From Mountains to Deserts: My Dubai Journey of Loneliness, Growth, and Discovery

Sometimes life takes us far from the places where we feel rooted — to teach us, to shape us, and to help us see the world differently. My journey to Dubai began on 14th May 2019, when I packed my bags and stepped into a dream that would soon become one of my life’s most meaningful experiences.

I went there to work for a company that placed me in different malls and hotels across Dubai. Every day was vibrant — filled with people, voices, bright lights, and the city’s constant motion. But when the workday ended and I returned to my accommodation, everything suddenly fell silent.

At first, we lived in Al Quoz , and I liked it there. It was convenient — I could easily catch a bus from the back of our building and move around the city. But after a while, our company shifted us to Jabal Ali, away from the heart of Dubai. That’s where my true test began.

There were malls and restaurants nearby, but mostly, the view outside my window was sand — vast stretches of desert, dry roads, and almost no greenery. There were no trees, no flowers, no grass. I used to stand by the window and search the horizon for colour, for life, for something familiar — but all I saw was golden emptiness.

It was especially painful because I was raised in a beautiful village, where nature was part of my soul. From one gate of our big house, I could see majestic mountains covered with snow, and from the other, I could watch a sparkling waterfall cascading down rocks. My home was full of green life and fresh air — and suddenly, I was surrounded by silence, sand, and sky.

My roommates and I rarely had the same day off, so the loneliness deepened. On my free days, I wanted to explore the city — to feel alive again — but transport was expensive, and I didn’t know about affordable travel options back then.

Now, I realise that Dubai has so many budget-friendly and trustworthy travel services, not just for tourists but also for those living and working there. Whether you’re staying in company accommodation, a rented flat, or even at home, there are affordable tours and activities that can reconnect you with the beauty of Dubai — like desert safaris, city sightseeing tours, dhow cruises, theme parks, and cultural experiences.

The purpose of this blog is to share with others the affordable travel options that can make exploring Dubai easier and more enjoyable. Whether you are living and working here or visiting for a short time, there are many budget-friendly services that can help you move around, see new places, and discover the true beauty of this vibrant city — without worrying about high costs or long distances.

Sharing my story isn’t about sadness anymore — it’s about hope. It’s about telling others that even when life feels dry like the desert, there’s always something beautiful waiting to be discovered.

Dubai taught me that even in stillness, we can grow. And that sometimes, all it takes is a small adventure to bring the sparkle back into your eyes.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Tania, a dreamer and storyteller who once felt lost in the sands of Dubai but later found beauty in its stories. Through my journey, I’ve learned that every experience — even the lonely ones — can help us guide others toward something better.

If you’re living or working in Dubai and wish to explore the city affordably, feel free to reach out — I’d love to connect you with trusted travel services that make your Dubai experience easier, richer, and more joyful.