Expatriate bubbles in Dubai: expatriates from West and East cohabitating with locals

Purpose Focussing on the stratification of expatriates and boundaries between different types locals, this study investigates lived experiences testimonies Eastern European their relationships in Dubai. The purpose article to develop current knowledge cohabiting a cosmopolitan city by providing empirical evidence expatriate bubbles Design/methodology/approach Explorative qualitative research was conducted using online face-to-face interviews, along with week-long intensive ethnography observations, interviews informal discussions. Findings Three distinct groups people live Dubai, namely, Westerners, from East Emiratis. They hardly mingle each other equal terms, but they do work complementary fashion. In status experts, subgroup is similar Western counterparts that are considered European. Consequently, experience slight development comparison when West. provides social bubbles. Research limitations/implications This very short relatively small number could be complemented further in-depth study. Originality/value Expatriate have not previously been empirically investigated an perspective, nor has unique case Dubai analysed extensively. Distinct stratified hierarchies identified