10 Things I Didn't Know About Dubai

"Finally, a driver who doesn't talk back."

I just got back from a 36 hr whirlwind trip to Dubai where I discovered a thing or two I didn't know about this Arabic gem in the middle of the desert.


1) Petrol is cheaper than water. Literally.

2) Water is very expensive.

3) Dubai is not the capital of the U.A.E. Abu Dhabi is.

4) The specialty in Dubai is bread. For those coming from Asia, the absence of rice may come as a refreshing surprise...or shock.

5) Chinatown is a mall.

6) Bus stops along the streets have air conditioning.

7) If you see a group of tourists with a guide in your hotel, don't worry, they're actually on a tour.

8) There are pink taxi cabs driven by women that only pick up women (especially good if you're having a bad hair day). Women can also go in the cabs driven by men, hence, it's the men who actually have less choice.

9) High speed sand driving on desert dunes...not for everybody.

10) There is a souk (Arab market place) which is actually an exact replica of what you think a souk would be like. It's not ironic.

In Dubai, there is the biggest mall in the world, the highest building in the world, the largest aquarium in the world...the list goes on. It's almost as though the urban planners get together once a week, hopped up on coffee, check out the guinness book of world records, and say: "You know what would be cool? The biggest....(fill in the blank)."
It's an architect's dream location.
So, if you are an aspiring architect who loves olives, hummus, camel rides, and swimming with dolphins... this is the place for you.
Small tip: Fly Emirates, the tiny cans with coke written in Arabic make great souvenirs for the kids waiting at home.