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Best Abu Dhabi Blogs and Best Dubai Blogs
Dubai Blogs, Abu Dhabi Blogs and the blog scene
The blogging scene in Dubai and Abu Dhabi has changed substantially over the last 5 years and while the histroy remains, there will always be a new compilation of bloggers worth considering. We have put together our thoughts on who we think are the best bloggers in Dubai as well as the best blogs in Abu Dhabi.
The blogs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have morphed from simply just providing a window to life in the UAE to providing more opinion on the change that continues in this society. And while there are blogs that simply report - they shouln't be sniffed at. They provide a great service to the many who are conisdering the UAE as a time to spend their next few years.
There are other categories, however, including the ranter, the guru, and the comedian - and all fit well into the Dubai and Abu Dhabi blogosphere.
We have tried to be consistent with our choice of blogger. They have to have either produced a significant "body of blogs" or they need to be regular in blogging their thoughts - and of course they have to have some sort of link to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. That said, these are the blogs that we like, and think are important but there may be others that we may have omitted, so feel free to surf around and find the blogger that tickles your fancy!
Below are a list of a selection of the best Dubai blogs and the best Abu Dhabi blogs that we think you should check out. These are a good point to start reading about life in the UAE and to under the society.
Grapeshisha
Call us arrogant, but since you are here, you might as well check out our blog. Some like it, some hate it. There are a few who do including the people on this list this list, so we suspect that we are doing something right. Let us know what you think!
Life in Dubai
One of the longest and most regular of the UAE blogs, Seabee speaks his mind on anything that he has an opinion on. It ends up with a blog that keeps it true to the core, with a large following.
Fake Plastic Souks
Alexander is probably the poster boy, if that's the right term, for UAE bloggers and provides probably the best written blog about Dubai. He certainly has his ear to the ground, and so, if you want a view, this is the place to come. And although not exclusively UAE focused, it certainly is a good read.
Secret Dubai Diary
Secret Dubai or SD to her friends is probably the most famous of all bloggers in Dubai. She gained notoriety many times due to her very cutting views on UAE society ending up in the blog being banned in the UAE by the censors. Whilst no longer active, the blog holds a large resource of previous posts which, in years to come, will probably be resigned to the archives of the History of Dubai, but probably not held there!
One Big Construction Site
In a similar way, SamuraiSam was one of the original UAE bloggers with SD, with some amusing stories of customer service with Etisalat, and although the blog is now defunct, it is worth a few minutes of your time. Both Sam and SD helped set up the UAE community Blog, which the former now polices.
Emirates Economist
Another mainstay, John Chilton provides economic analysis on all things that prove to be of interest. Often they cover the Gulf and the UAE. He takes a freakonomics type approach to the stories that matter which makes a refreshing change to just reading the quasi facts as they are reported in the news.
UAE Community Blog
The UAE Community used to be more active when there weren't the vehicles in place to group people together as Dubai and Abu Dhabi were growing. As time has evolved, the blog has remained a quasi point to post breaking news, and also a place to collate all other blogs for the UAE. This is probably a great place to start if you are looking to find out about the blogging scene in the region.
Abu Dhabi Dispatches
One of the best blogs in Abu Dhabi is Abu Dhabi Dispatches. Often, all you get is a view of Dubai, and this blog gives the exact opposite: a blog to help you understand what it is like to live in Abu Dhabi. Peppered with photographs, this is the one to read (and view) if you are interested in Abu Dhabi.
Neil and Caz in Abu Dhabi
Another great blog explaining life as expats in Abu Dhabi is this blog from Neil and Caz. They say it as they see it, and even after being in Abu Dhabi for a couple of years are stunned with some of their finds. Very British and often amusing.
An Englishman in Dubai
Although not as frequent as he used to be, An Englishman in Dubai is a pretty good account of what it is like to be an Englishman in Dubai. (sic) Actually, it's a great blog giving you in depth details on things that he has encountered as life as an expat.
Sandier Pastures
Blogs, in the main are daily musings that have taken over from the daily diary of years gone by. Sandier pastures has taken on the niche of diary writing about life in Dubai, not the bling, not the poverty - but just simply life in Dubai. It's refreshing, personal and great. Read it.
Rupert Bumfrey
Although not really a blog, Rupert provides his daily collection of the best articles about Dubai, and specifically about UAE Finance and investment. If this is your industry, this is the one to follow.
Felix Arabia
If you want the real op ed on what is going on in the UAE, what better way to get it than from the guy who writes the opinion pieces for many of the local and international papers. Sultan Al Qassemi is local, articulate, and represents the future of the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Daily Photograph
Daily means dedication - and this is what Peter provides with his blog. A daily snapshot of life in Abu Dhabi, by means of the camera and a little explanation. A fantastic little find that will help to explain life in Abu Dhabi in only the way that a professional photographer can.
Meanwhile, back in The Sandpit...
Carolyn provides great updates on the stories that matter, and rather than just reporting them, gives her own novel spin to them - which gives an interesting alternative and supplement to the dross that is reported in the press.
Christopher Saul
Christopher Saul could possibly be one of the longest serving bloggers in Dubai, and nothing can stop him. He's British, travels a lot and lives in Dubai - so he's got some perspective on what's happened over the last 5 years or so.
So there it is, the best blogs in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the UAE. If you are moving to the UAE, and are looking for the best UAE blogs to get a picture of life, these are a great start, and no doubt you will come back to them again and again. And no doubt you may even start your own blog and become part of this or one of the other best blogger lists that come out every so often.