Dubai and Beirut. Yes, in many ways these two vibrant cities are so similar (both have a large number of Lebanese nationals, for instance) ... but sometimes it feels like these two places are worlds apart.
1. When it comes to traffic ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
For those living in Beirut, rush hour is every hour. The city is always jam-packed with cars, any place any time.
Dubai, on the other hand, has strict rush-hours where the traffic is completely unbearable and sits at a stand-still. But it often can be completely avoided (unless you need to move at a specific time).
Still, when it comes to complaining about traffic, Dubai wins, hands down.
2. When it comes to social outings ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
In Dubai, planning summer and winter holidays to get to see everyone who is just there for a week or two is exhausting. You need a vacation after all that planning. During those times you sort of forget what your family looks like...
Meanwhile, Beirut is basically a village, even if you don't want to run into people, you do. You're always out, and gatherings take hours at a time, especially when family is involved.
3. When it comes to washing and water ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
... Can you say first world vs. developing world?
In Lebanon, there are power outages, and water deficiencies and we're able to survive it all. We've somehow adapted.
If any of that happened in Dubai, they'd think there was a zombie apocalypse.
4. When it comes to vehicle sightings ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
In Dubai, you can't drive down Sheikh Zayed road without seeing a fancy car at least twice per day.
In Lebanon, people dream big and you gotta admire them for that ... right?
5. When it comes to morning rituals ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
I guess both woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.
6. When it comes to food ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
Any real Lebanese will tell you that Teta's food beats Lobster, any day.
7. When it comes to putting on a firework show ...
Dubai:
Beirut:
Dubai is known for its fireworks during major celebrations (NYE), they are beautiful and record-breaking.
Beirut, on the other hand, is known for its superpower in telling the difference between firework sounds and gunshots.
Both are pretty spectacular.