Growing up in Dubai and moving to New York for college in 2022 has been an interesting transition for me. Despite their differences, these two cities have some⁢ surprising similarities, but there are certain aspects of Dubai that I miss, such as my friends and family, favorite food spots, and the beaches.
I became a part of the Dubai community as a child when my family moved there from India, and I have considered it my home ever since. The city experienced substantial growth and transformation in the late 20th century, resulting in an influx of expats, with current statistics indicating that 3.3 million expatriates reside in Dubai as of 2023.
Living in a place where you are not a citizen‌ may seem strange, but many expats feel at home in Dubai because of the city’s welcoming nature. The sense of temporariness began to fade for me with each year my family renewed our rental lease.
My move to New York City for my master’s degree in 2022 was a significant change. While New York was initially as captivating as I had imagined from TV shows, the routine of setting up my apartment, navigating the subway system, and attending classes gradually replaced the excitement.
Despite missing aspects of Dubai, I have come to love New York City and its unique charm, although it differs from Dubai. While New York lacks the late-night shawarma shops and nearby beaches, it offers beautiful parks and a vibrant atmosphere. Like many of the 1.5 million international students studying in New York, I have found a new home on this 2-mile island, experiencing a mix of nostalgia for Dubai and appreciation for New York.
Here are the five things I miss about Dubai and the five things I love about New York.