The level of wealth among high-class people in Dubai is sometimes hard for common folk to wrap their heads around. Most of us walk around with a smartphone that has limitless access to the internet and the apps we need, but in Dubai, the latest iPhone can be disregarded as a peasant’s gadget.
No matter how many new iPhones and Androids keep coming out, those advanced mobile phones will never be custom-made items. As it turns out, custom-made smartphones or simply ultra-expensive models are something you see in Dubai more than anywhere else.
Alcohol Consumption is Limited
Due to religious beliefs, you will only find non-Muslims drinking in Dubai. Tourists are allowed to drink alcohol if it is purchased from licensed restaurants, hotels, and bars that are attached to hotels with licenses. If you are found drinking in a public place, including the beach, you can be seriously punished. It is considered extremely unacceptable to drink in public.
Further, you have to be careful about how much you consume. Dubai is severe regarding its rules about public drunkenness and has absolutely zero tolerance for anyone found drinking and driving. In order to actually purchase an alcoholic beverage from a store, you must have a special license, even if you are a tourist. However, you can buy alcohol at the airport and bring it back to your hotel. Though the rules in Dubai may come off as harsh, the city is known for having some of the highest-quality alcohol in the world.
Texting and Driving Is More Common Than You'd Hope
While Dubai is at the forefront of some of the world's greatest industries, the driving culture there is a lot different than in other places. Sadly, distracted drivers are one of the most common reasons for car accidents in Dubai, and in the UAE in general. Many of those accidents are caused by young drivers who text or use social media on their phones while driving.
In 2018, students from the American University of Sharjah pledged not to use their phones while driving in an effort to fight road fatalities. While their initiative is commendable, this issue is far from being completely solved. Still, no matter where you are, it's always advised to look both ways before crossing the street.
Matchmaking Is Still Done Through the Newspaper
Say goodbye to dating apps or online dating. If you live in Dubai, it is totally an option for you to find your one true love in the classified section of whatever newspaper you're subscribed to. That's right, what used to be common before websites such as Craigslist or OkCupid came along is still going strong in some countries.
Dubai natives (or their parents or matchmakers for that matter) can post an ad in the newspaper specifying some personal information about the person and their desired spouse. People who think they could be a good match (or, again, their parents or matchmakers) may get in touch with them through the contact information at the bottom.
Marriage Is Taken Very Seriously
Sharia law speaks highly of proper marriage and frowns upon unjustified divorce. There are very specific circumstances under which a couple can divorce, and even then, there could be great consequences to such a decision.
This is why, in Dubai, married Muslim couples interested in terminating their marriage are advised to use the services of a marriage counselor or look for reconciliation before ultimately deciding whether or not they want to stay together. When you think about it, it sounds like a pretty good idea no matter where you live.