I am not sure where to begin… how to begin expressing my emotions and my gratitude… bearing in mind those who know me know damn well that I have NO problem expressing sh*t lol

Since 538 years ago I’ve been dreaming about moving to Dubai, somewhere close to home—both physically and mentally, close to where I feel myself the most and today as I sit here looking out the window, this is the view of my new home, my new city… my new chapter.

To be honest, arriving here I wasn’t sure what to feel or how to take everything in… the fact that I graduated and closed a long chapter of my life, the fact that I am now an adult (work in progress) & have a big people job, the fact that I moved from the United States to Spain to Dubai in less than two years (holy culture shock), the fact that I am only a phuckin boat ride away from my country, Iran!!! All I can say is God (the universe, higher power, the source, whatever your choice of word is) is so so soooo good.

It’s been almost two weeks and though they (cool locals) say you need at least one year to adapt and find your way of living here, I thought I’d share my 2 cents. So how do you live in Dubai?

1. Get Over the Heat – the obvious! Everyone is talking about it… yes, it is HOTTT beyond measure. I can’t even begin to explain how hot it is… one of the vloggers described it perfectly: “It feels like you’re sitting in a hot a** sauna and someone has the blow dryer in your face” looool swear it feels like that! But do we realize where Dubai is? In the middle of the DESERT!! It’s not going to feel like California’s sunny 80-degree beachside. Plus, you will have air conditioning everywhere & I mean everyyyyywhere!! Also, I know this sounds crazy but you get used to it. Your body adapts to it or eventually gets over it cause it has no choice lol

2. Ignore the Shiny Barbie World – yes the money, the fancy/shiny cars, buildings and people are here but should that define who YOU are and what you want? I had a similar experience living in Los Angeles. It’s easy to be like everyone else, fall into the trap… trap of keeping up with the Joneses. I do believe this is why most people hate on Dubai and I honestly don’t understand it. Yes, you’re in a very wealthy city but no need to pressure yourself to become like everyone else or allow that lifestyle to define your way of living. Don’t get me wrong I am all for striving for the best but if it’s not your cup of tea don’t think it’s the ONLY way of living in Dubai because it’s not.

3. Make Friends From All Over the World – it’s easy to go after ‘your people’ cause that’s what you know best. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and unbelievably diverse. Why limit yourself to your comfort? Make friends with people from other countries instead of your own. I think that’s what will define our experience in a new city, especially a place like Dubai.

4. Give Time, Time – moving to Dubai no matter where you are coming from requires time and the ability to adapt & if you’re someone like me, the most impatient person on earth, you are going to struggle. Every single thing will take time for you to adapt to. Don’t be so quick to make up your mind about what the city is and what is not. Allow yourself at least 6 months to a year to fully get a grip. If you’re having a bad experience or difficulty adjusting – whether it’s the weather, the people, the culture, etc. – remind yourself you need more time. #PatienceIsAVirtue

5. Experience the City for Yourself – I’ve come to a conclusion that there are two kinds of people out there: the ones that love Dubai and the ones that hate it. You will speak to both, locals or expats. Don’t let other people’s perspective blur or define your vision. I have definitely spoken to both and hear both sides but a lot of negative that is mentioned is not so negative to me. Everyone’s different. Discover and experience everything for yourself. Let your experiences speak to you instead of others’ opinion. We all see life through our own lens, no one is going to feel, see and experience life like you.

xo

ph