Dubai according to Natasha Amar

Dubai has always owned its own narrative. I grew up here as a third-culture kid and I’ve seen the city transform from a laid-back town on the banks of Dubai Creek to an ultra-modern metropolis. This city has a spirit. It doesn’t let outside perceptions of what it is and what it should be hinder its own ambitions and progress. 

This is one of the most diverse large cities in the world — and you can feel it. The early 1990s saw a huge influx of immigrant workers from South Asia, and quickly Dubai became a melting pot. Growing up here was like getting to see a microcosm of the world even before I’d actually traveled. Today, Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities, which is something I deeply love about it.  

“It’s a microcosm of the world.”

Tweet quote

Digital nomads in the city made it even easier to meet people from around the world. When I first started working here as a freelancer, I missed a sense of community. But now, thanks to the influx of digital nomads and remote workers, it’s easier to connect with like-minded people. Dubai is a transient city. There are a lot of expats here, and a good number of people are just passing through and staying for a limited period of time. Friendships can be fleeting but there are still digital nomads that fall in love with the city so much, they decide to make it their home base.

There are lots of great co-working spaces. I like to work from The Daily at the Rove Hotel. There are a number of Rove locations around town, and they are excellent for networking with location-independent remote workers. Letswork events have also been a great way to meet people.

The best time to visit is between October and March. The weather cools down considerably. It’s also high time for outdoor events and festivals. Art Dubai and the Sikka Art Fair, which take place in February and March every year are my favorites. Art lovers from around the region descend on the city for exhibitions, workshops, and free outdoor concerts. Otherwise, you can also find me at lively Kite Beach, which has outdoor events and group fitness classes, and cycling at Mushrif Park in the cooler months. 

You can even get a jazz fix in the desert. Q’s Bar & Lounge at the swanky Palazzo Versace is a must-visit for jazz and soul lovers. For outdoor jazz in a laid-back setting (with free admission, no less), check out Jazz Garden, an annual multi-day event that brings some of the most talented artists from around the world to Dubai. 

Explore the other emirates while you’re here. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah are all within driving distance and make for a perfect day trip or weekend away. If you enjoy hiking, you’ll invariably find yourself in one of Ras Al Khaimah’s many wadis that crisscross the Hajar Mountains. Fujairah is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and boat trips. Abu Dhabi is worth a visit for cultural attractions—check out the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

There’s work to do from a sustainability perspective, but awareness is rising. The city is definitely headed in the right direction with more initiatives around issues like climate change, overconsumption and waste. But the city could do more. On the bright side, ever since Expo2020 Dubai, sustainable technologies are popping up in a way they haven’t before. The city is still driven by commerce, so green living takes conscious effort, but it’s certainly possible.