Today marks two years since moving to Dubai, to build a life with my family here. In the last two years I have experienced many new things that are supposedly the norm in Dubai, but were quite the luxury back home in England. Below is a list of ten things in Dubai which I am very grateful for:

1) The sunshine. You can always count on the sun to be shining outside the window to perk up your mood.

2) The “normal” customer service. Having someone pack your grocery, someone fill up your petrol (whilst another person cleans your front windshield) and having someone even home deliver your loaf of bread as you order it from your local grocery. These are just some of the “normal” customer services that I have grown very much used to!

3) Halal food everywhere. No more checking the back of the packet to see if its “Suitable for Vegetarians” or has the “Halal” label on it! Hooray!

4) The Azaan. A wonderful reminder that calls out five times a day for all Muslims to pray. Its melodious tune is calming and so peaceful.

5) The bigger rooms. I absolutely love the size of all the rooms here that actually allow you to walk and twirl freely without banging yourself into a cupboard or trip into a fireplace.

6) Not having to wear jumpers or jackets! I am now actually able to show off my lovely outfit that I spent an absolute fortune on, without covering it up with a drab overcoat! Yipee! Money well spent!

7) The low priced fuel. There is no need to blink an eyelid when you go to the petrol station and ask to fill up your fuel tank to the full capacity. You can proceed to then rev off into the desert for a loooong drive.

8) The beach! I wasn’t living on the coast in UK, and so the beach is such a welcome view! Okay, even though the sand is hot as lava during the summers, the view and sounds of ebbing waves can still be appreciated.

9) Shawarma. These genius chicken wraps are delicious and can be easily devoured with one hand in a matter of minutes. If Dubai was to be described as a form of food, Shawarma would be it!

10) The Dubai Skyline. The shimmering skyline is unique and a beautiful sight to behold. I don’t think I can choose whether I like it better during the day or during night time, when it’s all lit up!

What things are you grateful for in the country you reside in? Are there any that I have missed out? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!