Expats: British teacher admits there is a ‘crazy’ side to life in Dubai

Praising the UAE city, Cora revealed the “best thing” about living in the expat hotspot – and it’s a far cry from the UK.

She also shared how she settled into her new life, explaining why her specific situation meant an almost guaranteed “ready-made group of friends”.

But no place is perfect and moving to the Middle East has not come without challenges. Indeed, the expat spoke candidly about why she “wants to go home” and what she misses most about the UK.

As well as being far away from her family and feeling like she could be more fulfilled teaching back home, Cora has found that some aspects of Dubai can be rather superficial.

Asked to name a major difference between life in the UAE city and life at home, Cora emphasised that Dubai has sunshine and convenience in spades.

“But I think you have to be a bit careful where you go sometimes because – and I suppose you can have this anywhere you go – there are a lot of people I might not want to hang out with.

“The fake side of Dubai you see on TV, you can really get that. You just have to be careful to avoid it, whereas you’re less likely to bump into that in the UK.”

The UAE has become a hub for cosmetic procedures, and Cora revealed there are plenty of people in Dubai who have undergone cosmetic surgeries.

Dubai is also popular among people who place great emphasis on “money” and kit themselves out in “head-to-toe Gucci”.

The expat explained that “dramatic, extreme, in-your-face, flashy sort of money” is not uncommon.

However, Cora has managed to mostly escape this “fake” side to Dubai because of her line of work.