The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of UAE

Intro

During my MBA, I had the opportunity to travel to the UAE for a Global Business class. This trip took me through the impressive cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where I witnessed firsthand the contrasts and complexities of this fascinating country. Below are my personal reflections, categorized into "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" of the UAE.

The Good

The Infrastructure is Great

The UAE has some of the best infrastructure in the world. The roads are wide and well-maintained, public transportation is efficient, and the airports are world-class. The UAE is also home to some of the most impressive buildings in the world, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Besides that, the UAE is also home to the world's largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, which is a must-visit for anyone who loves shopping. There are countless things to do in the UAE, from shopping to sightseeing to dining.

It is a Great Place to do Business

The UAE is a great place to do business. The government is very supportive of entrepreneurs and businesses, and the tax environment is very favorable. It's no surprise that many companies have established a presence in the UAE. It actually takes 15 minutes to set up a business in the UAE, all online from the official UAE Ministry of Economy website.

The Safety and Security is Top Notch

The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are very low, and the police are very efficient. This is partly due to a strict legal system that enforces severe penalties. As a word of advice, it is very important to respect the laws and customs of the UAE. Alcohol-related offenses are particularly serious and the maximum BAC for driving is absolute 0.0%. Regardless of whether we consider this zero-tolerance policy harsh, this means that even the small alcohol content in a cough syrup could get you in serious trouble.

The Emiratis are Extremely Kind

The people of the UAE are very friendly and welcoming. They are always eager to help, and will go out of their way to make you feel at home. This is especially true of the Emiratis, renowned for their hospitality. I had the pleasure of meeting several Emiraties during my trip, and they were all very kind and welcoming.

There is Luxury Everywhere

The UAE is a country of luxury. Everywhere you go, you'll find high-end shopping malls, luxury hotels, and fine dining restaurants. The UAE is a great place to live if you enjoy the finer things in life. The UAE is also a great place to shop, with many luxury brands having a presence in the country.

Tip: Contrary to popular belief, the UAE is affordable for certain goods like clothing and small personal accessories. Bring an empty suitcase, you will need it!

The Bad

Dubai is a City of Contrasts

The UAE, and particularly Dubai, is a city of contrasts. On one hand, there's the glitz and glamour of luxury hotels and shopping malls. On the other hand, there are worker camps, where the laborers who built the city live in squalid conditions. It's a stark reminder of the inequality that exists in the city. I remember walking through some areas of Dubai, far from the city center, and seeing the living conditions that some people have to endure at +100°F.

Fake Goods

The UAE is known for its fake goods. You can find everything from fake designer handbags to fake electronics. While this might be good for some people, it's not good for the economy. It's also not good for the people who are buying these goods, as they are often of poor quality. If you want to buy something in the UAE, make sure you do that from a reputable store, like the Dubai Mall. Many other stores are notorious for selling counterfeit goods.

Some Dubious People

Although I don't have undeniable evidence of this, I had several encounters that made me feel like talking to a kingpin. The UAE is known for hosting extremely wealthy people, and unfortunately not all wealth comes from good services or products. I personally have a very positive opinion of Emiraties though; some expats living there, not so much.

Nightlife is Not That Great

While the UAE is known for its luxury lifestyle, the nightlife is not that great. There are zero bars in Dubai, yes, you read that right, zero. Or at least, there are zero bars like the ones we know in the West. If you want to drink alcohol, you have to go to the hotel restaurants, where you can have alcohol or a meal. Several times I also found myself attending a 'Dubai Super Party,' only to discover it was an almost empty gathering in a hotel bar playing "elevator music".

It Can Be Very Expensive

As I mentioned before, not all goods are expensive, however the cost of "showing off" in the UAE is very high. You can have a meal for 2 dollars in a local restaurant, but if you want to go to a fancy restaurant, you can easily spend 100 dollars per person. The most expensive dish in Dubai costs nearly $10,000 USD for a 250-gram portion . The same applies to hotels, shopping, and entertainment. The UAE comes with a hefty price tag for those seeking a luxurious lifestyle.

Tip: If you have an expensive meal -and I strongly recommend you have at least one $50-$100 meal- make sure you take a picture of it! Trust me, you are not paying for the great meal, you are paying for the even greater picture!

The Ugly

Lots of Cameras Everywhere

While this may not truly be "ugly", I find it somewhat unsettling to see cameras everywhere. The UAE is a country that takes security very seriously, and as a result, there are cameras everywhere. You can't walk down the street without being observed, which can feel unnerving. Anywhere you go, be it a mall, a hotel, or a restaurant, you will be able to count at least 5 cameras watching you.

Closing Thoughts

The UAE is truly a country of contrasts—a place where the ancient and the ultramodern stand side by side, where extraordinary wealth coexists with pockets of hardship. Despite these disparities, it's a society that offers many opportunities, where the fortunate often help uplift others by creating jobs and pathways to success.

More than anything, Dubai stands out as a remarkable business hub with a lifestyle that caters to those who appreciate luxury and cultural richness. I look forward to one day starting my own side business there; I believe it will be an exciting and rewarding adventure!