My view of Dubai
Hi,
I have been in Dubai for 6 months now and I would like to give you my view of Dubai!
I am from Australia. In Aus I worked for a Qantas as a MAM casual. This was a really great job but for me after two years I was bored with domestic flying I wanted more international flights. I had done some international flying with Qantas to Hong Kong, Manila and Singapore, Japan, NZ and I loved it! When I heard from a friend that Emirates was recruiting I signed up. It felt like at the time it was the perfect thing to do.
One month later I was in Dubai. On landing I was thinking what have I done. From near the airport all I could see were these tiny white houses with sand everywhere. When I got to my accom I found out that a girl from melbourne was moving into a 3 bedroom apartment with me. In the afternoon we took a taxi to Mall of Emirates and that was great. Once there I was so excited. The next day was training. Having gone through training with another airline before I was not as stressed as others so I found the training fun!
I have been here for 6 months now and when I go on a layover and I am landing back into Dubai it feels like I am coming back home.
I came over here at the end of June and it was about 40'c plus everyday. This for me hasn't really been a problem. Everything is airconditioned so you wil only have to walk outside for a bit to find a taxi. On the beach you can wear your bikini, no problem. Some of the local guys look at you but if you can ignore it and not let it get to you you won't have a problem.
I think that dubai is a beautiful place. When I look out my window I can see palm trees a mosque and Sheike Zayed Rd in the distance. At first when I heard the prayers over the speakers calling them to prayer I was a bit shocked but no I think it is nice and I don't even notice it anymore.
I was here during Ramadan. Most crew take leave during this time. MOst of the bars are closed. A couple are still open so you can go out for a drink or if you have your alcohol licence have a drink at home. There are a lot of house parties. Or take it as a month off from partying.
During this month you will have to cover up. eg T'shirt sleaves instead of singlets. No short shorts. so they at least are near your knees. No drinking, eating in public. I went to the mall and I was thinking that everthing would be shut in the foodcourt but there were still some take-aways open they just had a cover near tem so you were covered from the public. Plus they will deliver everthing and anything in Dubai so you can get food delivered. If you want to be completly lazy you can call your local supermarket and they will deliver your milk and bread, no charge.
Once the sun goes down everything is open so you can go out for dinner then and everything is really busy. Dubai is a muslim country so you have to respect their religion. If you have foreigners moving to live in your country you would respect them to respect your cultures so it goes both ways.
I have not had a problem with the locals. Some of the taxi drivers are really funny and love having a chat. Everyone is willing to help you. Yeah I guess sometimes they look at you when you are walking but just ignore it. There is no use making a deal of it.
I say come to Dubai, The flying is great. I love living in Dubai and if it doesn't go well with you, you can always leave. Before I came I read everything about Dubai. So search the internet. A great book is the residence guide to Dubai by Lonley planet. It has everthing in there and is very useful.
If you just want to fly maybe fly for an airline in your country but if you want to fly all over the world, meet new people and have great experiences come to Dubai!!!
Letsfly