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Hello Dubai: Skiing, Sand and Shopping in the World's Weirdest City
Dubai has risen from next to nothing to an awful lot in little more than 30 years. How? And can it go on? Has it sold itself to the corporate dollar? Is it anything more than a mall in the desert? Will the sands return? Joe Bennett answers these questions and more in his guide exploration of Dubai.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Joe Bennett
26 books19 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Julian "Joe" Bennett (born 20 April 1957) is a writer and columnist living in Lyttelton, New Zealand.
Born in England, he emigrated to New Zealand when he was twenty-nine. Bennett is a columnist for Christchurch's newspaper The Press and the author of several books.
Julian "Joe" Bennett (born 20 April 1957) is a writer and columnist living in Lyttelton, New Zealand.
Born in England, he emigrated to New Zealand when he was twenty-nine. Bennett is a columnist for Christchurch's newspaper The Press and the author of several books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 28, 2011
I have never been to Dubai but every weekend in the newspaper, Emirates tries to entice me by telling me that I could be in Europe for dinner. I expect that would mean that I’d be in Dubai for lunch. Dubai is hot (both literally and figuratively), Dubai is the place. That’s what Joe Bennett thought too, so he thought he’d go there, check it out and write a book about it. If only it was that easy for the rest of us, eh?
Hello Dubai is a very wordy book. I’m sure that a sight in Dubai (such as a cricket game, a hotel or a shopping mall) could be described in more succinct terms. It makes Dubai come across as verbose and boring – which my friends who have travelled there assure me that it’s not. Maybe it’s because Bennett describes a lot of parties and shops in great detail (for example, pages about each shop – I love shopping, but I couldn’t write pages about Kinokuniya or Sephora). It seems to lack direction – is this about the Western expat’s life? The African or Indian young man working hard to send money home? The Islamic families? There’s a little bit of each and it jumps around between. It’s a series of vignettes linked to try to make a whole book. However, I did find it much more interesting when Bennett was discussing life outside Dubai. Perhaps he’s just not that into big cities?
Perhaps this book could be best summarised as watching Dubai from a distance – you have a vague idea of what’s happening, but can’t hear it or see the fine details.
Hello Dubai is a very wordy book. I’m sure that a sight in Dubai (such as a cricket game, a hotel or a shopping mall) could be described in more succinct terms. It makes Dubai come across as verbose and boring – which my friends who have travelled there assure me that it’s not. Maybe it’s because Bennett describes a lot of parties and shops in great detail (for example, pages about each shop – I love shopping, but I couldn’t write pages about Kinokuniya or Sephora). It seems to lack direction – is this about the Western expat’s life? The African or Indian young man working hard to send money home? The Islamic families? There’s a little bit of each and it jumps around between. It’s a series of vignettes linked to try to make a whole book. However, I did find it much more interesting when Bennett was discussing life outside Dubai. Perhaps he’s just not that into big cities?
Perhaps this book could be best summarised as watching Dubai from a distance – you have a vague idea of what’s happening, but can’t hear it or see the fine details.
February 17, 2018
Author Mr Joe Bennett was born in UK and later moved to New Zealand. He has written several travel books. I ran into this book when I was browsing bookstores in Kuala Lumpur. The cute cover caught my eyes immediately. I am always keen to learn more about Dubai. After all, its legend has become such a hype that nothing seems impossible in this arid land. So what exactly is it like to travel or live in Dubai? Readers can embark on an interesting journey with Joe.
Joe was an amiable 51-year-old man. He liked to talk to people and normally hoped to have conversations with anyone. He was blunt on his reflections. He didn't seem to like capitalism well. He constantly sympathized with the lower class people. He blamed capitalism caused the inequality. He even despised his British ancestors for causing such troubles. During his journey, he introduced some historical facts to the readers. I learned the basic roots of UAE: how the Brits created the current ruling families, the nuanced relations between the emirates... Joe's observations were perceptive. It allowed me to see this country in a different perspective.
I am not sure how long he stayed in Dubai. Besides Dubai, he also had traveled most of the UAE in this book. The UAE is not a big country. He rent a car and drove around to see the rural areas. The rural areas were bleak. Sandy landscapes stretched endlessly. There was little signs of life. Even in country towns, foreign immigrants were seen everywhere, but few Emiratis. It seemed most of the residents in this country were just 'birds in passage'. They would leave as long as the environment changed.
'Hello Dubai' is an interesting book with some reflection of the country. Joe showed us how lives in Dubai was like. Especially, he depicted why Dubai seduced so many expatriates. It was indeed a heaven for these global elites. He visited shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and attended parties in the desert. Dubai is really a climax of capitalistic miracles. However, there is always shadow behind everything. Maybe it is a lost paradise that will continue to summon everyone's imagination.
Joe was an amiable 51-year-old man. He liked to talk to people and normally hoped to have conversations with anyone. He was blunt on his reflections. He didn't seem to like capitalism well. He constantly sympathized with the lower class people. He blamed capitalism caused the inequality. He even despised his British ancestors for causing such troubles. During his journey, he introduced some historical facts to the readers. I learned the basic roots of UAE: how the Brits created the current ruling families, the nuanced relations between the emirates... Joe's observations were perceptive. It allowed me to see this country in a different perspective.
I am not sure how long he stayed in Dubai. Besides Dubai, he also had traveled most of the UAE in this book. The UAE is not a big country. He rent a car and drove around to see the rural areas. The rural areas were bleak. Sandy landscapes stretched endlessly. There was little signs of life. Even in country towns, foreign immigrants were seen everywhere, but few Emiratis. It seemed most of the residents in this country were just 'birds in passage'. They would leave as long as the environment changed.
'Hello Dubai' is an interesting book with some reflection of the country. Joe showed us how lives in Dubai was like. Especially, he depicted why Dubai seduced so many expatriates. It was indeed a heaven for these global elites. He visited shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and attended parties in the desert. Dubai is really a climax of capitalistic miracles. However, there is always shadow behind everything. Maybe it is a lost paradise that will continue to summon everyone's imagination.
October 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this "book without a plot" as described by the highly observant author, Joe Bennet. In the same vein of one of my all time favourite shows, Seinfeld, and the "show about nothing," this book is more proof that there needn't be a thrilling plot-line to be engaging and enjoyable.
In fact, I had a blast hurtling down the desert highways of the UAE in Joe's hired Nissan. I'm not much into history, but his injections of historical info about the region were brief enough not to bore me, and interesting enough to teach me more about this 'strange new world' I am yet to visit myself.
Most of all, I enjoyed Joe's writing. He is highly observant of the human condition, and not afraid to insert his own opinions and ideas, expressed via his highly profficient yet not at all conceited command of the English language.
I enjoyed the clever imagery, ("A whole fleet of 4WDs was drawn up to it (the house) like pigglets on a sow"), and desperately wanted to take offense at a clever paragraph about females and check-outs, but was too impressed by his humour (sometimes the truth is just too close to the bone!).
I hadn't heard of Joe Bennet before (sorry, I'm Australian), but should have known he wasn't one of us from the humility and lack of bravado in his writing.
I enjoyed the vast and varied cast of characters that he introduces us to, from the seedy bars filled with immigrant workers to the sparkling homes of the ex-pat elite. Prostitutes, homosexuals, sheiks and of course the vast changing desert all play their vital role in piecing together the story of this land of contradiction.
Loved it. Looking forward to his latest. With a title like, "Double Happiness: How Bullshit Works," it's bound to be a cracker.
In fact, I had a blast hurtling down the desert highways of the UAE in Joe's hired Nissan. I'm not much into history, but his injections of historical info about the region were brief enough not to bore me, and interesting enough to teach me more about this 'strange new world' I am yet to visit myself.
Most of all, I enjoyed Joe's writing. He is highly observant of the human condition, and not afraid to insert his own opinions and ideas, expressed via his highly profficient yet not at all conceited command of the English language.
I enjoyed the clever imagery, ("A whole fleet of 4WDs was drawn up to it (the house) like pigglets on a sow"), and desperately wanted to take offense at a clever paragraph about females and check-outs, but was too impressed by his humour (sometimes the truth is just too close to the bone!).
I hadn't heard of Joe Bennet before (sorry, I'm Australian), but should have known he wasn't one of us from the humility and lack of bravado in his writing.
I enjoyed the vast and varied cast of characters that he introduces us to, from the seedy bars filled with immigrant workers to the sparkling homes of the ex-pat elite. Prostitutes, homosexuals, sheiks and of course the vast changing desert all play their vital role in piecing together the story of this land of contradiction.
Loved it. Looking forward to his latest. With a title like, "Double Happiness: How Bullshit Works," it's bound to be a cracker.
September 24, 2010
I'm a big fan of Joe Bennett, having read all his books (including the ones that don't appear on GoodReads). He has an easygoing style and a likeable nature. I envy his ability to mix well with anyone and everyone, and the way he relates to so many people from every level of society. And, as I'm a Kiwi, with a love of dogs, who spent several years living in Lyttelton, I feel like I can relate pretty well to him as well.
"Hello Dubai" is the story of Joe's experiences while touring the United Arab Emirates. Being a natural observer of people, his writing focuses on those he met during his travels, although there is some interesting historical information scattered throughout the book as well. I learned a lot about the area and came away with the realisation that it's just another part of the planet full of people, mostly good, from all walks of life, who are just trying to get along, be happy and look after themselves and their families.
"Hello Dubai" is the story of Joe's experiences while touring the United Arab Emirates. Being a natural observer of people, his writing focuses on those he met during his travels, although there is some interesting historical information scattered throughout the book as well. I learned a lot about the area and came away with the realisation that it's just another part of the planet full of people, mostly good, from all walks of life, who are just trying to get along, be happy and look after themselves and their families.
January 15, 2020
This book feels like it was written by Uncle Joe. A man in his sixties decides to check out Dubai and the rest of the UAE.
The book was good to learn about the non-mainstream stereotypes of the place. It was a little blurry as to what was opinion, observation or fact but overall made sense.
I felt like some of his descriptions of people were unnecessarily mean, especially fat people.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested to know more about Dubai.
The book was good to learn about the non-mainstream stereotypes of the place. It was a little blurry as to what was opinion, observation or fact but overall made sense.
I felt like some of his descriptions of people were unnecessarily mean, especially fat people.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested to know more about Dubai.
May 13, 2020
The closest I have ever come to spending any time in Dubai is during a stopover at the airport, but I have always been curious about what the city is like to visit. With travel restrictions in place I am currently limited to “armchair travel” in order to find out. Thanks to Joe’s book I have been able to experience a little bit of Dubai and the surrounding areas vicariously.
March 26, 2022
Joe Bennett is a newspaper columnist and travel writer. Here he visits Dubai to discover what draws people to seek their fortune, how Dubai and the UAE have developed and their potential future. It’s strong on the country’s history and unflinching about its government and the racism of some western ex pats but despite his efforts, he doesn’t get close to the underclass of workers who sustain it and is quite patronising in his assumptions.
November 26, 2012
A lightweight look at Dubai. A bit disappointingly "laddish" in parts but generally mildly diverting armchair travel. The basic takeaway is that Dubai is modern capitalism and free-marketeering made flesh - Simpson neither apologises for, excuses or justifies this, just presents the reality as he sees it. Not a book I'd read again, nor a place I'm inspired to visit.
Read
August 18, 2013I would neither give any stars nor recomend this book as some of the sentences and stories insulting Islam (even though not all the stories relating to Islam). I think the writer is purposely doing that to provoke and insults Muslims.
July 23, 2022
This book was a lovely, detailed, eventful recollection of a trip to the UAE. I have to admit that I am biased here as UAE was my home (and is till today, even though I don't live there anymore).
My favourite part of the book was the history and the insurmountable sense that we are getting to see the true picture and the actual culture of the UAE, its geography, and the nature of its people. As such, it includes tales of the scale of things before and during Dubai's growing pains. I loved not only the recollections, but the level of detail and the explanations of why things were done the way they were. They showed that the author indeed had a very curious, pondering and contemplative mind that serves him well and allows him to observe and dissect things at a much deeper level. It is wholly unlike the transactional view of some writers and seems to be quite principled.
Moreover, growing up in Dubai I found this book to be a perfect way to reminisce on home. The place mentioned hotels, cities, sites, supermarkets, and mosques that I had been to as a child and young teenager. Without reading about them here, I would never have remembered them. It's thrilling to read a book and find that you have been to the place described and examined. To me, that was a bulk of the pleasure. Also, considering that I was just a child then, the book made me understand much of what made the city, the city. That's why an ethnography is never done by anyone within the culture being studied. It takes a foreigner to pick up on subtle and obvious differences in the place and in the mindset. To me, there was a lot of beauty to see my culture in someone else's lens.
The book as mentioned before also describes to you why things happen: why there are so many barrier blocks; why Arabs live in certain areas; why are the relation and culture of the states different; how did each of the emirates gain independence; why do so many people immigrate to Dubai; how did people gain rights, I.e. How did expats get to own property; etc. This brought colour to things I had seen in my childhood and really helped me understand things.
Also, the book does seem to be quite balanced in its approach and its coverage - he visited rich and poor areas; exclusive and public areas; and other lesser known emirates. That was refreshing considering that most consider Dubai as the entire country. Other than the below mentioned intentional or unintentional disdain for Muslims, it was balanced in its approach and also in the manner that it described many sensitive areas regarding the capitalistic nature of Dubai and preferential treatment of its citizens. Though the description is fair - despite being sad, and at times logical from a selfish point of view.
What I didn't like was specific. The fact that the author seemed to have some kind of dislike for Islam and would on several occasions, make snide remarks about Islam, about the prophet, and Allah. The use of the word 'infidel' also was very disturbing. There were times that the author assumed a lot of incorrect things about Islam, i.e. In the very beginning, he insinuated that it was okay to kill an 'infidel dog'. This is not true for any Muslim. Killing for the sake of it is completely prohibited and this type of pattern of assuming anything goes in Islam and that Allah would like so and so nasty thing, or the prophet would condone so and so barbaric action. Considering how deep and varied his research is, this was surprising. I couldn't see any reason that he would be this comfortable grilling or making such statements about a religion that he admits is durable and has a huge following, other than pure prejudice and misinformation. I found it uncomfortable to read. Even if one does not understand or like a religion, it is necessary to do so respectfully. On a parallel note, one thing I liked was his readiness to admit that he has been a recipient of the western privilege - rampant there and in all corners of the world.
Secondly, the book got a little complicated at times with technical language, and though there was a lot of description that made it enjoyable at times, other times it took a lot more time to process and there were days that I couldn't bring myself to read it because of the mental bandwidth required. Though it must be noted that the author did have a sense of humour and wasn't boring at all.
To summarise, I enjoyed the book and most of its contents and when I had the energy to read it, I enjoyed the history, stories and recollections that is abundantly much more than meets the eye. There are a few things I would change but all in all, you learn a lot and experience a culture from an outsider - both valuable if you are from it or not. The experience and learning are more than I could have expected - and that's coming from someone who grew up and experienced the culture first hand.
My favourite part of the book was the history and the insurmountable sense that we are getting to see the true picture and the actual culture of the UAE, its geography, and the nature of its people. As such, it includes tales of the scale of things before and during Dubai's growing pains. I loved not only the recollections, but the level of detail and the explanations of why things were done the way they were. They showed that the author indeed had a very curious, pondering and contemplative mind that serves him well and allows him to observe and dissect things at a much deeper level. It is wholly unlike the transactional view of some writers and seems to be quite principled.
Moreover, growing up in Dubai I found this book to be a perfect way to reminisce on home. The place mentioned hotels, cities, sites, supermarkets, and mosques that I had been to as a child and young teenager. Without reading about them here, I would never have remembered them. It's thrilling to read a book and find that you have been to the place described and examined. To me, that was a bulk of the pleasure. Also, considering that I was just a child then, the book made me understand much of what made the city, the city. That's why an ethnography is never done by anyone within the culture being studied. It takes a foreigner to pick up on subtle and obvious differences in the place and in the mindset. To me, there was a lot of beauty to see my culture in someone else's lens.
The book as mentioned before also describes to you why things happen: why there are so many barrier blocks; why Arabs live in certain areas; why are the relation and culture of the states different; how did each of the emirates gain independence; why do so many people immigrate to Dubai; how did people gain rights, I.e. How did expats get to own property; etc. This brought colour to things I had seen in my childhood and really helped me understand things.
Also, the book does seem to be quite balanced in its approach and its coverage - he visited rich and poor areas; exclusive and public areas; and other lesser known emirates. That was refreshing considering that most consider Dubai as the entire country. Other than the below mentioned intentional or unintentional disdain for Muslims, it was balanced in its approach and also in the manner that it described many sensitive areas regarding the capitalistic nature of Dubai and preferential treatment of its citizens. Though the description is fair - despite being sad, and at times logical from a selfish point of view.
What I didn't like was specific. The fact that the author seemed to have some kind of dislike for Islam and would on several occasions, make snide remarks about Islam, about the prophet, and Allah. The use of the word 'infidel' also was very disturbing. There were times that the author assumed a lot of incorrect things about Islam, i.e. In the very beginning, he insinuated that it was okay to kill an 'infidel dog'. This is not true for any Muslim. Killing for the sake of it is completely prohibited and this type of pattern of assuming anything goes in Islam and that Allah would like so and so nasty thing, or the prophet would condone so and so barbaric action. Considering how deep and varied his research is, this was surprising. I couldn't see any reason that he would be this comfortable grilling or making such statements about a religion that he admits is durable and has a huge following, other than pure prejudice and misinformation. I found it uncomfortable to read. Even if one does not understand or like a religion, it is necessary to do so respectfully. On a parallel note, one thing I liked was his readiness to admit that he has been a recipient of the western privilege - rampant there and in all corners of the world.
Secondly, the book got a little complicated at times with technical language, and though there was a lot of description that made it enjoyable at times, other times it took a lot more time to process and there were days that I couldn't bring myself to read it because of the mental bandwidth required. Though it must be noted that the author did have a sense of humour and wasn't boring at all.
To summarise, I enjoyed the book and most of its contents and when I had the energy to read it, I enjoyed the history, stories and recollections that is abundantly much more than meets the eye. There are a few things I would change but all in all, you learn a lot and experience a culture from an outsider - both valuable if you are from it or not. The experience and learning are more than I could have expected - and that's coming from someone who grew up and experienced the culture first hand.
April 27, 2020
This book offers a fairly interesting look at a strange and inequitable place. Unfortunately the author frequently felt the need to comment on people's weight, clothing or appearance, which was plain unnecessary and detracted from his occasionally insightful musings on culture and values.
August 24, 2025
Unfortunately, this book was a struggle to finish. There were small gems of the history and culture of Dubai (actually the whole UAE in general), but overall it was a string of incredibly boring stories that were really just fluff.
August 3, 2022
The sense of humour of the author is superb. I laughed out loud many times.
There are also little bits of wisdom here and there.
The depiction of expat lives - both rich and poor seem honest.
There are also little bits of wisdom here and there.
The depiction of expat lives - both rich and poor seem honest.
September 15, 2025
A tedious read by a misogynistic and opinionated author. It does give some of the history and social context of Dubai but overall it wasn’t worth the time I spent reading it.
June 23, 2012
I live in Dubai so was intrigued to read a book from a traveller. Too often writers concentrate on the brashness of Dubai and don't get the real sense of the place. I thought Bennett got it spot on and I enjoyed his very true observations. The only thing I didn't get was his dislike of the radio and that it's in English with 'bad' djs. I'm not sure I could live here without some sort of understandable radio although I suppose I'd rely on podcasts to see me through. Worth a read.
July 3, 2014
Joe Bennett has the kind of travel experiences I have, and love......random, unplanned, shocking, scary, fun, risky, awesome, hilarious adventures in a foreign land. I never did like Dubai, and I still don't now. Despite how revolted I am by its hypocricy, materialism, and complete disregard for applying the basics of humanity, I was ashamed to feel a flutter of excitement in my traitorous heart at the thought of living such a spoilt and indulged life......for a minute.
July 8, 2012
The book is very nice for new comers to Dubai,it explains the visit of Joe to Dubai and UAE and the amazing spots,with a little bit of history and reality about what made Dubai as it is for now,for me I didn't learn much new things cause I already been there and I now it alittle bit!
nice book if you haven't been to Dubai and will make you wanna go there!
nice book if you haven't been to Dubai and will make you wanna go there!
Read
September 10, 2012Don't judge a book by its cover. He really didn't have much of a feel for Dubai, but it is good for a few laughs. He could have sat home and wrote a similiar book. But it was the author who made it amusing. Not the place.
September 22, 2012
This book is a very light introduction to Dubai culture and life. I really enjoyed it, as I am new in Dubai and therefore found it very relevant. I would not recommend it to someone with no relation to Dubai.
December 8, 2013
Have always been intrigued by the idea of Dubai. Obviously what I imagine it to be and what it is, is just a shallow, hollow image of abundant wealth of no relevance. The book was equally of no interest to me.
October 15, 2018
Went back & read this a second time, now that I have been living in Dubai for 7 years (read it the first time just before I moved here). It's still not a very good book at all... Kind of waffling & pointless.
December 10, 2011
Great read
October 8, 2012
I've read most of Joe Bennett's books and loved them all. Hello Dubai is hilarious. Another gem from Joe's pen.
August 14, 2015
Easy to read book that is part travel memoir and part history of the Emirates. Light-hearted look at an interesting part of the world
September 9, 2016
Funny and witty, and interesting to read about another place.
April 14, 2017
Big in New Zealand! but not in the UK...yet, which is our loss. Bennett has a fairly unique travel writing style. His blend of wit, insight and irreverence combine to make this a truly eye opening adventure. His curiosity takes him not just to Dubai but further afield checking out other cities in the UAE and into the desert beyond. I learned a lot about the city of contradictions and there were no shortage of surprises too.
July 29, 2018
I enjoyed reading Hello Dubai, Joe made a very good effort to portray a nice picture of, not just Dubai, rather the whole UAE. This book is engaging, humorous but I disagree with the author on few points which are his own personal reflection. At many places, I felt Joe goes into too much details and the reader lost their interest. Dubai is one of the most exciting city on the planet and Joe did a good job. If someone never been to Dubai, I am sure this book will provide a comprehensive overview of this thrilling city.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews