The other day, in the face of a total lack of logic I found myself not willing to argue, disagree, or even comment. Instead I just accepted it as a standard Dubai thing I have grown accustomed to. It got me thinking of all the things in Dubai that we’ve found to be very different to what we grew to expect in Australia, but have grown used to. This isn’t meant to be a rant and rave about how things back home are better. It’s not the issue.
I just think it’s interesting how some things we get used to quite quickly and easily. Others I don’t think I’ll ever get used to.
The following is no where near exhaustive, but it’s a list of some of the key differences I can recall that we’ve encountered, and just how long it’s taken us to accept or get used to them.
| Different thing | How long before we got used to it |
| A total lack of logic or common sense in some people and processes | Around six weeks – although it still raises a wry smile at times |
| Driving on the right-hand side of the road | 1 – 2 weeks from driving, although still getting used to this in car parks. Driving again on left side took more than two weeks to revert back |
| Driving in a crazy scary fashion | A good six months to learn what to expect. And from my parents’ feedback when they holidayed here, it took me less than seven months to start driving the same way. |
| No household recycling | Throwing paper in the regular bin took couple of weeks, but still feels strange to throw cans in the trash |
| Kids jumping around in the back seat not wearing seatbelts | Not used to it yet, and I’m sure it’ll always haunt me |
| Prevalence of hired help at home | 3-4 months – but couldn’t get it myself |
| Being able to get literally anything home delivered | 2 months, and it’s disappointing that everywhere else doesn’t do this |
| Not being able to show affection in public | Immediately off the plane, I know a few guys that are jealous of this |
| Working week starts on a Sunday | At least three months – but still occasionally refer to the week’s end as Friday, and tell work mates I’ll see them on Monday |
| Massive height of the Burj Dubai | Around nine months. It’s a good sign I’ve been here more than a little while, cause it honestly doesn’t look that big. |
| Massive proportion of luxury cars | Four months, but some cars will still revert me to a 12 year old when I spot them |
| Often seeing two guys, always just friends, holding hands | 2-3 months before it seemed normal, but it continues to shock when I see them holding hands while walking into a public toilet |
This post is hilarious!!
Although certain things like children jumping around the car not wearing seatbelts isn’t such a shocker to me since Malaysia is like that too but still I wish there were rules about this universally.
Driving on the other side of the road is alright for me but I still look for my gear on my left!!
The Burj? Big? Nah!