16 signs that you’re new to Dubai

3. You’ve just discovered Barasti…
And, now you’re life will never be the same.

4. You used Google Maps to get to DIFC and got lost for three hours…
Yeah, the road signs and well, the roads change on an almost daily basis. The secret is to follow the metro line.

5. You just got fined for standing in the ladies cabin…
Sorry John, but there’s a distinct pink line that separates the general seating from the ladies only cabin.

6. Your hair’s frizzier than normal…
You’re experiencing the joys of 60-80 per cent humidity. Use some anti-frizz serum and mouse. We’d give you a brand but we’re still looking for one that works for us.

7. You heard about a place that sells everything from gardening gear to clothes to hair care to lights.
It’s called Dragon Mart and, it really is magical…

8. You just spent an entire day on the first floor of Dubai Mall.
We know how you feel, we got lost about 20 times the first we went there too.

9. You still cling on to your bag for dear life…
Relax, Margaret, Dubai is one of the safest places on the Earth. There’s been tests and everything. If you still don’t believe us read this.

10. You got sunburnt after standing outside for just five minutes.
The sun’s pretty strong in the Middle East and with summer set to start any day now, we suggest that you invest in some SPF 50 and maybe some light weight long sleeves or just do what most people do and use an umbrella for the sun.

11. Someone just said “yalla habibi” and since you had no idea what it meant, you just stood there and smiled awkwardly…
This will happen, a lot, especially on Fridays. If you’re still wondering it means “let’s go, my love”.

12. You’ve been hearing a lot of talk about value added tax…
If you moved here to avoid VAT then you’re a bit late… the UAE is introducing a 5 per cent VAT from January 1, 2018.

13. You visited your colleague’s flat in Dubai Marina and wanted to…
Move to Dubai Marina and go to IKEA to try and find her couch that’s also a bed and storage compartment.

14. You went to mall after work and were surprised and a little overwhelmed with the amount of people there…
Yeah, the malls especially The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are always busy. Like ALWAYS busy.

15. You just went to cinema and had to leave because you were too cold.
Going to the cinemas in the UAE is just as good as going to Mall of the Emirates’ indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai.

16. Two of the five friends that you’ve made in Dubai are cab drivers…
The other two are food delivery guys and the other one is your neighbours cat. This, however, is ok and actually quite healthy because the cab drivers and food delivery guys in Dubai are some of the nicest and most interesting people in the city.