Trip report - Dubai (February 2026)

[traveltom]

Hi everyone! 

Two weeks ago I got back home from a very nice trip to Dubai (before the war started) and Thailand and I want to share my experiences with you. 

I will write a separate trip report for my time in Thailand. This one only covers the 5 days I spent in Dubai. 

It was my first time in Dubai and it had never been too interesting to me to actually visit, but for this trip I just wanted to explore a new destination for a few days and Dubai seemed to be the right choice. 

I arrived on a Sunday morning and took the metro to my hotel. I specifically picked a hotel close to a metro station as that usually gives you quite some budget friendly and quick transportation options without having to use taxis/grab/bolt/etc. all the time. 

I did a bit of sightseeing and of course also had a look at Grindr and Romeo. Using a VPN, it was no problem to access the apps. I was surprised about the amount of guys using face pics. There were lots of Filipino and Indian guys, a few Arabs, and a few Africans. I had not specifically planned to hook up in Dubai but one guy from Senegal had gotten my attention, and I couldn't say no to that African twinkish jock, who was in his mid twenties. We chatted for a bit and I asked to meet him the next evening. I was really nervous how things are at hotels in Dubai. The elevator/stairs of my hotel were opposite of the reception and there was always a security guy present. Mister Senegal asked for my room number and name, in case he needs to register, but I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea to share that so I didn't and suggested to meet in front of the hotel. About 20min before our date I went outside of the hotel for a cigarette and waited next to a couple of other guys just sitting and smoking. He arrived on time and looked very handsome. We chatted a little and I used my very rusty French (language) skills. The profile pics definitely didn't lie and he was indeed a French speaker so Senegal could definitely be his country of origin. I felt a little anxious when we walked towards the hotel entrance, just totally unaware if anyone would stop or question us. No one did, we quickly got in the elevator and went to my room. He wasn't particularly shy and we had a pleasant time together. He certainly tasted good 😋. I didn't have much local currency on me, so I had offered him 50 Euros when we were chatting before, which he was happy about. He told me it was only his second month in Dubai and that he was looking for a job in a hotel. Once we were finished he left and I was very satisfied. 

I arranged a second date with him for my last night in Dubai. Same procedure with meeting in front of the hotel. This time I wasn't that anxious, considering how easy it was the first time. This time, the security guy interfered though, when we wanted to get into the elevator and asked if he was registered as a visitor. Pure awkwardness on my side in that moment but Mr. Senegal didn't seem to bother and just quickly showed his ID at the reception who typed in something on her computer and in about 1 minute we were good to go. It was pretty obvious what was happening, but the hotel staff stayed discreet and I might have even noticed a little smile from the muscular Arab security guy. I wouldn't have said no to him either... I still had a bit of a bad feeling if the visitor registration would cause any issues when checking out from the hotel. Anyway, we went up to my room and I enjoyed the time together with Mister Senegal once more. It was equally fun as the first time and once we were done and he had left, I started to prepare my luggage for the departure the next day. At checkout, there was no mentioning of my visitor or any extra charge, so I was relieved and glad that I took the opportunity to add Senegal on my list of nationalities I had sex with. 

My flight left Dubai on February 26 around 6pm towards Kuwait, where I had a connection to Bangkok. Considering the tension between the US, Israel and Iran the weeks prior, I was glad that my stay in Dubai was unaffected. Only short after my arrival in Thailand did I realize how lucky I actually was to still get out of the Gulf region just in time, when I read about the start of the war the next day. 

My next trip report will come soon and focus on the fabulous time I had in Jomtien and Bangkok. 

Cheers, Tom

[PeterRS]

Dubai had become the playground of the rich and relatively famous - as well as vastly underpaid sub-continent workers who had built the place. I wonder if those who bought there expecting a life of luxury and safety are now having second thoughts. If so, and they want to sell, the property market must be desperately low at present. And I wonder if the city-state will ever again regain its popularity.