The United Arab Emirates is one of the most unique and vibrant countries in the world.
It’s the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience desert landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and interesting city centers while also enjoying luxury hotels and fine dining.
But what about the stories you don’t see in glossy magazines?
What about the hidden side of this beautiful country? We at Being smart will show you 22 photos that give an honest look at life in the UAE.
1. “They installed a street sign in the desert at an intersection of 2 sand lanes.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-1.jpg)
2. Do you want a luxurious taxi? Say no more, here’s your McLaren.
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-2.jpg)
3. “Let me back in! I forgot it’s Dubai, and it’s 10 a.m. and 104°F outside.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-3.jpg)
4. Nothing unusual, just a sandstorm in Dubai…
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-4.jpg)
5. “I’m not like the others, I like exotic places. So my hotel is located in a non-tourist area of Dubai.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-5.jpg)
6. “Keep your distance, my mom is waiting at home. This is a dash cam photo from the streets in Al Qusais.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-6.jpg)
7. “This is an abandoned car dealership in Dubai. I’m the first one to enter in 8 years.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-7.jpg)
8. Alas, sometimes the UAE isn’t all about clean beaches and white sand.. Stations at Dubai beaches that distribute sunscreen
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-8.jpg)
9. Stations at Dubai beaches that distribute sunscreen
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-9.jpg)
10. “I saw a cat politely waiting for the elevator to open.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-10.jpg)
11. And this bird is politely waiting to enter the metro.
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-11.jpg)
12. A regular day at a local beach with the biggest observation wheel in the background
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-12.jpg)
13. This Starbucks in Dubai is quite an exotic-looking place.
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-13.jpg)
14. Meeting a hen or a rooster in the street? Why not?
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-14.jpg)
15. “My cousin, the kayaker, took the best photo of Dubai that I have ever seen.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-15.jpg)
16. “I had a 24-hour layover and $40 for a room. This is why everyone should try Airbnb.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-16.jpg)
17. “I was about to get mad until…”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-17.jpg)
18. The Burj Khalifa outlook at nighttime in Dubai
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-18.jpg)
19. “It was snowing and hailing in the United Arab Emirates today. I’ve never seen anything like this here.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-19.jpg)
20. “My boss cleans houses for rich people on the side for a living.”
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-20.jpg)
21. The city view from a bird’s perspective — see you soon, beautiful Dubai!
![](https://beingsmart.me/media/21-Photos-That-Show-the-Hidden-Side-of-the-United-Arab-Emirates-21.jpg)
Did you ever visit the United Arab Emirates? Or maybe you’ve been lucky enough to visit it already! share your experiences in the comments below.