Living the dream: How I drove my way through Dubai’s exotic car culture

Dubai: When my editor asked me to write a personal piece about living in the UAE—my likes, my lifestyle, and my reflections after 25 years—I had to pause. How do you sum up a quarter of a century in one story, especially when Dubai offers so much to fall in love with?

But then it hit me, fast and loud—cars.
Not just any cars. I’m talking about head-turning, heart-racing, chrome-drenched machines. Dubai is a playground for petrolheads, and I’ve been living the dream—one joyride at a time.

Everywhere you look in this city, it's like flipping through the pages of a luxury car magazine. Lamborghinis hum at red lights. Bentleys cruise like royalty. Even a casual Friday drive down Sheikh Zayed Road feels like a scene out of a Hollywood movie. And the best part? It’s all surprisingly within reach. Back in the Philippines, these kinds of cars felt like fantasy. But here in Dubai, the impossible becomes attainable.

The moment I got my UAE driving license, I dove headfirst into the fast lane. My first love? An orange Mini Cooper convertible—a bold little beast that stood out in any parking lot. That orange was rare back then, and I reveled in its uniqueness. Come winter, I’d drop the top, blast some tunes, and hit the open road with friends, cruising from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, wind in our hair, hearts full of freedom. It was pure, unfiltered joy.

After five incredible years, the Mini began to demand more from my wallet than I could give. So, I leveled up—a green Ford Mustang with a full body kit, inspired by my all-time favorite, The Fast and the Furious. It even had that 1967 Shelby GT500 Gone in 60 Seconds vibe, and I swear, driving it made me feel like Nicolas Cage in the final getaway scene. It had power, presence, and attitude. Sure, it guzzled petrol like a thirsty camel, but hey—fuel is way cheaper here than back home, so who’s complaining?

But I missed the thrill of open skies and the convertible life. So I shifted gears again—this time to a sleek, black Mercedes SLK350. Just two seats, but a hundred percent adrenaline. It was smooth, sexy, and oh-so-satisfying on winter mornings. Still, practicality knocked, and with no space for friends or spontaneous road trips, I had to let it go.

Today, I’m behind the wheel of a true showstopper—a four-wheel-drive with a Brabus kit, dressed in a rare bluish exterior with orange leather interior. This one turns heads. People snap pictures when I’m out on Jumeirah Beach Road or Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s flashy but functional, powerful yet smooth. And best of all? It never gives me any trouble. I’ve finally found “the one,” and I’m not letting go.

Sometimes, I drive with no destination—just the open road, the engine’s roar, the side-mounted exhaust growling beside me, and the hum of pure happiness. That’s what Dubai gives you: the freedom to fall in love with your ride, again and again.

In a city where dreams roll on four wheels, where winter means convertibles not coats, and where even a casual driver can feel like a movie star—life in Dubai is a car lover’s paradise. And I’m living proof that sometimes, the journey really is the destination.