A city loosing its spark?

A city full of dreams, skyscrapers and possibilities. Dubai is a city that has grown tremendously through the years and with that, has come a continuous growth in tourism and residents.

Growing up, whenever I was in the UK and got asked where I lived; I said Dubai. The response went from "where's that?', 'do they have like buildings and roads and that' to 'oh wow that’s amazing!' or 'I'm sure you're used to much better back in Dubai'. The city appeals to so many overseas as a safe and efficient (and instagram-friendly) place to live. And I can second that.

My primary school sports day - JESS

I was born and raised in Dubai. I went to school in Dubai, my childhood and teenage and adult year stories all exist within Dubai. No matter how many times I wanted to study or work elsewhere, I found myself aching to come back to Dubai. I may not share the Emirati blood but it is without question my home. It was where I wanted to live for the rest of my life. Until I had a family. I think most people who have lived in Dubai since the 90s can agree that the Dubai we know now is nowhere near the same Dubai we loved. 

When I got married, my husband was already based in Ajman. He had already envisioned his family life in Ajman. The house we have now is even in the same area he always wanted to raise a family in and while it took me a few years to transition from the lifestyle in Dubai to lifestyle in Ajman; the more my children grow up, the more grateful I am for the move. 

If you are not familiar with where Ajman is located, it is a small emirate next to Sharjah. With that comes so many factors that make the emirate cheaper. Karak still costs 1dhs, you can alter your clothes for 5dhs and the lifestyle is more cultured and family orientated. While English is spoken, Arabic is still the main language used, and it reminds me of ‘old Dubai’ in so many ways.

Myself and the boys for Hamdan's birthday

I think that’s why I’m most appreciative for living in a smaller emirate. It reminds me so much of how I was brought up in Dubai. Residents of the 90s and early 2000s will know exactly what I mean when I speak of a more reserved, cultured city - and there was a community feel that doesn’t quite exist anymore.

Dubai has now become a city of opportunities, and I can recognise that. I still bring my children to Dubai for activities, play areas, competitions and events as I do believe it is the emirate with the best prospects. But as an everyday lifestyle, I have become more appreciative of a more cultured upbringing as well as a more affordable one. While I have no problem investing in my children’s activities and education; it’s the extra fees and everyday expenses that I do have a problem with. Spending is a luxury but it is becoming more the case that it is a luxury that many residents cannot afford any more in Dubai. While I can buy a full meal of rice and chicken for 2-3 people at 20dhs from a local kitchen in Ajman; my friends will have pay 30 - 40dhs for a single meal in Dubai half the size.

Small differences like this matter when you’re counting your expenses at the end of the month – especially as a family and the average family are not millionaires. On top of this, buying a house in Ajman is hundreds of thousands of dirhams cheaper.

While some will say the traffic is hectic - and I can agree - It's worth noting that the traffic in Dubai city itself is getting just as bad as the border traffic between Sharjah and Dubai. I think everyone is hoping for some solution to that.

Both cities are safe and have their own pros and cons according to different individuals. But for me, Ajman is where Dubai was 15-20 years ago and I like that. While Dubai has incredible opportunities to offer for children, the city is starting to loose its spark as a place to bring children up. You need money, a lot of it and you need a close family to help ground yourself and the children.

As I’ve often said, I truly miss the old Dubai. I wish my children could grow up the way I did — which is why I value the lifestyle in Ajman. It’s simpler, more rooted in culture, and focused on family.