Then the property and building boom happened, big investments and lots of high profile projects.... this meant lots of people arriving in Dubai. It became overcrowded and expensive - the playgrounds for the rich and famous!
Dubai was now on the map of the world, and they had to make some changes, especially to labor laws and human rights issues. (in the old days laborers were transported in cattle trucks to and from their camps to work - now they are transported in buses). The cheap taxis disappeared and expensive metred taxis were introduced; an airconditioned waterbus was introduced to cross the Creek (they did keep the cheap abras though)! Highways were expanded and road toll was introduced. Rents shot through the roofs and became unaffordable for many, even western expats.
The real estate was traded like the stock market and property prices went skyhigh in a very short time. Business was going well!
Fortunately, Dubai realized they had to preserve some of their heritage and not just build modern highrises. They renovated the old and original Dubai - the Bastakia area and made a very good job of it. They renovated the Shindaga area, where the Sheikh's father's original palace is located. There is the heritage village and the fishing village (pearling was a big trade in the old days). Dubai Museum is a great place to go and visit and learn about the old and new Dubai. They replicated old traditional suqs inside shopping malls. And of course there is the famous Gold Suq - gold gallore quite amazing. (should have bought more when gold was cheap!)
Then came the crash - Lots of people lost a lot of money, companies closed down, people left... and Dubai was in a lot of debt - and still is. Construction sites are half finished and closed, roads are nice and empty-ish, not many jobs going, and life is still expensive. Sheikh Mohammed who was a high profile person before, has now disappeared from public view. However, rents have come down, and places are available in abundance. There are properties to buy, but the local banks do not give morgages. It will take many more years for Dubai to recover.
Dubai holds a lot of wonderful memories - it was an important part of my life - mainly because I was sharing it with Hisham (may his soul rest in peace)! Also most of my friends have left or are about to leave Dubai, my special connection with the place is gone. It's still a great place for shopping though.... so many bargains (when you know where to go...). Unfortunately, I am not allowed to shop, as my luggage weight can not increase!!! I am travelling light - that's my MANTRA.
S&D
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