Irish in Dubai

We speak to three Irish Dubai residents to find out what they make of the place – and their tips on the best Irish pubs Discuss this article

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Cormac Lynch, 26

I’ve been in Dubai about eight months now, can you believe it? The time’s really flown. I came out here because I thought of it as the land of opportunity. I’m an interior architect, and there was the promise of creating something completely new here – and so much money. It seemed really exciting, and I knew a lot of people in architecture and design who came over here for those reasons.

I’m from Dublin and, although Dublin’s also a city, when I first came out here, I still found it daunting. But I really like it now – the sun, the beach and all the people you meet. I like that there are so many international people here that you wouldn’t necessarily meet back home in Ireland.

I do miss the rain, I have to say, and the greenness of everything, but other than that, I don’t miss much. I never go anywhere that’s strictly Irish, like the Irish Village. Like I said, I’m here to meet new people, though I have met some Irish people at Gaelic matches, which take place in Safa Park.

If I really crave home, I go to Harvey Nichols, which is kind of a home away from home. I really love The One furniture shop in Jumeirah as well. We don’t have it in Ireland. It has some really great contemporary designs, mixed with something really eclectic. I like the food there too. I also like Bistro Madeleine, because it’s well priced. And I love Zuma. It’s one of my favourite places. I love the decor, and the way it’s always crowded (we Irish love crowds). It’s also sort of swish, if that’s a word, but it’s not overly pretentious.

When I’m not socialising, I like going out to see new buildings being built all the time. You can get so many ideas that way; Dubai is a real epicentre of architecture. My favourite building has to be Emirates Towers. I think it’s just fantastic.

I like pretty much everything about Dubai. It’s very different from Ireland. I don’t know how long I’ll stay here, but I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve spent here so far.