MUSING: Why suddenly there's no place like Dubai

MAYBE IT'S THE delayed-flight, no sleep induced delirium of coming straight from the airport to work, but for the first time sitting in one place in familiar surroundings is a welcome relief. Okay work may not be my first-choice destination, but it's not the increasingly homogenised layout of a departure lounge. Let's get one thing straight from the outset, though, and please don't get me wrong, I love travelling and am very fortunate to be unlikely to stop anytime soon. It's one of the beauties of living in the UAE - we're located in the centre of the world and every airline or yachting company wants to be here, making any destination easily achievable, often at not hugely prohibitive prices. However, I can't escape the fact that the thought of staying put for the foreseeable future is rather appealing. Like when somebody has the perfect restaurant suggestion befitting your mood, or you realise your favourite show is about to start in five minutes, there's some warmth and comfort in the thought that there won't be any rushing around for a while. The reason for this piece isn't a 'woe is me, the weary traveller' lament. No, the purpose of committing these thoughts to print is to share an experience with which many of you may be familiar. It's the first time this nesting sentiment has reared its head, which many would dismiss as a symptom of advancing years. For me though, it is slightly more of an epiphany. It is the realisation that Dubai is now home.
Closing in on almost a decade in the emirates is perhaps a rare achievement in this somewhat transient country. The normal routine is to arrive, gather in your little cluster of friends for two to five years, not really alter your habits from your previous home city too much, and then depart - often returning from whence you came. Although I prefer to spread my social net a bit wider, this is a solid plan, leaving some time for adventure. For me though, the differences of life here soon became 'normal' for want of a better phrase. The circle of summer, Ramadan, the joys of early November weather, the New Year, the May frenzy and back to summer again - interspersed with as much travel as possible - suited me and continues to do so. Yet realising it has become part of me, my home with all the connotations that word evokes, has only just become apparent. It's not unsettling, quite the opposite. It's a pleasure. It's just a wonder that it took leaving and returning so many times to become aware of the fact. Do let me know if you have a similar story.                                               
david@khaleejtimes.com