10 Fun Facts in Dubai that Aspiring OFWs Should Know
With only few months left before my first anniversary (time flies!) working and living here in Dubai, I decided to made a blog about some fun and useful facts about the city that I had observed myself which I believe aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers and tourists alike should know. So here's the list friends.
1. Kabayans are everywhere
From the person who sells tickets in the Metro, to the RTA bus driver, to salesladies and salesmen in the malls, Filipinos are in every corner of Dubai at neary 500,000 in population. Even in the most unexpected place like a mini store inside the fully enclosed air-conditioned bus stops, there you can still find our kabayan. It will give this feeling that you're not too far from home and gives you a bit of assurance and safety that whenever something goes unfavorable, you can easily seek help from our kabayans out there.
2. Everybody calls you "Pare", "Ate", "Kuya"
Don't be surprised if an Emirati calls you "Pare", "Ate", "Kuya" along the way. Since there are so many Filipinos here for years, locals and other expats alike had learned to speak some Tagalog words. Given by our ability to communicate to all nationalities and our strong presence in the corporate world here in Dubai, it seems that locals and other expats had already embraced Filipino culture. Also don't be surprised if someone complements you and say you are "maganda" or "gwapo". Whether you really are one or not, just say shukran! I even have this one Pakistani workmate who surprisingly can sing Parokya ni Edgar's "Pangarap Lang Kita". It' really is overwhelming. I might as well try to learn an Urdu song.
3. Pinoy foods and products are available
Although I had learned to appreciate biryani, there really is no need to adjust to Arabic foods at all as first, you can cook Filipino dish on your own and second, almost all the products made in the Philippines can be found in several stores here. You might be surprised to find a Ligo sardines, your favorite Lucky Me pancit canton, and even tawas in this city. There is no big adjustment needed at all when it comes to foods you usually eat and things you usually use back home.
4. There are Christian churches
In times of loneliness who do we call? God! UAE is a Muslim country but fortunately, it doesn't restrict you from being a Christian as there are churches in the city for our fellow Filipino Christians to take refuge to in times of sorrow and sadness. Unlike some Muslim countries I believe, Christmas is also widely and happily celebrated in the UAE.
5. Pork is legal and so do alcohol
Sale of pork to Non-Muslims is legal but can be bought to some designated stores only. Sale and consumption of alcohol is allowed but is only available to places which has a license to do so. But still there are restrictions. And you know the drill, don't go out of control on your way back home because that is another story. Just a piece of advice though, never ever challenge the laws of Dubai.
6. Dubai is one of the most expensive city to live and work
This may not be fun as it sounds but if by chance you've got the opportunity to work here, you gotta need a great amount of discipline to yourself when it comes to budgeting and spending. They always say Dubai has a lot of temptations and without knowing it, you've already spent bulk of your hard earned money before you can even save. Don't lose your focus as to why you are here. You're here to earn a living, send money back home, and save money for future use. I am earning a modest salary but since I had instilled on my mind the very purpose why I'm here, I already started saving from my very first salary!
7. You'll meet more than half of the world's nationalities
It's fun to meet people from around the globe and be friends, right? Diversity in Dubai is like no other. Immersing yourself into such diversity will make you understand people better. I have seen beautiful people of Morocco, happy people of Czech Republic, and the kind folks from Angola to mention some.
8. You will never get bored in Dubai
Given you've had a company of good friends and you've learned how to manage your homesickness, you will never run out of things to do and places to go here in Dubai. While most of it comes with a price, there are several places like beaches, public parks, and luxury malls and commercial establishments that are free. There are also lots of events going on almost every month where in admission is incredibly free too. But provided you have some extra dirhams, there are clubs, water parks, and amusement parks to choose from after a week or month of hard work to pamper yourself.
Dubai is so picturesque and is worthy to be shared on your social media accounts. From skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, to the flowers of Miracle Garden and replicas in Global Village, I can make sure you'll get a lot of thumbs up, heart, and even wow!
I heard this a lot, kabayans used to say that Dubai is like Manila. Given the number of Filipinos in here, the Metro, the malls, Filipino villages, and some Philippine fast-food chains, the set up is very like Manila but undeniably cleaner, organized, and more beautiful. With these, you'll probably not notice that time is passing by and your contract is about to finish and khalas, time to go back home again.
So there you go, I hope it's fun to read as much as it is fun to write. There are still so many things you'll eventually discover once you're here in Dubai. Enjoy your OFW life because it's the only option I guess in order to survive. -Jon-
Comments
Post a Comment