My other half and I recently moved apartments. After numerous heated discussions on where to live (he needs to be close to a gym, I need to be close to an MMI) and two long weekends spent looking at what cardboard boxes our budget could afford us in places like Tecom and JLT, I finally caved and admitted that, indeed, Motor City was the place for us.
See, my other half has this annoying ability to always seemingly be right. On the whole, he’s the level headed, sensible one of the two of us (apart from when it comes to buying random expensive stuff for his car. One sight of some sexy looking rims and all logic goes out the window). I have this innate ability to always be appealed to the most unfeasible solution to any problem. I also have a tendency to be very indecisive, so it’s often best to let him just take the lead on these things.
So, Motor City is now home, and I have to say, I couldn’t be happier. This is definitely one of Dubai’s most underrated areas, and in a way, I’m glad – it means we’re overlooked and we can live peacefully in our little artificially green bubble.
1. It’s so green
It’s not very often that you can say that an area in Dubai is ‘so green’ that it kind of reminds you a little bit of Europe, but that’s how I would describe Motor City. When I wake up every morning, all I can see are tree tops. When I walk out of my building, I see this:
No, this isn’t Europe
In the evenings, we sit on our terrace and enjoy the sound of birds chirping. It really feels like some place other than the UAE. There is greenery everywhere in the area – trees, grass, plants. And this happens to be the best time of year weather-wise, so we’re really enjoying it at the moment.
2. It’s very un-Dubai
I have a confession – I’m bored of the ‘glitz’ of Dubai. I’m bored of the five-star, overly clean feel of the place. I’m bored of the fact that everything looks the same. I’m bored of all the nightclubs that are full of plastic people who just scream “look at us, aren’t we so so so gorgeous.”
Motor City feels a little more real than the rest of the city. I see babies and the elderly on a regular basis – Dubai usually likes to hide these members of society. It’s predominantly a place for young families, and as much as I hate to admit it, I guess I’m getting to ‘that’ stage of my life.
3. It’s very laid back and quiet
When I’m in bed at night, all I can hear are the crickets chirping and the cool breeze flowing through the trees. There is barely any traffic, and we take regular walks on the tiny cobblestoned streets. The only sounds I really ever hear are dogs barking and the odd child screaming. When the latter occurs, the soundproof windows are promptly sealed, I pour myself a drink and all is ok in Motor City again.
4. All your basic needs are a walk away
As a freelance journalist, coffee shops are my best friend. When working from home gets too lonely, I take myself off to the local Café Nero and indulge in latte goodness and free Wi-Fi. In Motor City, I have three coffee shops to choose from, and they’re all a delightfully green five-minute walk away. On the same street, you’ll also find Spinney’s, Boots, and a number of other shops that enable me to steer clear of malls for most days of the week.
Terrace living
5. The apartments are massive (and I now have a huge terrace to drink on)
When I first saw my friend’s Motor City apartment, I was impressed, mainly by the phenomenal balcony that seemed to stretch on forever. So when the boy and I started looking in Motor City and found a near identical balcony overlooking some beautiful trees, we knew we’d found ‘the one.’ I cannot wait to finally buy some garden furniture and spend hours on the terrace, sipping something alcoholic and contemplating life. Or stuffing my gob with good food.
And it’s not just the balconies that are great – the apartment itself is really spacious – huge kitchen, nice bathrooms, and a big bedroom and living room. Beautiful.
6. We’re only 10 minutes away from The Marina
Whenever I tell people I live in Motor City, they gasp in horror “you’re in the middle of nowhere.” Let me explain something to you, people. It takes me less time to get to The Marina now than when I lived in Downtown. Just because it doesn’t fall on Sheikh Zayed Road, doesn’t mean it’s out in the sticks! Granted, it’s hardly central, but it’s close enough, and we get to enjoy things like (relatively) clean air and greenery.
So, that’s what I love about this place! Anyone else want to add to this list?
About The Author: Andrea Anastasiou
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