‘If you need a place to stay, let me know,’ my landlord messaged me. We were trying to organise a time to sign the amended tenancy contract and his comment didn’t seem entirely innocent considering I’d just said I loved having my own space despite not having a bed yet. And then he followed up his offer with, ‘If you have time for a drink or dinner tomorrow, we can sign the contract then.’

From the lack of subtlety, I was expecting to be taken to a sports bar for a pint so I couldn’t help smiling when he arrived, sharply dressed, in a red Ferrari. His chosen venue was possibly the most romantic spot in Dubai, 101 Dining Lounge & Bar, set in the stunning surrounds of One&Only The Palm and jutting out into the furthest reaches of The Palm.

The following evening I headed to a design showroom opening to meet a few girlfriends. A Frenchman, whom I’d met through work, was keen to meet me there, but had been called away by a client by the time I arrived. ‘Let me know if your plans change tomorrow,’ he messaged. ‘And I have champagne!’ (Alcohol is a precious commodity here in Dubai.)
‘I can’t make tomorrow but I have time this weekend…’
‘I have a big fair in Frankfurt but I’ll have to take you on my next trip to Bahrain,’ he replied.

The landlord was also time-poor. He responded quickly to a question regarding my flat, but apologised for being busy with clients until late into the evenings.

Eric, the Scandinavian whom I briefly dated a few years ago, had a work trip planned for Dubai. ‘Are you free for an innocent coffee, lunch or dinner?,’ he asked.
‘I’m so broke after my move that it had better not be the latter unless you’re paying – and as long as it’s only innocent ;),’ I replied.
‘Of course I’m getting dinner. I’m old school,’ he said, which was when I realised what he meant by innocent: that he wasn’t expecting anything in return.
‘Do I get a say in what you wear though?,’ he flirted.
‘You can always take me shopping, too,’ I replied, cheekily.

I’d remembered Eric being serious when we briefly dated. He had been a gentleman but I had wanted more flirting than I received. ‘What happens in Dubai stays in Dubai, I hear,’ Eric said. Which is probably why it’s best not to take the flashy invites too seriously.

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