Change is constant, but I hate that Dubai had to change so quickly when I am still the same old me.
I grew up with Dubai, and in all these years, all that it had accomplished, the growth and development, makes me realize how old I am and how little I’ve achieved!! Dubai is too dear, for I owe it my childhood memories, my plain, beautiful life and a companionship that grows bit by bit with every passing year. For now, Dubai is my competition, inspiring me to carve opportunities out of life. But there are a few things about Dubai that I’ll always miss.
When I was young:
Basically, I long for everything I had as a kid, especially Dubai’s simplicity, as it was before the urbanization, before the recession; when Dubai was both innocent and pure! The environment was raw and untouched and life was simple. Hopefully, one day we’ll have it all throughout the world!
I grew up with Dubai, and in all these years, all that it had accomplished, the growth and development, makes me realize how old I am and how little I’ve achieved!! Dubai is too dear, for I owe it my childhood memories, my plain, beautiful life and a companionship that grows bit by bit with every passing year. For now, Dubai is my competition, inspiring me to carve opportunities out of life. But there are a few things about Dubai that I’ll always miss.
When I was young:
- U.A.E was called Dubai! Whether you lived in Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai or Fujairah, you were a part of Dubai, literally!
It goes without saying that this city had the most job opportunities in the Emirates and many decided to work here while settling in the other emirates. - We called it Rupees not Dirhams! 7ay Na3m! This is owing to the time when Gulf Rupee was U.A.E's currency.
Dh 1 a day was enough to please a kid!! Because the price of candies, a chocolate bar, or a pack of chips/pofak ranged from 25 fils to 1 Dirham at the nearest grocery shop. Also, a can of soft drink (355ml) cost only a Dirham. - The eatables were very original in terms of taste to Arabia.
A Shawarma, along with the Salad, cost Dhs 2 and to buy one all we needed to say was ‘One Sandwich please’ or ‘Shorma’ would do too. Since, there was only one recipe to it at every Cafeteria! - We thought Dubai Trade Centre was ‘THE TALLEST BUILDING EVER’!!
Needless to say, all the skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road have risen right in front of me. The Burj Khalifa being the tallest, not only in UAE but in the world. - Believe it or not, parks were always crowded and many recreational events were held in the greenery more often than not.
Unlike today, most UAE residents’ life did not revolve around malls because there weren’t many to hang about in. Deira City Centre was the ‘Ultimate Shopping Mall’ and leisure had a wider range. The Safa Park was the largest park in Dubai back then and the talk of the town! I can recall that one particular visit when my brother and I got lost and couldn’t find our way out.
Basically, I long for everything I had as a kid, especially Dubai’s simplicity, as it was before the urbanization, before the recession; when Dubai was both innocent and pure! The environment was raw and untouched and life was simple. Hopefully, one day we’ll have it all throughout the world!
-Taken by Bangla Express, July issue, 2011
