What Makes Dubai Unique?

To most of the world, Dubai is best known for boasting the biggest, newest, and most expensive buildings, hotels, and malls. But for residents, Dubai actually has a lot more to offer than just that. For us, it’s the little things that make Dubai unique—from the shawarma stands to the tailors; here are just a few….

Tea Man

Dubai is so indulgent that you don’t even need to make your own tea! Simply call up your local cafeteria and ask them for special masala chai or just plain if you like. Your tea will arrive in a hygienic plastic glass snugly covered with aluminum foil on the lid to keep it piping hot. From laborers to businessmen, these places are indispensable…

Henna Lady

Henna, in the past, was regarded as having “ Barakah” blessings, and was applied for luck as well as joy and beauty. Today, it still plays a big role in tradition. Yet now women partake in henna application, either to experience UAE culture or for decoration. Henna’s traditional decorating purposes vary from culture to culture. The most popular traditional use is tied closely with weddings and bridal preparation; these designs tend to be the most ornate, covering the most area. Other uses include the celebration of Eid, female camaraderie and beauty, and other celebrations.

Shawarma Man

Irrespective of your original nationality, the shawarma is highly tempting and no neighborhood is complete without the ubiquitous shawarma stand. To us in Dubai, the story of the cafeteria is a true tale of the mixing of cultures. Be it in a cafeteria or a sit-down restaurant, this little mini-meal is synonymous with the pizza of America.

Fresh Juice

Dubai would definitely not be complete without our local neighborhood juice and sandwich bars. Serving up everything from milk and avocado juice to more exotic mango and lychee concoctions, these places are a slice of heaven for a fraction of the price. Where else can you get a freshly squeezed juice at 2 AM? Especially when it is served to you while you wait in the comfort of your car—and with names like Burj Al Arab cocktail, Dubai cocktail, Blackberry cocktail, or Ferrari cocktail, you can’t go wrong!

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Grocery

We are not talking about the vast aisles of super air conditioned hypermarket space in the mall, but rather the tiny overflowing shops found on nearly every street corner selling everything from fresh vegetables to chewing gum. It is not so much the shops that make them unique, but the shopkeepers who have this job mastered to the tee. Not only do they manage the books for loyal customers who pay monthly bills at the end of the month, but also manage to keep customers satisfied by their uncanny ability to locate the most profound item anywhere within a three-kilometer radius just to please their loyal customers.

Moroccan Bath

If you have not tried a traditional hammam (or Moroccan bath) you are missing out on one of life’s most affordable, yet indulgingly luxurious treatments Dubai has to offer. Complete with a full steam, this will leave you feeling deliciously pampered and spanking clean. While the steam helps you detox, the special soap applied and then scrubbed off leaves you exfoliated and tingly clean. It usually includes a hair shampoo and body massage.

Neighborhood Laundry

Just got a last minute invitation and need that dress ironed in a jiffy? Everywhere else this would be a problem, but not in Dubai. Taking luxury and pampering to the next level, you can actually get your dress pressed and hung within an hour or two usually. The best part is that this service comes with a smile and the clothes are actually picked up from your home and delivered right back to you.