All too often, I hear comments that Dubai has no ‘soul’ or lacks culture. The international press loves slamming Dubai, for its glitz and glam, without weighing in on the alternative aspects of Dubai, without acknowledging what it does have and what culture thrives in the city.

Even people who have lived here for some time, might make a crack about Dubai lacking soul, lacking depth, or not having its own identity. 

But I find, in my experience, the people who make this very statement, are the ones who lack soul – not Dubai.

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 Just like the quote ‘those who don’t believe in magic, will never find it.’ – those who say Dubai has no soul, will never find it. You have to look, listen, breathe it in, just a little bit.  

Dubai has a gorgeous, albeit shorter history than other countries

Just because the country is young, doesn’t mean it doesn’t have soul.

Dubai’s soul is echoed through the walkways of Al Fahidi, in the village where the Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed was born.

What other countries can you meander through a Ruler’s birthplace?

 The UAE has a proud history, and for a country in its mid-40s, I think it’s got plenty of character. 

As an Australian national, it was rare for me growing up – to meet people of other nationalities

Every day here, I get to learn different Arabic words from my colleagues, I get to chat with people from all cultures and walks of life – try the foods, listen to the music, enjoy the little nuances from culture to culture. 

If that’s not soul, what is?

Dubai is known for its melting pot of cultures, and you can immerse yourself in it, or create your own insular little nation. But enjoying it, is just so much more fun. People’s eyes often sparkle, when they talk about home comforts – whether it’s a brand of biscuit, a place they can buy clothing, a restaurant, or a smell.

Learning about dozens of different countries, meeting the people, tasting the food, hearing the music, trying the clothes, that is almost what defines Dubai’s very character – that it’s international, and a fusion of so many cultures. 

If soul is the same definition as having heart

 Try speaking to the tireless animal rescuers, working hard to home the strays in the city, hear about the people who spend their nights and weekends, their hard-earned paychecks to help trap, neuter and release the multiplying cat colonies. 

Those people have some of the biggest hearts of anyone.

And if soul is the street, the character and art 

Then places like Alserkal have you covered. 

A stroll among the galleries, particularly during its many open days and nights, will show you just how many talented artists are working tirelessly at their passion. 

You might even hear some of the UAE’s brilliant local musicians jamming if you catch the right time, or a dance performance. 

Dubai is what you make it

What might be lacking is history, but that comes from a young country. The UAE’s identity is that it welcomes foreigners, it looks for inspiration in other countries, it learns and grows and always aims to be top of its field.  

Dubai will give you what you put in – energy, life, adventure, glamour – and you can choose to enjoy it, savour the fruits of this magical city, or you can despise it.

It is not Dubai that doesn’t have soul – it’s your laziness to seek it out that is the problem. 

So get out there, mingle with people, ask questions, try new things, immerse yourself, and you’ll see another side of the city that you may not yet have gotten to know.