When I was in the truck with TBG coming to my new home from the airport, I recall one of the things that struck me as odd – tiny little motorcycles with big boxes on the back – each box was advertising a different food place. Subway, Burger King, Naked Pizza, Pizza by the Meter, Curry Box, Chin Chin, Pizza Hut, Lucky’s Pizza, Hanoi Vietnamese, Pizza Connection, EmlyChilli,Chinese Palace, Panda Chinese, Yo! Sushi, and some place called Blends.
I thought it interesting that they were being innovative and making some money by driving around with advertising boxes on the back of their motorcycles. When I told TBG this, he did that “pause” thing that he does – it means he’s trying to say something with either some compassion or tact, neither of which come easily to him.
Finally he said “Honey, they’re delivery guys. They are delivering food in those boxes.”
I swear to you that the heavens opened up and the angels sang to me at that exact moment.
I realized that I could have pretty much anything I wanted delivered to me just about any time. Oh. My. Goodness. I smiled all the way home.
Since then, I’ve discovered that it’s not only food, but just about anything. Big plants, doggie grooming, laundry, groceries, artwork, you name it.
Example, we wanted another office chair, hadn’t seen what we wanted on Dubizzle.com (kinda like Craig’s list) so we stopped in at Office Depot in one of the malls. They had EXACTLY the chair I wanted, and it was on sale for surprisingly only $65 USD. Very good price. Of course, this was sort of a “display only” store – tiny little sliver of a shop in some really expensive mall real estate. I was disappointed, and said “OK, thanks” and started to leave, but the salesperson said “But we will deliver it to you for free two days”. I handed over the credit card and filled out the delivery information. Then, the salesperson handed me this bag full of merchandise, markers, pens, clips, note pads, mechanical pencils and leads, a BUNCH of office supplies…. And said “free for you madam”. Can you tell I’m liking Dubai so far??
True to form two days later, someone called to confirm delivery, then the driver called for directions, seein as how we have no dang street addresses and all. Showed up with the chair in a box, rang the bell, told us they were here, and were going to begin ASSEMBLY….. I thought I’d swoon. So, lemme clarify for you-not only did they deliver a $65 office chair that wasn’t in stock, they assembled it, then carried it upstairs for me…. No charge. Well, I tipped them, but wasn’t that cool?
There are water guys that deliver the big five-gallon jugs of water that are in everyone’s house. And they will pick up your empty bottle, and bring the new full bottle inside if you’d like. Or, if you’re not home, they’ll leave it on your carport steps. Or put it inside the door if you’ve left it unlocked.
Oh, and personal services…. Manicures? Pedicures? Massages? Haircuts? All done at your home. I just bought two 1-hour massages, DELIVERED for 138 AED…. That’s about $37.50 USD, so I paid less than $20 for an hour-long massage, done in my home. Amazing.
I love delivery. 🙂
Debbie Moves to Dubai 
That is AWESOME!!!! The advertising idea was good too!!
Well shows you that what you see and first think “ain’t necessarily so”, ya know? Pretty amazing, though – these guys are out all hours of the day and night – it still makes me smile that if I want Wendy’s, they’ll bring it right to me! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m thinkin I should come for a visit… Your pix are amazing, and commentary? You missed your calling as a comedic writer! Decided to start re-reading from the begining and leave comments… Love you!
LOL… kiddo, you are cracking me up. You’re the wordsmith in the family – it amazes me how you can write from the heart without sounding sappy! Glad you’re enjoying – thanks for stopping by!
Just thought I’d tell you I miss you and YES, we read all of your entries. I’ve always got three tabs open; Facebook, Pinterest, and your blog! Lol. I love reading about what it’s like there! I think it’s really cool. Especially this delivery stuff. I’d LOVE that! And just to let you know, this blog distracts me from studying ALL the time. By the way, what’s the time difference there? Love you! ❤
P.S The camels on the side of the road are so cool! Aaaaand you should put some pictures of you on here too!
Awwww…. thanks for the extreme vote of confidence, kiddo. Time difference is +10 for your area. And don’t you go blaming my blog on your school scores…. ain’t got nothing to do with them. Nope. And, yes, I’ve got a few photos of me that I’ve got to get on here – I’m just slow and learning! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my baby blog, it means a lot!
So I think I’ll have to have a large Superbiotic from Naked Pizza. It was the only one I saw a website for! LOL! And Free Office Supplies Rock! So glad that you are enjoying your time over there and can’t wait to read about your next adventure!
LOL…. well, some may not have websites, but they will certainly make sure you have their delivery menus – generally hanging from your doorknob! Thanks for reading along, it’s good to have you here!
Are there cultural reasons behind this? Are women allowed to go out alone? If they’re not, then this is a genius capitalist move, letting them still shop from home.
Dana, I don’t *believe* there are cultural reasons, but I’m never certain about that. Personally, I believe it’s an employment issue….. plus, real estate here is expensive to heat and cool, i’d bet it’s less expensive to pay (?) a fleet of motorcycle-delivery-guys than to maintain an eating space for the same number of people they can deliver to. *shrug*
Women can and do go out by themselves here, but more commonly, you’ll see them in pairs or small groups. And they’re not wanting for shopping opportunities – I STILL have not been to all the malls here!! But that certainly would be a brilliant move, wouldn’t it??