’Dubai is a city, not a country:’ Indian man debunks myths about living in UAE
Mangalore Today News Network/News18
Dubai, May 15, 2024: Dubai, renowned for its vibrant and luxurious lifestyle, has increasingly attracted tourists and expatriates looking to explore or start a new chapter in their lives. Recently, an X (Formerly Twitter) user took to social media to debunk some common myths about the city, offering a detailed and eye-opening perspective on what living in Dubai is really like.
Rohit Manchanda, a Dubai resident, began his post by addressing the misconception about Dubai’s weather, stating, “No, it’s not always scorching hot. June to September are the only “hot months” with temperatures up to 40 °C. Other months, weather is pretty favorable.”
I live in Dubai.
— Rohit Manchanda (@rohit_thinks) May 12, 2024
There are many myths about Dubai.
Let’s debunk them:
1. No, it’s not always scorching hot. June to September are the only “hot months” with temperatures up to 40 °C.
Other months, weather is pretty favorable.
2. No, alcohol is not banned. Non-Muslims are… pic.twitter.com/Vwd3pFvCiI
In his second point, he tackled the myth about alcohol, clarifying, “No, alcohol is not banned. Non-Muslims are allowed to take alcohol in licensed bars and restaurants. For personal consumption at home, all you’ll need is to apply for an alcohol license.”
Manchanda also emphasised that Dubai is indeed women-friendly. He highlighted the UAE’s commitment to promoting gender equality, with women actively participating in the workforce and enjoying the same legal rights as men.
While many assume Arabic is the predominant language in Dubai, Manchanda clarified that English is also widely spoken due to the large expat population. He pointed out that English serves as a common language among the city’s diverse residents.
In his next point, Manchanda debunked the myth that every expat lives an “exotic” lifestyle. He explained that many expats work regular jobs in education, retail and healthcare. “And it’s possible to live a modest lifestyle here according to your income,” he added.
He wrapped up his post with, “Last but not least; No, Dubai is a city, not a country. It’s a city based in the UAE.”
Manchanda’s post stirred significant online engagement, amassing over 170,000 views and sparking a flurry of reactions from the users.
A user enthused, “This is amazing Rohit! What a beautiful place. We’d absolutely love to visit there one day! We have a cousin that lives in Qatar so we might make the trip in the next few years!” while another commented, “Don’t downplay the summer temps. It’s Vegas heat with Houston humidity.”
An individual expressed, “Debunked Have to visit one day, the city looks amazing!.” Many were surprised by the requirement for a license to consume alcohol at home. A person joked, “You have to apply for a license to drink in your own home? Lollllll”
“An alcohol license to bring it home? Interesting,” another pondered. “Do I understand this correctly? – I have to apply for a license to drink alcohol in my home? And I can be denied that license? If yes, that sounds insane,” a commenter remarked.