10 Things Only People Who Grew Up In Dubai You Will Relate To

As someone who was born and raised in Dubai and so was called the ‘Dubai kid’ by several friends, the most common question is ‘what it felt like to grow up in Dubai?’. It truly was a heartwarming experience, one that forms part of my core memories now. So, here are some of the top things that every Dubai kid like myself relates to when asked similar questions!

Things People Who Grew Up In Dubai Relate To

1. Magic Planet At Deira City Centre

The old magic planet that used to be in DCC cannot be compared to any new-age gaming centre. From the indoor train to the huge playhouse that had a 90-degree slide, Magic Planet at Deira City Centre was every kid’s wonderland. And it happens to be one of the happiest memories from childhood!

2. Oman Chips In Everything 

This one is probably not only for Dubai kids but for every kid who grew up in the Middle East. The Oman Chips sandwich used to be the best snack ever! After just a taste, one is so obsessed with Oman chips that they end them using them in everything, such as sandwiches, egg rolls, shawarma, and the list goes on. And if you grew up in Dubai, you might still miss the old Oman chip sandwiches that were made in those small cafeterias. 

Also Read: 9 Best New Menus In Dubai For Food Lovers On The Lookout For Something Fresh This Month

3. Unikai Strawberry Milk

You probably miss this one the most, if you also grew up here. The best strawberry milk, which to date is incomparable. The Unikai strawberry Milk used to come in cardboard boxes, and I am yet to find anything similar that would score a perfect 10 in my eyes.

4. Shawarma Is Bae

Shawarma is a staple food for probably anyone who grew up in Dubai, and one can’t go by a week without it. It’s not just a dish, but an emotion, one that makes you crave this dish every day, hour and even minute! And if you find shawarma without any tahini, you’re not a true shawarma lover, if you don’t get annoyed by this blasphemy. 

Also Read: 10 Things To Do At Dubai International Airport

5. Dubai Is A City 

So you are from Dubai? How is Dubai as a country? Wait, isn’t Dubai the capital of the country? Chances are that you probably get asked these inane questions, right? And maybe the ignorant questions have been asked so many times, that by now you are almost tired of explaining that Dubai is just a city in the UAE, one of its emirates and isn’t the capital. 

6. Fireworks Don’t Impress You Much 

Dubai never misses a chance to showcase the best of fireworks, let it be Eid, festivals or New Year’s. And now, you have seen it so many times that you don’t get impressed when you see fireworks in different places. And that’s because you have seen the tallest building in the world light up to give you a firework experience of a lifetime, or a domino effect that runs through the city (and maybe even the country). 

Also Read: Top 5 Facts About Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque That You Probably Didn’t Know

7. Open 24 Hours 

You are so used to the lifestyle of 24-hour grocery stores around or 24-hour fast food joints open that when you travel and see a grocery store or shopping mall close at 7 PM, it leaves you dumbfounded.

8. You Carry A Small Sweater Even In Summers 

You know the struggle is real with high temperatures outside and super cold temperatures inside malls, offices, or restaurants. As a result, carrying a light sweater or cardigan has become the norm. 

Also Read: Dubai Is The Best Place To Watch The Lunar Eclipse

9. Al Nasr Leisureland Was Your Disney Land 

This was your only place in Dubai to have fun. From ice skating to bowling, indoor video games to attractions, this was your very own Disneyland in the country. Al Nasr Leisureland used to be your one-stop area to have fun with your friends. 

10. You Love Winters 

You know winters are the best months to enjoy the most that Dubai has to offer. As the winter season kicks in, you start planning your weekends well in advance. From family gatherings and fun at Safa park to just chilling at the beach by making some sand castles and enjoying barbecue. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Omar Al-Samarrai