What is life in Dubai really like? Does it compare to life in a comparable metropolitan like London or New York? Unlike these two cities, Dubai is a very young city. It was only a few years ago that foreigners started migrating here in search for jobs or for business. Thus, Dubai, as a cosmopolitan city, has not quite matured completely.

To the average traveler or visitor, Dubai may come across as the glamorous city of huge skyscrapers, gigantic malls, exotic cars and terribly rich people. But Dubai, like any big city, has layers of good and bad.

The Good

- If you dislike the cold, you will love Dubai. The weather here is always sunny and there is very little rain.

- Dubai is also located along the coast, so you have great views of the Arabian sea. The sea is very calm and great for swimming or sailing.

- Crime is exceptionally low in the city. The law enforcement is very strict and most crimes are solved very quickly.

- Dubai is a shoppers' paradise. The abundance of malls and traditional street markets will always leave you wanting more.

- In the past 5-10 years, Dubai has become a true world city. You can find people from various different ethnic backgrounds here. Indians, Chinese, Americans, Arabs - they all live peacefully here.

- No taxes. Because of its oil riches, Dubai does not need to levy any income tax on its citizens. Whatever salary you get will be completely tax free.

- Plenty of entertainment options. With huge malls, theaters, amusement parks, you will always find something to do here on weekends.

The Bad

- Dubai is terribly expensive. It is the playground of the world's wealthy, and the property rates here reflect this reality. You will have to shell out a huge sum if you plan to purchase a house here. Besides property, Dubai is also very expensive when it comes to food, accommodation, etc.

- Since Dubai is a relatively new metropolitan, the traffic system here hasn't quite matured. Drivers have scant regard for traffic rules and routinely flout them. The roads are wide and smooth, and with the large number of sports cars here, you will find yourself being overtaken at 120 mph. This can be a frightening experience for the most experienced of drivers.

- Dubai is located in a desert. Thus, it can get extremely hot in the summers with temperatures routinely going over 45 degrees Celsius. Since it is located near the sea, the humidity levels are very high too. This combination of heat and humidity can make for an uncomfortable experience, especially if you are outdoors.

- Dubai has a population of extremely rich people. Many of them are newly rich and make an ostentatious show of wealth. This gaudy exhibitionism along with the lack of cultural activities here can be a turn off.

Dubai, like any big city, has its pros and cons. The best way to know what this city feels like is to actually travel through it and experience it for yourself.

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