Dubai

  The †beautiful city of Dubai. One out of the 7 emirates in the UAE, and by far the most popular one. Dubai greeted us (TAPMI-UD students) with everything we expected and a little more- a sand storm. Relax.. it only lasted 12 hours and was harmless(Plus they say a sand storm brings good luck). We arrived at our accommodation and were extremely happy with the arrangements made. It was a neat 2 bedroom service apartment, fully furnished. All facilities were available; fridge, washing machine, oven, iron and iron stand, tea kettle, toaster, plates, utensils, electric stove, 2 TVs, and to top it all- the hotel has a gym and† swimming pool on the terrace! We then had a warm welcome at the University of Dubai and were welcomed by our friendly and respectable staff and President (UD). It was a meeting of diverse backgrounds and we felt at ease after we all shared our views about the coming months. Day to day life in Dubai- Transpiration – Transportation in Dubai is very convenient. Metro is connected to all major areas in Dubai with a minimum cost of AED 3 and a maximum of AED 7.5. †Buses are also on the same range. You have to purchase a travel card from the metro/ bus station. You can use this card to travel in metros, busses and in the near future, cabs as well. Minimum charge for an unbooked cab is AED 5, and AED 12 for a booked one. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road in this part of the world, so do look to your left 1^st , and then youíre right. Food – Iím a vegetarian and have faced no issues whatsoever when it comes to pleasing my palate. There are enough vegetarian restaurants here and if you cook, vegetables stores are available in plenty. Cost of restaurants vary, from a vegetarian (full meal) ranging from AED 9 to AED 30 or more. Do your exploration in the 1^st month. Clothes and electronics ñ Range of cost of clothes undoubtedly varies from shop to shop. I recommend your get all your favourite clothes from India itself, so you spend less on the irresistible clothing designs here. Electronics are cheaper here, so if youíre planning to purchase a new gadget, buy it in Dubai. Climate ñ From the 15^th of May to the 15^th of September is hot and humid. You may carry an umbrella with you to protect yourself from the sun. Shades will always be handy. Rest of the months are really fine. Holy month of Ramadan ñ No matter what you do, do not eat/drink in public. Many restaurants offer home delivery throughout the day. Most eateries will open 5 PM onwards, but with only take away option. Restaurants will open with full service only after 7 ñ 7:15 PM, depending on the sunset. Also, packed food will be available in most convenient stores/supermarkets. Office/class timings will be reduced during this period. Lifestyle and cost of livingñ Every individual to himself! Your first month expenditure in Dubai would generally be on the higher side (around AED 2000 to AED 3000) as you would have to spend on your SIM card, grocery, cab, exploring the place, visiting Dubai mall and the likes. Once you know the economical whereabouts, and are familiar with the metro/bus service, a decent expenditure should turn out to be around AED 1500 or less, per month. Have a happy stay!