A London-based journalist has written what she describes as “an indispensable handbook” about Dubai-dwellers.
Only in Dubai – An Essential Guide to the Emirate's Expats, by Sophie Robehmed, parodies 20 types of expats living and working in the city.
The stereotypes include such categories as Jumeirah Janes, Palm Posers, Brunch Brits and Designer Devotees.
“‘Love it or hate it’ applies to Dubai like no other city on earth,” says Robehmed. “Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that Dubai is unique and, as I hope this book suggests, the same can be said for its booming expat community.”
Having spent time working in the emirate, the British-Lebanese author says she relished her time in “The Sandpit”, finding its diverse cultures and nationalities enriching.
What prompted you to write this book?
One of the things I loved most about living in the UAE was the different people I met on a daily basis: Emiratis and expats from all over the world, who naturally led to, or enhanced, amusing anecdotes, interesting experiences and day-to-day life, which gave me wonderful writing fodder.
I find it fascinating that Dubai is unlike any other city in the world, in many ways, one of which is its population, made up of about 90 per cent expats. Because of this, the city is a real melting pot, with distinct expat tribes that needed to be written about. They are too much fun not to.
Who is the book aimed at?
The book has something for everyone because Dubai is a city that everyone has an opinion about. Obviously it will resonate most with the people who live there, those that visit or know it well, nostalgic former expats or those who are making the move and keen to learn about the people they will meet and call friends.
How did you come up with the shortlist of 20 types of expats and how did you do your research?
I sat down and thought about the people I know, or encountered, from living in Dubai.
There were some details I researched or checked online and on social media for authenticity, even though it is essentially a parody. But most of what I wrote was already in my head from my time in Dubai.
Which was the easiest expat to describe and why?
Probably the Media City Mogul, because I was working in Media City as a journalist. I embraced the work-hard, play-hard mentality that any Media City Mogul will be familiar with. Thankfully, I never returned to my desk, dripping wet, wide-eyed and wild, having dived into Media City’s lake having lost it once and for all, as it suggests in the book some of them might do.
With Dubai such a rapidly evolving city, do you think a second version of the book will be called for in five or 10 years? If so, what type of expat do you foresee the emergence of?
That’s a great question. I’d love to spend some time in Dubai, writing another version that covers the run-up to, and aftermath of, Expo 2020. I can’t wait to see what impact the event has on the city. I already have an idea of the types of people that could feature – but that would be telling.
What are the predominant types of Arab expats in the book?
I don’t want to ruin it for those who haven’t read the book yet but I’m sure Arab expats will be able to see themselves in several groups, including the Third Culture Kids, Designer Devotees and Start-Up Stars.
How great is the risk of UAE expats being offended by the stereotypes of themselves they might see in the book?
Yes, this was really important and I couldn’t write everything I wanted to write. I wanted it to be funny, but respectful – and it’s been well-received so far. I don’t think expats can get offended as long as they don’t take it seriously, literally or both. While I have included some personal anecdotes, there is plenty of fiction, exaggeration and tongue-in-cheek moments in there, too.
Which of the expats in your book would best describe you and your friends when you lived in Dubai?
My friends belong to various expat packs. My cousin, for example, was the biggest Transient I knew. But the majority are, like me, a mixture. I guess most of us would have to say Media City Moguls because of our careers.
• Only in Dubai – An Essential Guide to the Emirate's Expats, by Sophie Robehmed costs Dh76 and is available from leading bookstores across the UAE
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