Ireland vs UAE: A Traveller’s Perspective
UAE, and especially Dubai, is one of the most efficient, safe and modern cities in the world. It is convenient in every way, built with world-class infrastructure and a food scene that is hard to match anywhere else. It is also a very young country. Founded in 1971, it has grown at an incredible pace and become a centre for tourism, architecture and innovation. So this article is definitely not about which destination is better, as both destinations have so much to offer. It is simply a reflection on how Ireland felt to us after living in Dubai, seen through a traveller’s eyes.
First Impressions
If the UAE is all about convenience and innovation, Ireland is about calm and connection. The moment you land in Dublin, the pace changes. Mornings are quiet, shops open later and there is space to breathe. Even at 8.45 am, many stores are still closed.
Dubai gives you the opposite feeling. From the number of cars on the road to the packed 5 am metro, the city is awake before sunrise. You feel the energy and face paced city life immediately.
Getting Around
Public transport was one of our favourite things about Dublin. The airport buses are frequent, comfortable and have free Wi-Fi. Trains and buses connect most places easily, which is great if you haven’t sorted a local SIM yet. Once you leave Dublin, a car becomes essential because Ireland’s beauty lies in its countryside, coastal drives and small towns. Renting and fuel are more expensive, and even driving a friend’s car requires being added to their insurance which adds to the hassle of being able to switch cars with ease.
Dubai’s metro covers most tourist attractions, but the city is designed for cars. Public transport can take longer, and taxis are convenient but can be pricey. Renting a car is cheap, quick and straightforward, and fuel costs are far lower than in Europe. A car is also ideal if you want to explore other Emirates. While both countries are similar in size, most of the UAE’s attractions are concentrated in the city, whether Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making the city the highlight for many visitors. Dublin, by contrast, is just a small part of Ireland. The real magic begins once you drive out into the countryside.
Food and General Costs
Dubai has endless food options. Any cuisine is available at any hour, from street food to fine dining, all with fast delivery. You can get groceries or meals in under fifteen minutes. Ireland, by contrast, has a more local, hearty food culture built around seafood, stews, cafés and pub meals. Choices are fewer, prices are higher, and restaurants close earlier. Even a simple sandwich from a grocery store can cost AED30, whereas a hearty shawarma or sandwich is just AED5. People often call Dubai expensive, but it actually offers options across every budget. We always joke that you can have a karak chai for AED1 or a gold-flaked version for AED5000.
Hotels follow the same pattern, offering much more variety for the price you pay. In Ireland, food, hotels and everyday costs add up quickly. What we paid for a mid-range poorly maintained airbnb in Dublin would have given us a luxurious stay in Dubai.
Everyday Convenience
Some of Ireland’s small quirks reminded us how differently things work. The weather can change in an instant, with sunshine, rain, wind and clouds appearing all in a single morning, adding an unpredictable rhythm to daily life.
Traffic fines arrive by post ten days later, instead of the instant flash and text message in Dubai. Public toilets are scarce, and the ones at Dublin Airport arrivals were some of the worst we had experienced. Amazon packages can take over a week to arrive, while in Dubai almost anything is delivered within 15 minutes, you can get a massage booked at home, apps like Zoffeur make daily life convenient.
However, while systems in Ireland may move more slowly, people enjoy a better work-life balance, seem less rushed, and place greater importance on personal life than on work.
Casual Interactions
Ireland’s friendliness is immediate. Whether it’s during a casual walk to the grocery store, a hike, or at a pub, people strike up conversations, joke, and make you feel welcome, in both towns and cities. Dubai’s daily life is faster-paced, so interactions are often polite and brief. However, the warmth comes from its diversity. You meet people from everywhere, each bringing their own culture.
Safety
The UAE is one of the safest countries in the world and feels secure at any hour. Even as a woman, you can walk around at 2 am without a second thought. We have plenty of personal experiences of lost items, including wallets containing cash, being returned exactly as they were.
Nature and Pace
Perhaps not as safe as the UAE, Ireland is generally secure, especially compared to many other European destinations. Tourists are advised to be more cautious after dark and to avoid isolated areas. Pickpocketing can occur in busy spots, so it is best to carry minimal cash. During our visit in September 2025, a few racial incidents led to official guidelines recommending precautions in certain areas, but overall the country felt welcoming and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
There is no real comparison between Ireland and the UAE because they offer completely different experiences. Ireland feels grounded, natural and peaceful. UAE feels inspiring, modern and full of potential. What they share is the way each place makes you feel. Living in UAE, this is our home and always will be. Once you have experienced the convenience the city has to offer, it feels unnatural to be anywhere else. But as nature lovers, Ireland is an absolute dream destination.
Travel is never about ticking boxes or comparing systems. It is about the impression a place leaves behind. UAE fills you with energy and ambition. Ireland fills you with calm and beauty. Together they show two very different styles of life and travel, each meaningful in its own way
