If you think the United Arab Emirates is all about fancy sheikhs, glittering sands, and luxurious hotels—think again! Buckle up for a wild ride through the uncharted territories of the UAE that every tourist brochure conveniently misses.
We, the globetrotting virtuosos at Bright Side, have handpicked these revelatory snapshots to uncover the raw, hidden essence of the UAE. Trust us, you won’t find these gems in any guidebook!
Street Sign Goes Rogue
“They installed a street sign in the desert at an intersection of two sand lanes.” Because who needs asphalt when you have endless sand?
Need a Taxi? How About a McLaren?
Do you want a luxurious taxi? Say no more, here’s your McLaren. For those who commute in style and like to make an entrance.
McLaren is a racing supercar of a premium class. They are believed to be one of the most prestigious and expensive cars in the world.
Dubai’s Temperature Reality Check
“Let me back in! I forgot it’s Dubai, and it’s 10 a.m. and 104°F outside.” You know it’s hot when you’re sprinting back indoors five seconds after stepping out.
Just a Typical Sandstorm in Dubai
Nothing unusual, just a sandstorm in Dubai… Where umbrellas are replaced with sand shields.
Exotic Stay? Checked!
“I’m not like the others, I like exotic places. So my hotel is located in a non-tourist area of Dubai.” Because why stay at a 5-star when you can stay at a 5-sand dune?
Annular Solar Eclipse
This is the annular solar eclipse. This photo was taken right after the sunrise. Nature’s way of saying ‘Good morning!’
Street Talk in Al Qusais
“Keep your distance, my mom is waiting at home. This is a dash cam photo from the streets in Al Qusais.” Safety first—mom’s orders.
Street Cafe Hospitality
“I was passing by a street café and one of its employees began to merrily invite me. He said they had the best prices.”
“Then the man walked away and came back with a plate of vegetables. He said that it was a compliment from the venue while I was waiting for my order. Fresh vegetables after a hot day are something special. I never loved veggies as much as I did in the UAE.”
Abandoned Car Dealership
“This is an abandoned car dealership in Dubai. I’m the first one to enter in 8 years.” Ghost cars anyone?
Not Always Picture-Perfect
Alas, sometimes the UAE isn’t all about clean beaches and white sand.
Sunblock Stations at Dubai Beaches
Stations at Dubai beaches that distribute sunscreen. Because who has the time to pack their own sunblock?
Walking on a Separate Lane
“There are a lot of places without pedestrian walkways, just sand and soil. You just have to walk on a separate lane off of the main road. It’s a bit scary.”
Elevator Etiquette
“I saw a cat politely waiting for the elevator to open.” And you thought only people had hustle.
Bird on the Metro
And this bird is politely waiting to enter the metro. Because avian commuting is a thing here.
Beach Day with a View
A regular day at a local beach with the biggest observation wheel in the background. Now, that’s what I call a view!
Starbucks of Your Dreams
This Starbucks in Dubai is quite an exotic-looking place. Because why sip your latte in a plain ol’ café?
Spot a Hen? Why Not!
Meeting a hen or a rooster in the street? Why not? Adding a touch of countryside to city life.
Perks of Having a Kayaking Cousin
“My cousin, the kayaker, took the best photo of Dubai that I have ever seen.” The perks of knowing someone with a unique hobby!
Airbnb to the Rescue
“I had a 24-hour layover and $40 for a room. This is why everyone should try Airbnb.” Clearly, miracles do happen.
Parking Apology Note
“I was about to get mad until…”
The note says: “I’m so sorry, I’m really bad at parking.” Honesty is the best policy, after all!
Scenic Walks Around Dubai
Walking trips around Dubai are so different but always picturesque.
Burj Khalifa at Night
The Burj Khalifa outlook at nighttime in Dubai. A spectacular sight that never gets old.
Snow in the UAE?
“It was snowing and hailing in the United Arab Emirates today. I’ve never seen anything like this here.” Where desert meets snowflakes!
Bonus Find at Work
“My boss cleans houses for rich people on the side for a living.”
“She just brought me a trash bag full of what she called ‘cheap incense someone left in a house; just throw out what you don’t want.’ It was 8 jars/bags full of Arabic/Iranian/Dubai oud woods plus a burner!”
(This is one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the world. — Note by Bright Side)
See You Soon, Beautiful Dubai!
The city view from a bird’s perspective—see you soon, beautiful Dubai!
Would you ever want to visit the United Arab Emirates? Or maybe you’ve been lucky enough to visit it already! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
