There are certain questions, that often are asked by the newbies in town…and sometimes even by those who have been here quite a while. 

Because of the city’s melting pot of cultures, there’s a lot to be learnt. 

Here are some of the most common questions expats ask in Dubai. 

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1. During Ramadan: “Not even water?”

Expats always ask fasters this one during their first Ramadan. And the answer is no – not even water.

2. During public holidays: “Is it dry?”

Every time a public holiday is announced, the expats take to social media to ask the question – who is serving what?

3. When told a price in AED: “What’s that in pounds?” 

(or dollars/euros/whatever currency)

Everyone wants to know the prices of stuff in their home currency, but you quickly get used to not translating it – partly because the cost of brunch in your home currency will put you right off.

4. When told ‘Inshallah’: “Is that an Inshallah later or an Inshallah no?”

The workman’s answer to everything. ‘Will it be ready tomorrow?’ ‘Inshallah’. 

Though not an accurate description of time, this can mean anything from: not right now, a bit later, sometime in the distant future or never. 

5. When talking about food: “By chips do you mean chips like crisps or chips like French fries?”

The British-American war of the words. No one can be vague about which chips they want. Do you want cooked chips or do you want a bag of chips? 

To be honest, we’ll stick with the Aussie style. 

Hot chips or a bag of chips? They’re all good anyway.