Michaeldaviez

What is your opinion on this story about Dubai's non-culture?

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/fe...4/dubai-201104

Meow

That's an old article and has been covered before. There is 'culture' here but you have to make an effort to find it sometimes. Of course, it depends on your definition of culture, but you have to bear in mind that the UAE is only 40 years old. Like anywhere, life in Dubai is what you make it.

Patsy Stoned

and here is a very well written rebuttal from "housewife in dubai"
I particularly like the Dubai world cup?Aintree comparison.

http://dubaihousewife.wordpress.com/...-for-a-a-gill/

The Dean

AA Gill is bestest mates with Jeremy Clarkson (they both write columns for the Sunday Times and they help each other with spelling difficult words and stuff), so you can safely ignore most of what he writes.

Nevertheless, he makes a few valid points, but mainly about Emiratis not expats. "Born retired" - nicely put.

Mrs Rebuttal-Housewife makes a few valid points too, but mostly trots out the dull and well-worn cliches that such rebuttals always contain.

I always tell people - and will continue to do so - that they should come to Dubai and see it for themselves; they make like it (nobody "loves" it) or loathe it, but I guarantee them that it will be different from what they expect. Completely.

Norm_uk

It always amazes me just how good people like A.A. Gill and Clarkson are at their jobs...which is mostly about ruffling the feathers of politically correct middle class folk.

Even more amazing is the response of people who will never be citizens of any kind defending Dubai from such silly people.

You should all read what Gill has said about the Welsh and English - borders on nasty racism...don't take Dubai bashing too seriously everyone. We're just guest workers here pushing our luck for the most part. If you want shocking journalism learn Arabic and read the Arabic press.

N.

Miss Anne Thrope

In fairness, I think Dubai Housewife's unbearably smug picture of Dubai as Stepford is about as accurate as AA Gill's senationalised pit of debauchery. Both places exist but neither represents the life that most of us lead here.

Frankly, if forced to choose, I think I'd prefer to live in Gill's version. He seems much less judgemental.

As for the OP's question, you can find almost anything you want in Dubai if you're open and curious. That includes bucketloads of culture, fascinating history (the whole region is dotted with some of the best preserved neolithic sites in the world), unbelievable nature within easy reach and stunningly generous philanthropy. Most of that is not advertised as part of the deal and you may have to work a bit harder here than elsewhere to find it - but that makes it even more rewarding when you do.

I came here reluctantly because my job required it but 6 years later I'm still enjoying it. Not everybody has a good experience here but that is true for any expatriation location. If you simply want to replicate where you are now (or some idealised version of that a la Dubai Housewife) I suggest staying at home.

Michaeldaviez

great responses guys.
Thanks.

guuuude

Strange but i have to agree with you

The best sample i found yesterday in Facebook on Sheikh Dubai whatevers page, so funny to read this comments under his picture when he was using the metro in Dubai.

seven seas

+1

BTW Clarkson writes about as much as my pet cockroach. He has people write his designed-to-provoke material for him. His piss-poor performances on QI are proof of this.