5 very Dubai things you're bound to notice if you live here

Time Out Dubai

3 days ago

Been in Dubai for a while?
If this dazzling city is home, you've probably picked up a few priceless life lessons only Dubai can teach.
From knowing exactly when to leave the house to dodge rush hour on Sheikh Zayed Road (SZR to regulars), to mastering the art of spotting a shawarma spot worth queuing for, living here comes with its own set of unspoken skills.
And if you've just landed at DXB, give it time — soon you'll be ordering karak like a pro, finding the best beach club deals and learning exactly how far you can push your Friday brunch stamina.
Here are just a few (fun) Dubai things you're likely to pick up on in no time.
Dubai things you're bound to notice if you live here
1) The cleanliness of public transport
(Credit: Canva)
Of course, many residents opt to drive around the city. But after just a few weeks, you'll realise the public transport here is some of the best in the world.
Metro stations are clean tidy and efficient, just like the carriages. Plus, during peak times you can often beat the traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road by zipping along the tracks instead.
Hala taxis are now picking you up quicker than ever, and a tram, metro or bus ride can cost you as little as Dhs3.
Oh, and soon public transport will also include Dubai air taxis, so there's that too.
You might also like: 4 clever Dubai taxi hacks that locals swear by (and every visitor should know)
2) The high volume of public holidays
(Credit: DXB)
Public holidays in the UAE are a pretty big deal. Not only do they change yearly, but we can sometimes end up with a bumper long-weekend depending on when the days fall.
If you like this: UAE public holidays 2026: All the predicted days off next year revealed
You know you're a real Dubai resident when you're battling your colleagues to take days off around a public holiday and get the most of your annual leave.
3) How great brunch in Dubai really is
Credit: Maiden Shanghai
If you're living in Dubai, you'll quickly realise brunch isn't just a selection of eggs on toast and a foamy cappuccino.
If you like this: 36 best brunches in Dubai you need to try at least once
Dubai really does take brunch seriously so you know you're in for a great time in most places. Tuck into endless sharing plates, free-flowing drinks and perhaps a conga line or two.
4) The convenience of home ordering
One of the most convenient city's in the world, before too long you'll find yourself ordering almost everything to your house.
Whether it's cleaning, pampering, pet grooming, groceries or even a tank of petrol, you can order what you need in minutes.
Read more: Too hot to leave your house? Let these companies come to you
5) Dubai vocabulary
From yalla to khalas, these new phrases will slip into your everyday lingo without even realising.
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