Dubai is a city where luxury and absurdity go hand in hand. For many people living or visiting here, there are moments so unique you simply won’t encounter them anywhere else in the world. Whether it’s service on another level, bizarre street scenes, or just the typical daily occurrences, these experiences are quintessentially Dubai.
This is the kind of thing you only see in this city
A Rolls Royce parked on the pavement, while the driver in traditional attire feeds stray cats with a designer bag in hand. That kind of scene is almost commonplace in Dubai. Just like people leaving their smartphone or laptop on a table in a food court to reserve their spot. While that would be asking for trouble elsewhere, in Dubai nobody bats an eye.
Service here is next-level. You don’t need to get out of your car to pick up food or drinks, as staff come directly to you. Thanks to apps, you can have your car washed and refuelled overnight while you sleep. Also notable are the fully air-conditioned terraces at five-star hotels, even in the middle of summer.
Then there are the moments that are almost comical in their absurdity: someone orders a custom-made ring via WhatsApp, a milk delivery driver makes their rounds in a Tesla, and children are sent out with multiple nannies. Or what about chauffeurs driving clients around Dubai Mall as if they were royalty.
Luxury, convenience and chaos in one big mix
What truly makes Dubai unique is the bizarre combination of extremes. Expats seeing their suitcases on the baggage carousel before they’ve even cleared passport control, or locals camping in Fujairah with a flatscreen TV and air conditioning unit. And then there are the traffic situations: someone honking at a McDonald’s drive-thru to have their food brought to their car, or the Instashop delivery person stepping into the lift with just one can of soda.
It’s precisely these moments that make Dubai so fascinating. As one newcomer perfectly put it: “The mix of luxury and chaos is wild… in the best way.”
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
Join The Discussion