Things That Caught My Attention While Living in Dubai

Since my day one here in Dubai, I was amazed and overwhelmed how life goes on here. I just wish I can also experience those amazing things back in the Philippines.

Below are few things that really caught my attention:

Garbage bin. Big garbage bins are neatly stationed all over the place. This keeps the surroundings free of loitering because everyone has the discipline and properly throw their trash at the designated bins anytime they want. The collection of garbage is daily to avoid overflowing and stinking.

Garbage bins

Traffic/Signal Lights and Pedestrian Crossings. These are strategically located specifically in those high-density area. Pedestrian Crossing is available in those area that people can cross the street without waiting the signal light because traffic rules implicate that pedestrian first. Motorists respect pedestrian while pedestrian observe and cross the street responsibly.

Pedestrian Crossing

Transportation System.

1. Dubai Metro/Stations.  High technology metro stations are like lobby of  a 5-star hotel with its spacious, clean and air-conditioned area. I never experience any metro station in Dubai so crowded and so hot! Aside from lift, there are also walkalators or moving walkways to avoid long walk specially if there is mall connected to the metro stations. Train arrival and departure is every after 4 minutes’ interval and guaranteed no delays! You will not get lost because aside from voice, there are monitors inside the train telling where is the current location and where is the next stop station. Each station has four exit. Just familiarised where to exit so you will not consume much of your time going to and from each exit to arrive at your destination.

Nol Card

Nol card reader at Dubai Metro Station

Dubai Metro inside

Monitor of Bus schedule inside the Al Jafiliya Metro Station

Dubai Metro Platform- Burjuman Station

Walkalator or Moving Walkways in Dubai Internet City

2. Dubai Bus. All buses are air-conditioned and has clear rules and regulations for the convenience of each commuter such as not allowed inside the bus: playing loud music, chewing gums, eating and drinking, staying on the restricted area and others. Just like in Dubai Metro, there are voice and monitors telling current location and where is the next stop. Arrival intervals are different according to each bus route but there are many choices what bus to ride for your planned destinations. Fare is being paid thru prepaid Nol Card both metro and bus. So, no inter-action with the bus driver except if there is a need to ask about the specific route the bus is going. Unlike in Dubai Metro, upon entering to the bus, the Nol Card should be tap on the card reader to register where station you came from and before getting off the bus, tap again the Nol Card to deduct payment for the fare. As of this writing, minimum fare is 3Dhs both metro and bus.

inside Dubai Bus

"Stop" Push button inside Dubai Bus

Clean Public Beaches. As of this writing, we have just explored Jumeirah Open Beach and yet I am so amazed how the locality maintains its cleanliness despite that it is open for public use. All amenities such as shower, dressing room, toilet, jogging area with some exercise equipment are all available for free! The white sand at the shore and underwater is clearly seen, inviting everyone to go excitingly splurge the water!

Jumeirah Beach 

Jumeirah Beach at night

Year - round grocery items on sale!  If you are making budget and strictly observing it to attain some financial goals, just watch for some supermarkets when they offer sales promotion and definitely, shopping won’t harm your financial goals. Depends upon each schedule, supermarkets go on sale for selected grocery items, either food and non-food items.

In Carrefour, during their sales promotion, you can buy double size blanket, queen size fitted bed sheet with 2 pillows for 10Dhs only each and I assure you the fabric quality is good! Tide/Ariel laundry powder 4kgs for 20Dhs only, Kiwi fruits for 6Dhs per kg, cucumber and carrots for 2.95Dhs per kg, onion and potato - 5kgs in one bag for only 5Dhs per bag. Those are some of the daily necessities that are a-must-to-buy but you will not feel guilty even if you buy in bulk. And usually, they offer sales promotion every month.

During Sales promotion in Carrefour

In Baqer Mohebi, there is 1dirham items’ section. Items in that section are different each day. Sometimes, there are chocolates, mayonnaise, biscuits, noodles, pasta, juice drinks, toiletries, canned goods and others. As I observed, items are two or more months before expiration.

Baqer Mohebi in Al Jafiliya

1Dirham section in Baqer Mohebi

Salsa Aloe Vera is one of the items of the day

Items of the day for 1 dirham only

These are the only two supermarkets i have mentioned here but other supermarkets have their own sales promotions too.

I am just looking forward to see these conveniences in my own beloved country, the Philippines! If they can do these here in Dubai, why can’t we do there?