

Thanks Rodrigo!

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Dubai Diaries's avatar

Interested to read this. I just started @dubaidiaries sharing my take on Dubai life

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15362's avatar

Great synopsis, and insight for me since I’m totally unfamiliar with Dubai. Thank you

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Zuby's avatar

Most welcome.

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Megha Lillywhite's avatar

I agree with this whole article. A lot of people criticize the lack of culture etc in Dubai and I agree with them…but that factor is not more important than basic safety and family income. People without children judging dubai as a tourist destination can never understand the decision making verticals of people forming families.

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Zuby's avatar

Yes. It's not a perfect place and cannot be. But it's exemplary on many ways. Just like Dubai has learned from other places, other places could learn a lot from Dubai.

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Jonathon Williams's avatar

Interesting. You're a good writer. I prefer the peaceful chaos of America.

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Zuby's avatar

Thank you. Both nations have their pros and cons. I'm a fan of both for different reasons.

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Peter Powell's avatar

Great commentary and thanks for the insight, going in December for a week over the New Year whilst on route from a wedding in India. Really looking forward to the experience.

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Zuby's avatar

Awesome. I hope you enjoy it. Good time to visit.

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Mac Dohm's avatar

What an interesting place. Thanks for the insights Zuby.

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Yvette's avatar

Interesting read, thanks for sharing. I'm guilty of being ignorant, thinking it was a country

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Olivier Roland's avatar

I've been living in Dubai for seven years, and I completely agree with everything you say.

I even made a video (in French) in which I debunk the nine most common clichés about the cityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQOtorCnb8o

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Amal Shah's avatar

The eatery and convenience angle are things people don't talk about often.

Thanks for this.

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