Friends from Geneva came to visit for the day (a long layover in Dubai). I decided to pick them up from the airport via our new metro train. The first train out of the Mall of the Emirates leaves 6:07am. So I head to the mall about 10 til 6. Get there about 4 minutes til 6. Stop at the ATM and then head for the train. I only have to wait a couple of minutes. All goes well to the airport. I pick up Beth and Mandy, then we head back to the mall. I show them Ski Dubai (which is at the mall), then we head out to the car. I stop to validate my parking ticket. The machine says that I owe 350Dhs (about $100US). I call the little man over, show him the price and say "That isn't right because I have been here less than 4 hours so it should be free." He then calls over another little man. I'm asked what time did I get here (even though it's clearly marked on my ticket). I tell them a few minutes before 6am. Well then, you have to pay 350. "Wwhhhyyy?" I ask. "Well you were here between 4 and 6 am, you must pay over night." I ask if this is marked anywhere on the parking signs, well, no ma'am, it's not, but from 4-6 you must pay overnight charges. I say, sternly I might add, "I am not paying 350Dhs to park here for less than 3 hours." Well you must. I am not paying... this goes on for several minutes. So together these 2 little men press the help button on the ticket machine. I explain my situation to the man in the box. Well ma'am, it's the rule, it will cost 350. I repeat several times, this is ridiculous and I am not paying. Finally I am told that I can go, but don't do this again! I then ask if I am going to have to do this whole thing again with the little man at the gate. No, no ma'am, the gate will open. I get to the gate, insert my ticket which I know will not open the gate. I call over another little man, briefly explain and ask him to call the man in the box. Before I can even say hi the gate opens because I am sure the man in the box no longer wants to deal with the crazy lady.
This story is so typical of Dubai. The rule makes no sense... if you want to catch the 6:07 train, it would be best to get there before then - right? But if you get there before 6, then you will have to pay a ridiculous amount to park. To top off the crazy rule, the men working there aren't really allowed to break it. If workers break the rules they can be fired, which means they have to leave the country. It's a vicious crazy cycle.
Yet another good example of why life in Dubai is more difficult that it looks. We do like it, but could really do without this crap.
