For countless contemporary tourists, few global destinations can compete with Dubai when a polished, twenty-first-century interpretation of 'fun in the sun' tops the holiday agenda. This sparkling man-made paradise in the Gulf offers perennial sunshine, opulent hotels, a multitude of gleaming shopping centres, renowned dining venues, and some of the planet's most novel theme parks.
Moreover, over the past ten years, a significant number of British expatriates have also chosen the city as the base for their professional lives. Lured eastward to the United Arab Emirates' most radiant city by the prospect of tax-free income, azure skies, and an existence perceived as infinitely more glamorous than the conventional UK nine-to-five, Britons from diverse professions—including teachers, lawyers, and estate agents—have followed the Middle East's beckoning sun.
The Human Mosaic of a Global City
While undoubtedly a global hub, individuals with firsthand experience of residing and working in Dubai report that the city is saturated with stereotypes, often at the expense of authentic character and genuine community. These clichés might cause dedicated Dubai enthusiasts to flinch, yet they represent the personas one is most likely to encounter in this wealthy playground.
The 'Dubai Man'
According to British entrepreneur Charlie Morgan, founder of Imperium Acquisitions and a former two-year resident, the 'Dubai Man' is a pervasive figure. On his Imperium Podcast, Morgan described a noticeable tendency for individuals in Dubai to converge into a singular archetype. He expressed astonishment upon attending a networking event where numerous entrepreneurs exhibited identical sartorial choices.
"Everyone morphs into this 'high value man' and it's strange," Morgan explained. "Everyone wears the same stuff. It's the no logo 'old money' linen shirt. You're going to see everyone wearing Loro Piana loafers, linen shirts, linen trousers, Van Cleef." With approximately 70% of Dubai's population male, this aspiration toward a uniform, high-wealth aesthetic is particularly pronounced.
The 'Bougie Tourist'
Three decades ago, the affluent tourist might have been sipping a piña colada along Spain's Costas. However, since Dubai's relentless tourism expansion accelerated, many who once favoured Marbella for their annual dose of solar enjoyment now land in the Emirati metropolis instead.
A typical day for the Bougie Tourist on a winter sun break is neatly quartered: first, reclining by the pool or Gulf waters; second, shopping at a temple of consumerism like the Dubai Mall; third, dining at popular evening complexes such as City Walk; and fourth, uploading photos and videos in real-time across social media platforms.
The 'Influencer'
Dubai has become a powerful magnet for those who live their lives through social media, attracting everyone from Love Island stars to OnlyFans content creators. The iconic skyline, enhanced supercars, and five-star hotels provide an ideal backdrop for projecting a glamorous existence.
British reality television star and businesswoman Caroline Stanbury, a Dubai resident for over a decade and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Dubai, noted on her podcast that "young girls come here expecting the dream." She elaborated, "A lot of young girls come here wanting the glamorous life and thinking it's easy and thinking it's very rich men who will provide for them."
Charlie Morgan added in his podcast analysis of the UAE's "brutal reality" that Dubai attracts a specific type of woman, often not seeking traditional marriage or long-term commitment, drawing parallels with other global party cities.
The 'Diva Divorcee'
Divorce rates in Dubai have seen a steady climb, with expatriate marriages particularly vulnerable, often due to infidelity. Caroline Stanbury, now happily remarried, told followers, "Dubai is a very, very, very difficult place to stay married."
However, once divorced, expatriate women in their forties and fifties emerge as formidable forces, excelling in business and demonstrating fearless networking prowess. With Dubai's abundance of aesthetic clinics offering lip fillers, brow shaping, and jawline contouring, the Diva Divorcee maintains a glamorous appearance.
Stanbury observed of these women, "They've got their s*** going on. They know what they want and their kids are moving out. They're at that stage where they've got disposable income and they actually can have a nice life." She also noted an increasing trend of such women forming relationships with younger men who offer respect.
The 'Fake Wealther'
In a city where the hashtag #Dubai garners over 147 million images, the pressure to project success is immense. The adage "fake it till you make it" finds a natural home here. Commenting on the allure of luxury brands, Stanbury cautioned, "You can go out and see incredible handbags and incredible jewellery but don't be fooled, not all of it is real. There's a lot of fake bags, a lot of fake watches...there's a lot of people trying to keep up with the Joneses."
This archetype is often found posing in one of Dubai's private jet 'studios', hired by the hour by aspiring influencers to create 'luxe' content that simulates a jet-set lifestyle far removed from reality. Stanbury summarised, "You have that window of people who make themselves look like they have this ideal, perfect life and they really don't—they're just chasing it."
The 'Active Insta-Fam'
Inspired by celebrity footballers who frequent Dubai for pre-season breaks, and figures like Rio and Kate Ferdinand who relocated full-time from Bromley last year, the Active Insta-Fam embraces the city's constructed entertainment. Typically visiting during February half-term, they share curated snaps of family—often presenting a traditional mum-dad-kids dynamic—enjoying high-energy theme parks and aquatic attractions.
Their social media documentation is comprehensive: in-flight services, spontaneous beach dances, descents down water chutes at Aquaventure, sessions on the artificial slopes of Ski Dubai, and evenings spent dressed up at the city's most exclusive restaurants. This archetype portrays a wholesome, energetic family life bathed in perpetual sunshine.
Together, these seven archetypes paint a vivid picture of Dubai's complex social fabric, where the pursuit of luxury, image, and a new life under the Gulf sun creates a unique and often performative human ecosystem.
