The really tall building by that one mall in Dubai

Conversations involving directions are always a bit comical in the UAE. Taxiese, for instance, exists solely because there is no other way (besides learning Urdu) to navigate via cab.

Food delivery is also an adventure, mostly because there are no addresses. It's all "after Delma bridge" this and "opposite mosque" that. And even navigating by landmark is difficult, as the definition of landmark varies from person to person. Some landmarks, however, should be universal, as illustrated by this conversation related to me by a friend (note--"Du" is one of the two telecoms providers in the UAE):

DU

What is your location, ma'am, so we can send our engineer?

FRIEND

Burj Khalifa.

DU

And what is your landmark?

F

I live in Burj Khalifa.

DU

Yes, ma'am, but we need a landmark so our engineer can locate you.

F

I live in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

DU

But we need a landmark.

F

Really? OK, Dubai Mall. Are you actually in Dubai?

DU

Yes, ma'am. And how do you spell Burj Khalifa?

F

K-H-A-L-I-F-A.

DU

S for sugar.

F

No, F for Freddie.

DU

OK, we will send our engineer to you at Burj Khalisa near to the Dubai Mall.

Now, in Abu Dhabi, they are considering addressing (ha) this problem by using GPS coordinates for mail delivery and, it is assumed, things like emergency services. I guess if you throw enough money at that solution, it could work. Still seems a little more expensive and complicated, however, than just putting numbers on all the buildings....