The Emirate of Dubai

Undertaking, overtaking, swapping lanes unannounced, beeping horns for who-knows-what reason – just a few things that strike you within the first moments of driving around Dubai. Or, rather, being driven around. You wouldn’t catch Phileas operating a car here - they haven’t invented a left turn. Or right turn for that matter. It’s a U-turn or straight on to Abu Dhabi.

Phileas would rather walk; but then he can’t. If the heat (don’t know what it was in the day but it was 39°C at 9.30pm) doesn’t get you, the lack of pavements certainly will. We have a wonderful flat to stay in here (thanks Mr. & Mrs B!!) but to get to the other side of the road you have some pretty unattractive options.

1) A chicken run across the busiest road in Dubai.
2) Walk 1 mile to the nearest traffic calming spot where you might not get run over if you’re lucky and then walk 1 mile back.
3) Get a taxi to take you round the intersection and back.

All in all, the pedestrian and public transport infrastructure is non-existent in Dubai. This is not particularly helpful when the city has several hotspots, all separated by major road arteries.
However, taxi fares are reasonable and air conditioned.

Once past the apparent failure of the planners though, Dubai has character of its own. It’s as modern as modern can be. Apart from the ubiquitous roadworks, new builds are everywhere! The tallest, the biggest, the most expensive, the stupidest – why build a set of new islands, when you have seemingly endless stretches of unused dry land? I fear Google Earth may be the answer!

But getting on to the people, for it is they who count for the most. Err, which people do we speak of? The Arabs, the Indians, Thais, British, Americans, Australians… Dubai (ask me not of the other 6 Emirates) is a truly multi-national place. Superficially at least, everyone can mingle freely together; comfortably, and without fear. Mind you, there was a guy who tried to shortchange me 50 Dirhams (approx £7) and Mrs Phileas did fail to look the correct way when crossing the road! This is not quite Arabia for the Arabs. Yet the Arabs do rule, without doubt, and they walk proudly in their traditional garb. It’s a sight to behold – one that is so alien that it holds a glance and yet one that feels so comfortable, I may well be disappointed not to encounter it in my world at home.

With a lot more rain, a bit more green, a decent planning department and several centuries of history, Dubai could well be the world squeezed into one small Emirate. Just turn down the oven a bit will you?
Mind you, I’ve not seen any Latin Americans…