Experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates by Jude

What is it like to live in Dubai? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The weather is at its best during winter. However, it’s extremely hot and humid during summers!

What is the student lifestyle like in Dubai?

Generally it’s great. But one should note that it completely depends on which school or university students choose. Experiences and study methods vary from one institution to another, and I advise any students to see for themselves and experience it, not just ask about lifestyle as well.

How much does it cost to live in Dubai?

I’m not money expert at all, but one thing must to know for sure: living cost is quite expensive, including accommodations, educational institutions, work organizations and brands everywhere. Dubai is mainly specialized in Tourism, Economy, Business and marketing. Anything else with it can be better read on Quora, blogs and social media shared by well known influencers who reside in the UAE

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Dubai? Is there any advice you can give?

I don’t know much about accommodation; because I’ve been living with my family since we moved to Dubai in 2010. However, I do know one thing: finding an accommodation isn’t exactly easy for young students (ages 18 and above) who come for the purposes of studying and working. Depending on the contracts they have with the landlords, as well as the status of job hunt, it is extremely hectic. That’s all I know so far.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Dubai has plenty of cuisines coming around the world. Not only restaurants provide amazing foods in malls and food courts, you also get to visit authentic restaurants where the natives of some countries get to cook for you and show you how to make food yourself.

Favorite foods: Middle Eastern (Levant, Gulf), Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai), and American.

What places would you recommend visiting in Dubai?

1- The Global Village, Dubai. A place where you discover, eat, drink, buy and visit sections of countries around the world! All people from each country presents folkloric dances, traditional music, cultural cuisines and lots more!

2- Dubai Mall: Although crowded most of the time, it’s full of desirable brands, restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores and famous Megastores you can ever imagine buying from! If you’re a fan of ice skating, the Dubai Mall Ice Rink is the right place for you to begin with. Also, there’s Vox Cenima, Kidzania (where children get to discover their own dreams and learn all life skills) and Dubai Fountains! It’s located right in the Center of Dubai Mall, where you get to sit and sip your coffee, or eat your food while watching the fountains dance right in front of you! Your favorite songs and musical masterpieces get to be played while the fountains dance too!

3- Mall of the Emirates: Similar to Dubai Mall, it has various desirable things you love and need, but the best to visit are the Ski Dubai, Home Center, Centerpoint, and Carrefour.

There are plenty of amazing areas to release away your stress in UAE cities where famous hotels are open for you for stress relief experiences: Al-Ain & Ras Al-Khaimah, Khourfakan and Abu Dhabi. Recommended Hotels to visit: Cove Rotana, and Double Tree By Hilton

More recommendations: Wild Wadi Waterpark, Atlantis Waterpark, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, IMG games and Rollercoasters, JBR beaches, Dubai Festival City, and Kite Beach Jumeirah.

Anything else, you can check the tour guide anywhere online

Is it good to eat out in Dubai? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes! Foods overall are satisfying and exciting to try. I recommend the following places to eat:

1- Shabo Shabo (or Little Lamb) an authentic Chinese restaurant located in Deira area in Dubai. Prepared by chefs and waiters from China and its surroundings by using the amazing hotpot techniques. All what you need to do is to order the mix of vegetables, meat, spices, and the waiters will explain how to prepare the food using their hotpot table. Prepared just for you to have fun cooking in the restaurant!

2- P.F. Chang’s: A chain of Chinese-American restaurant brands famously known for its delicious meals, especially Mongolian Beef and soups

3- Bu Qutair: An amazing restaurant that serves special types of fish and shrimps in a traditional Emirati way.

4- Khaimat Jumeirah for Popular food: located in Jumeirah’s open beach, it’s similar to Bu Qutair, it serves best seafood with many traditional Emirati cuisines you can ever imagine tasting

For more picnics and hangouts: La Mer Beach Jumeira. Plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy, including biking, swimming in the sea, and playing in the Waterpark open for everyone there.

Is the nightlife good in Dubai? Where is good to go?

Al-Safa Park, Dubai Water Canal, Al-Barsha Pond Park, JBR areas, Dubai Garden Glow, Dubai Sustainable City, Arabian Ranches and lots more

What advice would you give future students heading to Dubai?

Although life is hectic in many ways, always take your time to decide on what to do. Don’t rush, keep your options open, and never hesitate to ask any question. And when it comes to job hunting, make sure you get the right guidance and wisdom from the right people! It’s a tricky task not many students know how to deal with. Yes, job finding can be hectic, but the UAE offers any vacancy available for you as long as you have essential skills to apply. So, my ultimate advice is: Always ask, search and make sure you’re getting the guidance from the right people, in the right place you choose. Cheers!