Having referred to Dubai as a city with “very little soul” and “one of the most awful places on the planet”, why is the podcaster making it a stop on his 2026 World Tour?
As a mechanical engineer with an MBA, my career started in Saudi Arabia and later took me across several GCC and Asian countries. Interestingly, I had never worked in the UAE until recently. In 2020, I launched my own business in Malaysia and eventually expanded into India, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
At first, when some friends suggested I move to Dubai, I had doubts perhaps out of the fear of the unknown. But three years later, I can say with confidence that the move was one of the best decisions I made. My family has settled here, my children love their school, their friends, and above all, the city itself. And we all know that when children genuinely love a place, that love is pure and heartfelt.
This, to me, is the essence of Dubai it has the power to win hearts quietly and sincerely. People may have their own personal opinions, but the reality speaks for itself. Dubai is not “most awful places to live in”; it is a city of opportunity, diversity, and belonging.
Indeed this was an excellent response. Dubai is a city that has given millions the opportunity to support their families, with its impact reaching far beyond the region. It is no exaggeration to say that at least 30–35% of the world’s population benefits directly or indirectly from Dubai’s economy, trade, and remittances. Here, people are judged by their effort and contribution not by RACE, nationality, or creed and this making it one of the most inclusive and opportunity driven societies in the world.
And for Chris, Dubai’s vision, safety, diversity, and fairness are what give it a soul that few global cities can match.
Articulately and respectfully well said, Ahmed! I lived in Dubai for 33.5 years and am thankful for everything I received while living there, including peace, freedom, prosperity and harmony. May God aways bless the UAE and its leadership. 🙏
Really appreciate this. I’ve long admired Chris’s work, so it was surprising to hear such a narrow and misconceived view of the UAE. One of the first podcasts of his I listened to was his conversation with Marcus Smith — and Marcus is a beacon of what the UAE represents. What he has built with InnerFight is a true symbol of the country’s spirit: resilience, community, and growth.
What I especially value here is the approach — not to condemn or discredit, but to respond with tolerance and education. Bravo for calling this out while encouraging awareness and dialogue. The UAE isn’t perfect, but the commitment to creating a safe space for individual and collective growth is remarkable.
Excellent riposte to the canard that Dubai is "soulless". My wife and I found plenty of "life and soul" in the place I called home for 5 years.
Very well said, this is awful. Dubai is a place of opportunities & dreams!
Well said.
As a mechanical engineer with an MBA, my career started in Saudi Arabia and later took me across several GCC and Asian countries. Interestingly, I had never worked in the UAE until recently. In 2020, I launched my own business in Malaysia and eventually expanded into India, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai.
At first, when some friends suggested I move to Dubai, I had doubts perhaps out of the fear of the unknown. But three years later, I can say with confidence that the move was one of the best decisions I made. My family has settled here, my children love their school, their friends, and above all, the city itself. And we all know that when children genuinely love a place, that love is pure and heartfelt.
This, to me, is the essence of Dubai it has the power to win hearts quietly and sincerely. People may have their own personal opinions, but the reality speaks for itself. Dubai is not “most awful places to live in”; it is a city of opportunity, diversity, and belonging.
Thank you
May this lead him to really discover himself, his soul and Dubai during his stay here!
Indeed
Nailed it. It's not click bait or ignorance. It's both and of course jealousy
Would love to know who told him or paid him to lie and attempt to smear Dubai like that.
Indeed this was an excellent response. Dubai is a city that has given millions the opportunity to support their families, with its impact reaching far beyond the region. It is no exaggeration to say that at least 30–35% of the world’s population benefits directly or indirectly from Dubai’s economy, trade, and remittances. Here, people are judged by their effort and contribution not by RACE, nationality, or creed and this making it one of the most inclusive and opportunity driven societies in the world.
And for Chris, Dubai’s vision, safety, diversity, and fairness are what give it a soul that few global cities can match.
Articulately and respectfully well said, Ahmed! I lived in Dubai for 33.5 years and am thankful for everything I received while living there, including peace, freedom, prosperity and harmony. May God aways bless the UAE and its leadership. 🙏
Really appreciate this. I’ve long admired Chris’s work, so it was surprising to hear such a narrow and misconceived view of the UAE. One of the first podcasts of his I listened to was his conversation with Marcus Smith — and Marcus is a beacon of what the UAE represents. What he has built with InnerFight is a true symbol of the country’s spirit: resilience, community, and growth.
What I especially value here is the approach — not to condemn or discredit, but to respond with tolerance and education. Bravo for calling this out while encouraging awareness and dialogue. The UAE isn’t perfect, but the commitment to creating a safe space for individual and collective growth is remarkable.
Brilliantly written 👏
Well spoken Ahmed.