Dubai Bling - It's Time For A Reality Check

Over-the-Top, Overdramatic, and Over My Expectations

A new season of Dubai Bling, brings a new season of messages… 'Do people in Dubai really live like this?' ‘Do people dress like that?’ etc. The short answer? Not really. The long answer? Keep reading.

When I started season one of Dubai Bling, did I think I’d still be watching by season three? Not at all. I genuinely thought I’d last 10 minutes, cringe, and switch to Selling Sunset. But that didn’t happen - I couldn’t stop watching. Before I knew it, I was hitting next episode the second the credits rolled.

What was it about this show that kept me hooked? The familiarity? The cast? The drama? I think it was a bit of everything that ended up creating a binge-worthy show. But was it all real?

Those of us who are actually settled here know that Dubai is so much more than just bling. After ten years of living in Dubai, I’ve realized I’ve become oddly protective of this city. I mean, it’s hard not to love this place…the skyline, the weather, the people. But my connection to the city has turned into something deeper, a bit more personal. So, when I hear tourists dismissing it as a city with ‘no culture or history,’ it genuinely gets my back up. Because the Dubai they see in a weeks visit while sunbathing by the beach is nothing like the Dubai I know. There’s so much more to it than what they see on Dubai Bling or on a quick trip.

It frustrates me when people on vacation here, spend a few days in a five star resort, rent a Lamborghini for the day, and then act like they understand what Dubai is (or what it’s lacking). It’s so much more than what a Netflix show portrays. Is it as beautiful as it looks on Dubai Bling? Even more so. This city is built on ambition, resilience, and with a mindset that anything is possible. Even with what Dubai Bling does showcase - such as the mansions, cars and bling, it should give you an idea of the type of rewards people reap from their hard work. It’s not just about glitz; it’s about the hustle and grind, which in all honesty I think Farhana is a good example of.

Let’s talk about what Dubai Bling doesn’t show you. This country has given me so much more than just great weather and shopping malls - it’s given me opportunities, friendships that feel like family, a lifestyle I love (yes, I love a little bling too sometimes), motivation, safety, and a sense of belonging. And more importantly, it’s taught me some of the most valuable lessons of my life - positivity, ambition, tolerance, culture, humbleness. Yes, humbleness, in a city that’s labeled as flashy and over the top.

Because this is what most people don’t realize….the ones who are truly settled here, the ones who have built a life from scratch in a country they were not born in, are not the ones flexing wealth on social media. They live modest, humble lives, prioritizing family, business and growth. There’s always someone wealthier and more successful than you here. People don’t compete with one another here - because you just can’t!

Luxury is very accessible here but that’s not what defines life here. What this city is really about is entrepreneurs chasing their dreams, expats who have built a life and made this home, respecting each others cultures, and locals who deeply value their heritage and traditions. Dubai has achieved what so many western countries are failing to do - over 200 nationalities coexist here and are happy. Yep..read that again. It’s a place where cultures blend together seamlessly, where people are judged less by where they come from, the color of their skin, and more by what they bring to the table. Isn’t this what everyone truly wants from where they live?

Do people here really dress like the Dubai Bling cast? Yes and no. There are moments of major glam here - any red carpet or high profile event will have you drooling over the fashion and the faces, but most of Dubai’s residents aren’t walking around in couture at 10am on a Monday. Understated luxury is a big thing here, and some of the ones making moves in Dubai are doing it in a mix of Hermès flats and Zara basics. Yes, luxury is everywhere, but so is ambition, community, and an entire creative industry that is booming. Not everyone who is wealthy in this city, is so flamboyant. I guess, what I’m trying to say is, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

I’ve met a couple of the cast, and I have to say, Mona is exactly in real life as how she appears on the show - a sweetheart! She’s genuinly so sweet, kind, and effortlessly elegant, the kind of person who just makes you feel instantly comfortable, like a big sister. I met Farhana briefly at events back in the day, and she seems exactly the same as when I first met her - always camera ready. As for the others…I’ve heard of a few, but never met them, and some I had no idea who they were before the show. But that doesn’t mean they weren’t already known in certain circles. That’s the thing I’ve learnt about Dubai - who’s famous depends on which circle you’re in.

My personal favorite (apart from Mona) is Danya. I like how unapologetically real she is. What you see is what you get - but in a polite way. LJ is very unassuming…I like how she sticks up for herself and doesn’t take any BS.

Do I like the show? I love it. It’s ridiculously entertaining, and I think the cast have done an amazing job. Let’s be honest, the drama is the real magic here. Do I think it’s scripted? I think theres some level of guidance involved (not sure on how much), but I honestly think the cast are too fluid and relaxed for it to be entirely scripted. Either way, I love every second of it and I love Safa’s lines!

I can’t help but wonder where the show will take each cast member. It’s already given them global presence, but I’m curious to know what the real goal of each person is. Will Mona be pregnant in the next season? Do Ebraheem and Marwan clear the air? Will Safa be releasing a pocket guide on delivering effortlessly sharp one-liners? Because honestly, I’d buy it. I genuinly didn’t think I’d be as invested in this series as I am. And I’m totally here for it.

While you watch this carefully crafted display of wealth and drama, those of us living here (including the cast) know the truth - Dubai is so much more than just bling. It’s a city of reinvention, ambition, and yes, the occasional over the top dinner party.

At the end of the day, the show and cast are bringing you exactly what you assumed Dubai was….supercars, bling, luxury and over the top. Clever marketing if you ask me.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to sip an overpriced latte and rethink my entire career path. Just in case Dubai Bling Season 4 is taking applications. 😉

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