Dubai, UAE.

 

Bigger, better, and more of everything! The tallest building in the world, wide roads, modern infrastructure everywhere you look. One thing that surprised us was the large number of medical clinics, private hospitals and services. With 0% personal and GS Tax, Dubai is a big magnet for professionals. And each taxi and bus driver that we meet were from India or Pakistan in Dubai on contract; they then go home leaving Dubai with no liability for health care or pensions in their old age. It is similar for most Emirates air crew.

It all started along the Creek! We found this the most charming part of the city. Wooden boats still ship goods to the Gulf and East Africa. But rather than spices, pearls and dates it is consumer goods, electronics, cars and tyres.

There remains a lot of charm about Dubai. This is the view from where we had dinner. Being Ramadan we had to wait until 7:15 pm (sunset) to eat! We were famished, and enjoyed a seafood platter and juice (no alcohol).