Living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduces you to a world where even the police ride in style. Imagine being pulled over by a Lamborghini or a Ferrari – that’s a regular occurrence here! The UAE’s police fleet includes some of the most luxurious supercars you could think of. This might seem excessive, but it’s also a strategic move to bridge the gap between the police and the public, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Ferrari FF: Perfect for high-speed chases, perhaps?
Lamborghini Aventador: Certainly makes a statement when patrolling!
Bugatti Veyron: Holding the title for one of the fastest police cars in the world.
Forget the typical Saturday-Sunday weekend. In the UAE, the weekend falls on Friday and Saturday. This is primarily due to Friday being a holy day for Muslims, where Jummah prayers are held around noon. This shift might be a bit confusing for newcomers but gets pretty easy to get used to. It’s quite an interesting shift from the Western norm, giving expats a unique taste of cultural differences.
Friday Gatherings: Social and family gatherings are typically held on Fridays.
Saturday Rush: Imagine having your busiest shopping days on Saturdays just like the rest of the world!
Yes, you read that right. In a land known for its opulence, why withdraw just cash when you can withdraw gold? The UAE is home to the world’s first gold dispensing ATM. This fancy machine not only allows you to withdraw pieces of gold but also updates the prices every 10 minutes based on market rates. Located in luxurious shopping malls and hotels, these ATMs are a symbol of the lavish lifestyle that the UAE offers.
Gold Bars: You can choose from up to 320 items, including gold bars.
Customizable: Fancy a gold coin with your face on it? You can have that too!
In the UAE, low digit number plates are a status symbol. Auctions for these number plates can see bids going into millions of dirhams. The fewer digits on the plate, the higher the prestige. It’s not uncommon for people to spend more on a number plate than on their car!
Auctioned for Millions: Some number plates are sold for amounts that could easily buy you a mansion.
Status Symbols: Much like a luxury watch or a designer handbag, a fancy number plate is a must-have accessory here.
Given the extreme temperatures in the UAE, especially during the summer, waiting for a bus can be quite a challenge. However, the UAE addresses this by having air-conditioned bus stops. These aren’t just any bus stops; they’re enclosed spaces with full air-conditioning to provide relief from the scorching heat. Now that’s taking public transport comfort to another level!
Comfort While You Wait: Makes waiting for the bus a cool experience, quite literally.
Enclosed Spaces: Protects you from the harsh sun and provides a pleasant waiting experience.
Shopping malls in the UAE are not just places to shop. They are massive entertainment complexes designed to keep you engaged for the whole day. The Mall of the Emirates, for instance, houses an indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. It’s quite a surreal experience to go from the desert heat to below freezing temperatures within a few minutes.
Ski Dubai: Features an 85-meter high indoor mountain with 5 slopes and a Snow Park.
All Year Skiing: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing irrespective of the outside temperature.
Camel racing is a traditional and popular sport in the UAE, but with a modern twist. Instead of human jockeys, robots are used. These robots are controlled by trainers who follow the camels in vehicles along the track. It’s a fascinating blend of tradition and technology that reflects the innovative spirit of the UAE.
Robot Jockeys: Lightweight robots equipped with whips and GPS systems to guide the camels.
Safety and Tradition: The use of robots enhances safety and preserves the cultural heritage of camel racing.
The UAE has a deep-rooted love for fragrances, and not just any fragrances, but luxury ones. Oud, a rare and expensive resin used in Middle Eastern perfumes, is particularly popular. Walking through any mall, the scent of Oud and other perfumes fills the air, creating an aromatic shopping experience.
Oud: Derived from the tropical agar tree, known for its rich and captivating fragrance.
Luxury Brands: Home to some of the world’s most extravagant perfume brands.
These fun facts about living in the UAE highlight how this nation is a blend of traditional values and modern lifestyle, offering a unique and often amusing way of life. From gold-dispensing ATMs to robot camel jockeys, the UAE certainly knows how to blend luxury with culture in the most fascinating ways.
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