French Dubai

Despite the number of French restaurants in Dubai there are just 10,000 French expats living here. We talk to a few about their life in Dubai Discuss this article

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Laurent, 37

I’ve just returned to Dubai after 18 months back in Paris. I’ve come back to do the same thing I was before – helping the UAE landforces with the maintenance of the tanks that we sold them. Because we designed them, we teach soldiers here about their upkeep. After another year or so I think the forces here will be fully trained and won’t require our help any more.

I like my lifestyle here – I get an expat salary and my accommodation and car are provided. In my spare time I do things I couldn’t at home, such as skiing (bizarrely), as well as watersports like kitesurfing and diving. So I asked to return when my last contract finished. C’est une bonne vie!

What’s the difference between Dubai and Paris? Dubai is a city of light. Paris is a city of love. I miss the history of Paris – it is built on years of romance. Also, radio stations are almost all Arabic and English, so I miss French programmes.

Here, the traffic is heavier and it’s very artificial. The malls are all very stale. But I do like the skyscrapers of Dubai. I suppose you cannot find so much cheap labour in Paris, so skyscrapers don’t go up there. Dubai is a new country, so it will take time to develop its own personality. If I fancy some French food I go over to Paul café in BurJuman for their excellent croissants, Saint Tropez at Century Village or to Le Notre for their decent cappuccinos.