I'm trying to figure out what Dubai has that Houston doesn't. Dubai reminds me of the simcity game where you just start placing tall buildings in the middle of nowhere.
I've traveled to Dubai 2011 and wasn't all too impressed. I'm still trying to figure out the appeal. I think they did a great job marketing the city and made into a luxurious fantasy word but everything I can do in Dubai I can also do in Houston. Except sand safari but I'll live.
I like that analogy. Hate Vegas and would probably hate Dubai. Both towns just a facade of a real city. I liken it to a resort or a cruise. They have nice attraction and activities but it gets old and youre not able to get away from it. Youre just kinda stuck there. I was just kidding btw. I mean, people like shiny things and Dubai is a very new, shiny toy. People also like to act/live above their pay grade and Dubai/Vegas is a perfect place to do it. You also cant snow ski in Houston but not being able to drink alcohol freely is a no go for me.
The UAE has done a much better job of diversifying its economy than its other GCC neighbors. While further dips in oil will hurt, they shouldn't send the country teetering to the edge like Saudi Arabia. Plus, the UAE's native population is relatively small compared to KSA, too.
People do not realize how much Dubai is tied to oil in the middle east. It is like if there is no oil in the middle east, people from the rest of the world would just ignore it for the most part.
Not debating that at all. But the UAE has tried to open itself up to more sectors like international finance, construction, transit, etc. that attract foreigners and their investment. They also have a much smaller population compared to KSA, which is facing long-term destabilization due to the cost of oil no longer being enough to bribe their citizens into complacency.
Been there a few time..great beach,Great restaurants, great malls, sand safaris are really fun, great water and amusement parks..great night life if you know where to go..
It has those fountains in front that tall building. It cool to sit there and eat. Unless you are from Houston or work here Houston is not somewhere I would go and visit. Dubai is pretty cool except its a little pricey.
I'm in KSA now on business and it's a strange realization that in my life time, this place is almost guaranteed to go through some extremely turbulent times.
Dubai is built on the backs of immigrants whose passports were stolen and forced to work as slave labor. I will never spend money or support that country. DD
