Dubai UAE 13 - 17 Jan 19

Dubai Old Town near Gold Souk

I am in Dubai, UAE from 13 Jan 19 to 17 Jan 19 on a work trip.

First Impression
- Largely influenced by UK standard - from power plug, widely used of English, English radio stations that play British singers songs, eg U2 etc.
- Not so many Chinese influx as compared to Japan. Filipinos are working mainly in service industry.
- Mainly Arabs and Indians.
- Just separated with Iran with just one Strait. At the time of visit, Israel had just attacked Iranian targets in Syria.
- Many Spices trading. I bought one of the most expensive spice in the world, Saffron at 20 Dirham for 2 gram (20 Dirham is equivalent to SGD $7.60 or USD$5.4). It smells good.
- A simple train service with only 2 lines - Green and Red. The NOL card for train costs 25 Dirham has a value of 19 Dirham.
- Street food is almost same price as Singapore. One simple meal cost 15 Dirham (SGD5.70) comprises of kebab and a fruit drinks.
- Weather in January is good at 23 degree Celsius. Good for walking around.
- Still many construction works in Dubai city, showing infrastructural development and the abundance oil money and wealth.

Written in Dubai