Dubai International Airport

Every time I pass through Dubai Airport, I get remembered of some of the horror experiences I have gone through at some of the other 'international' airports around the world (about 27 if remember right) and then sit back and relish the experience of Dubai!!

Dubai International Airport is probably one of the best airports in the world (the new Hong Kong Airport is another fav). I think its very efficient (though some friends of mine disagree) in terms of processing though the sheer size makes one walk around too much. It has the most comprehensive duty free area and great deals too. Last year I believe the airport handled 37 million passengers (which stood at 18 million at the end of 2003)

Even though the airport will soon be bursting at its seems, I still think the flow from end to end is still very good. The floor guides are also very good at their job.

This airport may soon be overtaken by the new airport being constructed at Jebel Ali on the outskirts of Dubai. The Al Maktoum International Airport will have 6 parallel runways and up to 4 aircraft will be able to land simultaneously.

Dubai's rising inflation....

Nothing highlights Dubai's inflations woes more than this simple parking rental ticket. Imagine my surprise at being charged AED 10/- just to park my car for a few minutes!! Look closer and you will note that the monthly rental is AED1200/-. Thats almost the same as the rent I paid for my small studio apartment only a few years ago!!

Official figures put the inflation figure at about 12% but the real figure could be as high as 18%. This of course depends on the cost components under the Consumer Price Index and the relative weightage to each component.

One thing is for sure. Cost of parking is certainly not part of the CPI.

Dubai Rising

Dubai Marina is probably one of the most luxurious residential areas of Dubai. This man made marina area is also considered the most desirable and sought after lifestyle area.


I love to walk along the beautiful waterfront areas dotted with coffee shops and shining white yatchs. Its a very relaxing experience after a busy day and a walk around the place is very soothing. A lot of the construction still continues in the area and the noise can sometimes by a bit of a problem.


A small single bedroom area will make you poorer by as much as $42,000/- per annum