Ten things I miss about living in the UAE since I moved to Canada
The chances are that the hardest thing you’ll ever have to do in the UAE is leave. The country is a haven for travellers – but that also means packing up and bidding farewell is all part and parcel of the journey.
Obviously, everyone has their own experiences and memories of the UAE, and given that its diverse population will move to countries around the world, it can be difficult to say what people will miss most.
As someone who has recently relocated to Canada, here’s what I miss about living in the Emirates:
Perennial sunshine
Yes, the UAE summer may not be for everyone. But it’s a small price to pay for brilliant blue skies all year round.
Every single day, you can step out of the house without having to check the weather forecast or wear a million layers (like I do in my new Canadian home). That also means that on the handful of days that it does rain in the UAE, it’s rare enough that you appreciate the novelty.
The ease of everyday life
One of the biggest things I miss about the UAE is the sheer convenience the country provides. Need the house cleaned? You can hire a cleaner at a nominal rate. Maintenance? There’s a guy for that and you can book him using an app. Fancy a cup of tea well after midnight? Some late-night cafes will even deliver it to your car for a dirham or two.
Let’s face it, the country spoils you, and it’s hard to adapt to a life less convenient after moving on.
Everything delivered
Going out of your house isn’t a necessity, but a choice. After all, you can get everything under the sun at your door. I’m not just talking about Zomato and Talabat or Amazon and Noon. I’m thinking of haircuts, massages, laundry, pet grooming, PCR tests and fuel (thank you, Cafu).
You can even call the local grocer to ask for a single packet of crisps or some milk.
Every cuisine under the sun
Thanks to the diversity of the population (there are more than 200 nationalities in Dubai alone), you can find just about every cuisine your heart desires. With options such as Peruvian-Japanese-French or an Omakase with Emirati-Japanese flavours, it’s easy to feel spoilt for choice, especially because sometimes it’s all under the same roof.
And thanks to the everevolving food scene and homegrown players, the options are only getting better.
The ridiculously delicious and cheap street food
While UAE is known for it’s high standard of living, you really do get the best of both worlds. The street food, in particular, is eclectic and cheap.
Anyone who has lived in the UAE for any length of time knows that shawarmas, falafels and hummus are delicious and found on every corner, while cafeterias will prepare dishes such as Szechuan chicken noodles, chips Oman parottas and colourful sundaes.
From Emirati regag and luqaimat to Dh1 chai and pani puri, you don’t need to break the bank for a delicious and hearty meal out.
The nightlife
Restaurants and clubs are open late, beach clubs are bustling and, thanks to the warm weather and great sense of security, going out at night is easy and, well, fun.
If you’re always looking for your next party, the UAE – and Dubai, in particular – might be a difficult place to get over when you leave.
The technology
In terms of life admin, processes are fine-tuned, easily deciphered and everything is online. All you need is a mobile phone and internet to do everything from banking and paying off driving fines to making bookings and clearing utility bills.
It really does feel like you’re living in the future sometimes, especially if you then move to a place that has a lot of red tape.
Road trips
Many people in the love their cars. Fuel is cheaper than most other parts of the globe, plus long stretches of road and affordable insurance makes this a great place to own a vehicle.
Some of my favourite memories involve long drives with no end destination.
The views
With sandy white beaches around every corner, gorgeous desert views (if you drive to the outskirts of the cities) and rocky mountains as you get closer to Ras Al Khaimah, there’s a lot of gorgeous natural beauty to explore in the UAE.
But if it’s sparkling skyscraper views that make your heart beat faster, it doesn’t get any better than Downtown Dubai at night.
Easy and quick travel
Thanks to its central location, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to satisfy that wanderlust. There is a plethora of countries less than a four-hour flight away and this also translates to cheap tickets and impulsive weekend getaways.
My top tip: be sure to take advantage of those offers and air miles while you can.