What's the Best Thing About Dubai?

Introduction
Cultural Melting Pot
Luxurious Lifestyle
World-class Attractions
Business and Career Opportunities
Health and Education
Living in Dubai: The Dream

Introduction

Living in Dubai is akin to residing in a treasure chest where each gemstone offers a different but equally enchanting experience. It's not just about the glittering skyscrapers, sprawling malls, and beaches that define Dubai; there's more to this bustling metropolis than meets the eye. This article aims to unfold the manifold layers that make up the allure of Dubai, helping you understand why it has become one of the most sought-after destinations globally. So, what is the best thing about Dubai? That's like asking which star shines the brightest in the sky; every aspect has unique charm and importance.

Luxurious Lifestyle

When we talk about luxury, it's not just in the context of villas or high-end cars; it's a way of life in Dubai. From state-of-the-art public transport facilities to luxuriously designed public parks, luxury in Dubai is accessible to everyone. Dubai offers a range of choices for those looking to buy properties, from high-end apartments in Jumeirah to sprawling houses in the Emirates Hills. Facilities available in these areas are of the highest quality, whether you are looking for gyms, swimming pools, or shopping centers. A wide range of luxury shopping can also be experienced in the city, from the Dubai Mall to unique boutique stores scattered throughout the metropolis.

World-class Attractions

The Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Fountain are just the tip of the iceberg for world-class attractions in Dubai. The city has multiple Guinness World Records, including the tallest building and the largest indoor ski resort. The tourism aspect of Dubai is highly developed, with a range of activities suitable for all age groups. The city offers a wide range of activities from indoor theme parks to desert safaris. Check out the Visit Dubai website for a comprehensive list of activities and destinations in the city.

Business and Career Opportunities

Dubai is the economic powerhouse of the UAE, attracting business people and career-oriented individuals alike. The emirate's tax-free environment and state-of-the-art infrastructure make it a popular choice for setting up businesses. Moreover, many career opportunities in sectors like real estate, tourism, and technology find Dubai the perfect destination for professional growth.

Health and Education

If you consider living in Dubai with your family, you'll find many educational and healthcare facilities. The emirate has some of the best international schools in the region, offering various curricula to meet the diverse needs of its expatriate community. Regarding healthcare, Dubai has several world-class hospitals and clinics that provide top-notch medical services. The healthcare facilities are equipped to handle various medical requirements, from regular check-ups to specialized treatments.

Living in Dubai: The Dream

After taking a whirlwind tour of what makes Dubai a unique blend of cultural richness, opulent lifestyle, career opportunities, and quality life, let's delve into the dream of living in Dubai. People come to Dubai with aspirations, goals, and the intent to make the most of their lives. This section will help you understand why life in Dubai is often considered a dream come true for many.

Architectural Marvels

Dubai can be likened to an open-air museum where architectural wonders offer awe-inspiring sights for anyone willing to appreciate modern design. Whether walking by the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab or visiting the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah, the skyline is always a sight. Speaking of Palm Jumeirah, villas in this area are the epitome of luxury, featuring anywhere from three to seven bedrooms, often with private pools and beachfront views. This shows the city's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, making it an architectural wonderland.

Eclectic Dining Experiences

In Dubai, you're not just living; you're thriving. Take its culinary landscape, for example. The emirate boasts a rich palette of cuisines from around the world—Asian, European, or local Emirati dishes. Fine-dining restaurants offer gastronomic experiences that engage all your senses. From the decor to the food presentation, it's an experience you won't easily forget. For more authentic experiences, the Dubai Spice Souk is a must-visit, offering a wide range of spices, herbs, and traditional culinary delights.

Live-Work-Play Environments

Mixed-use developments are becoming increasingly popular in Dubai, often providing residents with the convenience of having retail stores, offices, and recreational facilities within the same complex. This concept aligns well with the modern, fast-paced lifestyle that many people in Dubai prefer. The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls, is an excellent example of a mixed-use development where one can shop, dine, work, and even reside.

Sporting Excellence

For sports enthusiasts, Dubai is nothing short of a paradise. Home to various international sporting events like the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Tennis Championships, the city offers many facilities for active individuals. Golf courses, like the Emirates Golf Club, provide excellent amenities for those looking to hit the links in a luxurious setting. Moreover, you'll find state-of-the-art gyms and fitness centers almost everywhere, emphasizing the emirate's commitment to health and well-being.

Green Spaces Amidst the Desert

One might not expect greenery in a desert landscape, but Dubai defies all norms. Parks like Al Safa and Zabeel offer residents and visitors a respite from the urban hustle and bustle. These parks are not just stretches of green land but come equipped with jogging tracks, play areas for children, and even small lakes for boating. In more residential areas like Jumeirah and Emirates Hills, private gardens and communal parks add to the city's growing number of green spaces.

Safety and Governance

Another compelling reason that makes life in Dubai attractive is its reputation for safety and a low crime rate. Law enforcement agencies employ the latest technologies, including AI and facial recognition, to ensure public safety. Add to that excellent governance, and it's easy to understand why Dubai has become a popular destination for families.

Digital Transformation

While Dubai is a haven of modernity, it still has its roots. Places like the Al Fahidi Historic District offer glimpses into life before the skyscrapers and luxury cars. Residents and visitors can engage with local traditions, crafts, and culinary techniques, providing a well-rounded experience for anyone keen on understanding the local culture.

To wrap things up, living in Dubai is not just about enjoying the high life; it's about experiencing a high-quality life. Whether you're an expatriate or a national, a student or a CEO, the emirate has something to offer you that will meet and exceed your expectations. The best thing about Dubai is that it doesn't provide a monolithic experience; it's as diverse as the people who call this amazing city their home.

City Manager Spencer Cronk has asked City Council to decide four fundamental policy questions before staff resumes work on the land development code. Cronk did the right thing by putting these questions to Council. They are intensely political questions about the future growth of the city. They cannot be settled by staff. The CodeNext process floundered mostly because staff was tasked with trying to resolve deep political disagreements through a technocratic code-writing process. Staff produced a code that displeased virtually every faction in the city. But staff’s job should have been to implement policy, not to formulate it. It is past time for Council to settle these questions.

Cronk requests Council’s guidance on four topics: housing capacity, missing middle housing, compatibility regulations, and parking. The memo lays out the competing policy concerns presented by each topic. Then it suggests that Council choose one of three options. The menu for each topic is the same. The first option is to maintain the status quo. The second is to adopt the approach of the last CodeNext draft. And the third is to make a more dramatic change. There are long appendices that provide context for each option.

The memo also asks Council to decide whether to adopt the text of the code and map concurrently or instead to adopt the text first and delay its effective date until the map is approved. (The memo points out that Council could choose to amend the code rather than adopt a completely new code, but staff recommends against that and I hope Council doesn’t seriously consider it.)

We should adopt the map and text at the same time. We won’t be able to tell whether our goals are being achieved without having both. This is staff’s recommendation. The complication with adopting them concurrently is that staff has been unwilling to apply the new code to much of the city without detailed planning. The last map accordingly left much of the city to be governed by current code—mostly areas with their own overlays, such as PUDs, the University Neighborhood Overlay and Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts such as Hyde Park. Council has three options here, although the memo doesn’t spell them out as clearly as the others: it can give staff a free hand to maintain current zoning wherever it deems appropriate; it can direct staff to apply the new zoning everywhere; or it can direct staff to apply the new zoning to some types of areas but not others. For example, Council could direct that the new base zoning be applied to NCCDs (which already have a base zoning) but not to PUDs (which usually do not).

Council ultimately needs to resolve this and the other issues. Thanks to Cronk's memo, these issues are now, finally, teed up for decision.