The first time i went to Dubai, I found it depressing, but i didn't understand why.
The second time i went, i stayed for longer, and after about 3 days i wanted to go back to England.
Then it struck me, it was bcos of 3 things -
Everything is artificial and very much contrived, very unnatural.
I was saddened to see the labourers perched on scaffolding in the 42 degrees heat, hammering away on the facades of these fancy buildings.
When I stepped outside, I found it difficult to breathe bcos it was so hot and humid. Imagine how the workers felt, in the heat of the day, unshaded.
One thing i do appreciate very much about England is that EQUALITY does exist and is practiced on the most part here. In Dubai, there definitely exists a tier society. I was treated very well there, but I believe its only bcos everyone thought I was either English or Arab, i don't look like an Asian, however, it was depressing to see people from Pakistan, Phillipines or other countries treated as inferior.
Nowadays when I go there, i tend not to dwell on these things, bcos theres no escaping it, and i focus on the positives - main one being that we can enjoy ourselves as muslims!