What is Dubai Mall?

The official language is Arabic, but English has actually become a second language and is widely used in all spheres of life — from business to everyday communication. I found that almost everyone I interacted with—in hotels, restaurants, shops— spoke English fluently. In addition, due to the large number of foreign workers, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, Russian and many other languages are often heard here. This language mosaic gives the city a special flavor, and you feel like you are part of a global world.

Education in Dubai blends tradition with modern approaches. Public schools are free for UAE citizens and teach a national curriculum in Arabic, with a focus on Islamic values. However, most expats send their children to international schools, where instruction is in English according to British, American, or IB programs. I visited the Dubai International Academy and was impressed by its multinational environment: students from over 70 countries learn together, sharing their cultural experiences. Higher education is represented by branches of renowned universities, such as New York University Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, as well as local universities. The city actively invests in education, striving to become a center of knowledge and innovation in the region.

Yes, we have options for yachts on which you can catch fish.

Thanks to the warm climate and abundance of beaches, Dubai is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. I tried kitesurfing at Kite Beach, where the wind and waves are perfect for this activity. The instructors are professional and friendly, making it easy for even beginners to learn the basics. For a more relaxed experience, you can try paddleboarding or kayaking along the coast. Speed lovers will appreciate jet skiing and water skiing. I also tried flyboarding — a device that lifts you above the water using a jet of pressurized water. It was an unforgettable feeling of flight and freedom.

Yacht clubs in Dubai provide the following facilities: - Berths: Modern berths for yachts of various sizes. - Maintenance: Yacht repair and maintenance services. - Restaurants and bars: A variety of places to relax and eat. - Club events: Regattas, competitions and social events for club members. - Sports and entertainment activities: Swimming pools, fitness centers and playgrounds.

Many mosques in Dubai are open to visitors, allowing for a better understanding of Islamic culture and architecture. The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the most beautiful and welcoming. I joined a tour organized by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where the guide explained traditions, rituals, and answered all questions. It is important to dress modestly: shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should wear a scarf to cover their heads. Shoes must be removed before entering. Photography inside is usually allowed, but it’s best to check with the guide. Visiting the mosque was a profound and enlightening experience for me.

A culinary journey through Dubai is a mix of flavors from the Middle East, Asia and even Africa. Be sure to try shish tauk — tender pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, strung on a skewer and fried on coals. Machbus is a fragrant rice dish with lamb or fish, seasoned with lemon, saffron and cardamom. For those with a sweet tooth, there is lukumat — small fried donuts, sprinkled with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. And you can wash it all down with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice or mint tea.

The number of people a yacht can hold depends on its size. A small yacht (up to 10 meters) can typically accommodate 4-6 people. Medium-sized yachts (10-20 meters) can hold 8-12 people. Larger yachts (over 20 meters) can hold 12-20 people or more. However, keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and they may vary depending on the design and type of yacht.

Unfortunately no.

Obtaining UAE citizenship is a complex process, available to a limited number of people. The government grants citizenship for exceptional contributions, investments, or unique skills beneficial to the country. I learned that changes were made in 2021, allowing certain categories of foreign professionals to apply for citizenship. However, long-term visas and residency are available to most expats. A "Golden Visa" for 5 or 10 years can be granted to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. This makes Dubai attractive for long-term living and working, even without citizenship.