Love and Dating in Dubai
Dubai is possibly the second city of love, with thousands of couples choosing the middle eastern city as a destination for bae-cations, proposals and the likes. However, as Mayowa Adegoke explores, being single here cannot be easy.
The Reality of Romance in a Transient City
What’s love like in Dubai? “People who travel to Dubai are here for a short amount of time, to travel and sightsee, with very limited time,” notes the draft. Having been here for about 10 years, DJ Mneddy carries similar sentiments: short and beautiful stories that don’t last. It’s such a mixture of different cultures, different people in and out constantly. Formulating a relationship with all these differences is the challenge.
Are Dating Standards Too High?
Are dating standards in Dubai too high? DJ Mneddy interjects claiming what men give is often never enough for the ladies here. Their expectations are too high. On the other hand, Alice Waweru, founder of Ankara Prints Design, points out that there are women that do come with certain expectations, making it difficult for other women out here. She quickly notes, “It’s not about setting our standards too high. I work and run my own business. Not all women are about the high life.” However, before they show what they have to offer, there’s a scarlet letter on their foreheads eliminating their seriousness from the get go.
Comparison of Perspectives on Dubai Dating
| Person | Key Perspective |
|---|---|
| DJ Don’t Touch My Hair | Finds that love often has a return ticket back home; it is a fleeting love. |
| DJ Mneddy | Believes ladies have expectations that are too high and is wary of demanding partners. |
| Alice Waweru | Struggles with being labeled "high maintenance" and has mistook love for lust. |
Cultural Diversity and Conflict
What the dating scene is like for Africans involves navigating one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world with up to 200 different nationalities. Culture versus a global city: Is there any cultural conflict in dating? “Absolutely!” they all chime in. Typically, dating is some sort of taboo for some, such as DJ Don’t Touch My Hair, who is part Omani and Tanzanian. She had to put her foot down and follow her dreams despite her culture’s norms and has applied the same mentality to her love life.
Personal Experiences in the Dating Scene
Alice Waweru has had quite an interesting dating experience. Having given Tinder a chance, she found Mr. tall, dark and handsome who picked her up with flowers for a candle-lit dinner. Unfortunately, this love affair was not to be. The gentleman is convinced Alice is ‘high maintenance’ and he cannot afford it. It seems people are often with you for what you have to offer, leading many into what Alice calls ‘entanglements’.