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Burqalicious: The Dubai Diaries: A True Story of Sun, Sand, Sex, and Secrecy
As a sassy young woman used to drinking, partying, blogging, and shopping her way through dreary London, the call of a glamorous, tax-free career in sunny Dubai just couldn’t go unanswered. Over the course of two years, an entire city funded by oil wealth rises from the dust around her as Becky rapidly scales the career ladder. She becomes a celebrity editor in a land where sex definitely does not sell and spends most nights in a five-star blur of champagne luxury.
Dubai offers everything, but things soon get messy—not least because a wealthy Arab man makes her his mistress. Skinny-dipping, affairs, gay parties—Wicks soon discovers just how easy it is to break the law in Dubai! Wicks lifts the burqa from the razzledazzle and reveals some of the most scandalous goings-on in the world’s fastest up-and-coming city of gold.
Dubai offers everything, but things soon get messy—not least because a wealthy Arab man makes her his mistress. Skinny-dipping, affairs, gay parties—Wicks soon discovers just how easy it is to break the law in Dubai! Wicks lifts the burqa from the razzledazzle and reveals some of the most scandalous goings-on in the world’s fastest up-and-coming city of gold.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
22 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Becky Wicks
164 books281 followersHello lovelies! I'm an ex travel writer, a Harlequin author and a self-published romance writer, currently scribbling NEW spicy stuff from Amsterdam.
I love connecting with readers and fellow writers. If you ever wanna say hi, I'm at beckywicks@me.com or on the socials!
Web: beckywicksauthor.com
Facebook: beckywicksauthor
Instagram: beckywicks
TikTok: authorbeckywicks
Thanks for reading!
Becky x
I love connecting with readers and fellow writers. If you ever wanna say hi, I'm at beckywicks@me.com or on the socials!
Web: beckywicksauthor.com
Facebook: beckywicksauthor
Instagram: beckywicks
TikTok: authorbeckywicks
Thanks for reading!
Becky x
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 31, 2021
Having visited Dubai on a few occasions,I'm interested in it,but can't say I'm very fond of it. It was the first book I've read on Dubai. A young British girl goes to live there for two years and tells her story. It reads like a series of blog posts,which is occasionally funny.
She captures the flavour of life in Dubai pretty well. It is the hottest place I've ever been to.It's like an oven,you stand in the open for a few minutes,and your throat gets parched.
Air conditioning is an absolute must,which gets pretty tiresome soon. The place reeks of money,and ostentatiousness. There are the tallest buildings,seven star hotels,the swankiest shopping malls and the most outlandish projects,like an indoor ski resort. There are even plans for an air conditioned beach. It is a happening party scene for expats.
And yet,it is a land of contradictions. Poor workers from developing countries are cheaply hired to work on Dubai's innumerable projects. Their working conditions in that killer heat are inhuman. The contrast between the rich and poor in Dubai,cannot be more stark. It is the most dangerous driving environment I have ever experienced.One is not supposed to walk in Dubai.
The sleepy fishing village of the 1950s,has witnessed the most astonishing modernization. It leaves one awestruck.Some parts of Dubai take one's breath away. Conservative Arab culture mixes with the most liberal Western culture,and the two co-exist rather uneasily. The book brought back memories of Dubai,and I agreed with the author's impressions.
However,a good part of the book is taken up with the author's love affair,with M&M (a married and Muslim), man. This bored me. The author's stay in Dubai came to an end,as Dubai witnessed a major economic crisis.
Jobs started being cut,and expats started to flee. Dubai's future looked very bleak,until neighbouring Abu Dhabi came to the rescue,and bailed it out.
I was left pondering one remark by the author,"Dubai lacks a soul". I agree,it feels very artificial to me,too.
She captures the flavour of life in Dubai pretty well. It is the hottest place I've ever been to.It's like an oven,you stand in the open for a few minutes,and your throat gets parched.
Air conditioning is an absolute must,which gets pretty tiresome soon. The place reeks of money,and ostentatiousness. There are the tallest buildings,seven star hotels,the swankiest shopping malls and the most outlandish projects,like an indoor ski resort. There are even plans for an air conditioned beach. It is a happening party scene for expats.
And yet,it is a land of contradictions. Poor workers from developing countries are cheaply hired to work on Dubai's innumerable projects. Their working conditions in that killer heat are inhuman. The contrast between the rich and poor in Dubai,cannot be more stark. It is the most dangerous driving environment I have ever experienced.One is not supposed to walk in Dubai.
The sleepy fishing village of the 1950s,has witnessed the most astonishing modernization. It leaves one awestruck.Some parts of Dubai take one's breath away. Conservative Arab culture mixes with the most liberal Western culture,and the two co-exist rather uneasily. The book brought back memories of Dubai,and I agreed with the author's impressions.
However,a good part of the book is taken up with the author's love affair,with M&M (a married and Muslim), man. This bored me. The author's stay in Dubai came to an end,as Dubai witnessed a major economic crisis.
Jobs started being cut,and expats started to flee. Dubai's future looked very bleak,until neighbouring Abu Dhabi came to the rescue,and bailed it out.
I was left pondering one remark by the author,"Dubai lacks a soul". I agree,it feels very artificial to me,too.
January 21, 2016
you will be reading this gal's diary, who gives a hoot?
January 2, 2012
This book was a DNF for me. I thought it would be more about what it was like to live and work in Dubai, a very different culture than where the author came from. Instead it turns out to be a very poor version of Bridget Jones Diary, set in Dubai. I wasn't interested in how often the author got drunk and then had to hide it, or the woes of her on again, off again affair with M & M (married and muslim). There were fascinating titbits scattered throughout, such as when she talks about what can and can't be included on the gossip website that she is editing, but it wasn't enough to keep me interested in reading.
February 21, 2012
I still haven’t been to Dubai. Reading this book, I’m not entirely sure about how much I want to go. The book describes incredible awe-inspiring feats of architecture, great shopping malls and fun parties but also gives the reader something to ponder about: expats get lonely.
Burqalicious is the true story of Becky who decides to try her luck in Dubai. It seems that she arrives at the heart of the boom (remember those days?) where mega skyscrapers are built overnight, parties are outlandish, all you can eat buffets last hours and there’s always something fun to do. Besides this luxurious life, where simply everyone has a maid (at least when they’re not living on a landing under a Twister towel), Becky tells of the never-ending heat, the sand, lack of public transport and shops that don’t seem to sell necessities such as tampons.
The book follows Becky through her love affair with Dubai that eventually comes to an end with the GFC and her rocky relationship with M&M (standing for ‘Married and Muslim’). The affair wasn’t the focus of the book, more of a sideline (with some great holidays thrown in). Becky also reveals that an expat’s life is full of ever-changing acquaintances as people fly in and fly out and that it can be lonely. There’s also some cultural differences (including what Becky can and can’t put on her gossip website).
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read for my commute, plus Becky Wicks has a great ‘voice’ for her readers. I could easily relate her tale of fun, sand, heat and parties in Dubai to a friend chatting. She doesn’t sugar-coat things (we all learn early on in the piece that M&M is married and she doesn’t shy away from changing jobs). It was fun and interesting, like a big blog by a good friend – I’d happily read more of her works.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Burqalicious is the true story of Becky who decides to try her luck in Dubai. It seems that she arrives at the heart of the boom (remember those days?) where mega skyscrapers are built overnight, parties are outlandish, all you can eat buffets last hours and there’s always something fun to do. Besides this luxurious life, where simply everyone has a maid (at least when they’re not living on a landing under a Twister towel), Becky tells of the never-ending heat, the sand, lack of public transport and shops that don’t seem to sell necessities such as tampons.
The book follows Becky through her love affair with Dubai that eventually comes to an end with the GFC and her rocky relationship with M&M (standing for ‘Married and Muslim’). The affair wasn’t the focus of the book, more of a sideline (with some great holidays thrown in). Becky also reveals that an expat’s life is full of ever-changing acquaintances as people fly in and fly out and that it can be lonely. There’s also some cultural differences (including what Becky can and can’t put on her gossip website).
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read for my commute, plus Becky Wicks has a great ‘voice’ for her readers. I could easily relate her tale of fun, sand, heat and parties in Dubai to a friend chatting. She doesn’t sugar-coat things (we all learn early on in the piece that M&M is married and she doesn’t shy away from changing jobs). It was fun and interesting, like a big blog by a good friend – I’d happily read more of her works.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
May 18, 2011
Burqalicious is the story of Rebecca Wicks who wants something better than her life in London, and on a youthful, impulsive whim, takes a job in Dubai, relocation her life there in the process. All sorts of weird, odd and illegal things happen in her life while she's there; I lost track of the number of times she changed jobs, apartments and best friends. Her affair with M&M (standing for Married and Muslim) really is the centre piece of the novel that ties most of the action together.
It was an enjoyable read, but very obviously pieced together from blog entries. While Wicks admits this in the beginning of the book, it seems like little is done to lace the entries together into a full, rich narrative. It seems as if the publishing company hoped the holes in the story would act as some sort of drama and tension in the story, but for the most part it fails, merely giving the reader the impression that they're missing vital pieces of the puzzle. Fluffy and light, it's an easily readable and digestable piece that really leaves no lingering traces of story behind in your memory.
It was an enjoyable read, but very obviously pieced together from blog entries. While Wicks admits this in the beginning of the book, it seems like little is done to lace the entries together into a full, rich narrative. It seems as if the publishing company hoped the holes in the story would act as some sort of drama and tension in the story, but for the most part it fails, merely giving the reader the impression that they're missing vital pieces of the puzzle. Fluffy and light, it's an easily readable and digestable piece that really leaves no lingering traces of story behind in your memory.
October 11, 2012
Couldn't bring myself to finish this. I was interested when reading the blurb - Brit gal moves to Dubai for work and explores it as a stranger in a strange land. What I got was a very young sounding girl with no cultural sensitivity and a penchant for whinging... The weather, the rules about drinking (which didn't seem to stop her any), the lack of shopping facilities, the high prices, blah blah blah. When she started on about her affair with M&M (that's married and Muslim) I couldn't read much further. If you're looking for a self-indulgent, disconnected blog posts reminiscent of the second Sex & The City movie in the way it shows women and the middle east, this is for you. Otherwise, there are a lot better travel narratives out there!
July 23, 2011
I've been to Dubai and I think that made me enjoy this book more than I would have otherwise. I recognized some of the landmarks she described (including the huge aquarium at the Dubai mall, in which I actually went snorkeling!) and also recognized the overall 'vibe' of the place.
However, if you're looking for plot, or connectedness between stories, or a narrator who doesn't repeatedly justify an affair with a married man, you won't enjoy this book.
However, if you're looking for plot, or connectedness between stories, or a narrator who doesn't repeatedly justify an affair with a married man, you won't enjoy this book.
November 10, 2011
I struggled with the writing style at first. It didn't really seem to flow and Wicks's obviously retrospectively added comments or entries to the 'diary' added to the clunkiness. There was no real narrative thread to grab the reader's attention in the first half, apart from reading about people eating and drinking too much. The relationship with MM was like a long drawn out soap opera with nothing of real interest (or no details that she wanted to reveal).
I think this book would have worked better as a narrative in the style of Bridget Jones (to whom she refers a couple of times), rather than including every minor and annoying detail of events that were sometimes mundane (and written about in this way).
That said, I did enjoy the second half. Once it became more like a travel diary it was much more interesting. This half also gave a better insight into life in Dubai.
I think this book would have worked better as a narrative in the style of Bridget Jones (to whom she refers a couple of times), rather than including every minor and annoying detail of events that were sometimes mundane (and written about in this way).
That said, I did enjoy the second half. Once it became more like a travel diary it was much more interesting. This half also gave a better insight into life in Dubai.
October 3, 2014
A view into Dubai at it's peak: illuminating, mesmerizing, and baffling. Through Becky's diary we see Dubai as she experienced it as a ex-pat. Becky arrives, eager to start her career and finds herself in a salacious, extravagant, and bewildering city. Is 'city' even the right word? Some of her experiences I identified with, some I was amazed, and others I found so profoundly ridiculous I could hardly believe they were true. An interesting read for those who want to learn more about what living in Dubai as an ex-pat is really like.
May 19, 2024
The only reason I rated Becky Wicks’ “Burqalicious: The Dubai Diaries” three stars is because she wrote a book and it is her story. I would recommend everyone against reading the book unless you enjoy what I rant about below.
The minuscule amount of information that she did provide about Dubai is what I found most enjoyable. Wicks was in Dubai at the time it was developing rapidly, and while in those days this may have worked well as a travel blog with pictures, I found that I was not the right audience for her memoir.
Wicks did not seem to interact with any Emiratis or foreigners that were not from western countries, and from what I have experienced, there are people who have a superiority complex and call themselves “expats,” who are often economic migrants, as soon as they receive a visa in a foreign nation. They act as though the country revolves around them.
If you enjoy reading offensive phrases like “cotton-picking minute,” “my ________ (insert the nationality of the woman doing her nails),” referring to men of a particular nationality as “little,” using the “r-word,”saying “my cleaner,” as though she owns those employed by her, and so forth, then this is your book.
I won’t even mention M&M, a registered trademark that she used pseudonymously for a man.
The minuscule amount of information that she did provide about Dubai is what I found most enjoyable. Wicks was in Dubai at the time it was developing rapidly, and while in those days this may have worked well as a travel blog with pictures, I found that I was not the right audience for her memoir.
Wicks did not seem to interact with any Emiratis or foreigners that were not from western countries, and from what I have experienced, there are people who have a superiority complex and call themselves “expats,” who are often economic migrants, as soon as they receive a visa in a foreign nation. They act as though the country revolves around them.
If you enjoy reading offensive phrases like “cotton-picking minute,” “my ________ (insert the nationality of the woman doing her nails),” referring to men of a particular nationality as “little,” using the “r-word,”saying “my cleaner,” as though she owns those employed by her, and so forth, then this is your book.
I won’t even mention M&M, a registered trademark that she used pseudonymously for a man.
March 7, 2019
I honestly can't think of the last time I gave something one star - generally, I just end up tossing it aside and moving onward. I'm genuinely unsure why I finished this.
The author is entirely self-obsessed, and hints at outrageous and intriguing things that just...don't materialize. Instead, we are treated to her navel gazing, her drama laden toxic relationship, and her general lack of awareness of anything or anyone aside from herself.
Utterly, it's just a series of blog posts from someone who is utterly self-centered, has absolutely no cultural awareness or sensitivity, and is sort of just a terrible person.
The author is entirely self-obsessed, and hints at outrageous and intriguing things that just...don't materialize. Instead, we are treated to her navel gazing, her drama laden toxic relationship, and her general lack of awareness of anything or anyone aside from herself.
Utterly, it's just a series of blog posts from someone who is utterly self-centered, has absolutely no cultural awareness or sensitivity, and is sort of just a terrible person.
May 4, 2025
I was hoping it to be something exciting to learn more about the country and culture. It turns out to be a lady's compiled daily diary, written like some dumb blonde clueless and ignorant about the country before moving there. Couldn't get myself to read beyond 1/4 of the book as there was no particular story line, just a description of her days. Better be kept as her own personal diary than to publish a book.
June 10, 2020
Can you give a minus rating? Such a wastage of time and I don’t even mind reading it as blog posts but honestly, this is some crap. There were places were I felt that writer has described Dubai’s contradictions nicely but those few instances were not worth reading this. Took forever for me to move ahead in this book/diary/wastage-of-time
August 15, 2025
I picked this up out if interest having spent a few years in Dubai myself, albeit many years before the author.
There were a few descriptions that rang true but she seems to have taken the absolute worst British expat behaviour and sensationalised it.
2 stars only for the memories of Wild Wadi, working conditions and some of the locations.
There were a few descriptions that rang true but she seems to have taken the absolute worst British expat behaviour and sensationalised it.
2 stars only for the memories of Wild Wadi, working conditions and some of the locations.
October 31, 2023
Nearly didn't finish this book, but I hate leaving things unfinished. Just something about it, having spent a bit of time in Dubai myself, didn't feel quite right....but good enough for a mindless read.
October 17, 2017
This was quite FUN to read. Since I currently live in Dubai, it is great fun to read an author who writes about the city. It is a great beach or pool book - not great literature, but great fun.
January 30, 2019
Awful
Just plain awful. This is a load of self-indulgent whining. She even uses the “r”word. I thought it would be interesting based on the description but no.
Just plain awful. This is a load of self-indulgent whining. She even uses the “r”word. I thought it would be interesting based on the description but no.
dnf
April 16, 2021DNF @ 26%
August 27, 2021
Diary of a person with a miserable life in Dubai.
May 6, 2023
I really couldn't get into the book to finish reading it.
January 4, 2014
I wanted to read this book because I wanted something fresh and funny, plus I love travel literature. However, the book dragged on and I didn't get to learn much about the UAE or Dubai culture. The book was about her job, finding a decent apartment, partying, dealing with her crazy stalker boyfriend. Plus, the language of the book felt way to informal that it would've been better if I was reading it in a blog rather than in paper.
April 28, 2016
Dubai is fascinating to read about.
The part I hated was the author herself. Spoiled, self-centred, alcoholic, involved with a married Muslim man, whiney... even the kitten they adopt dislikes her. I trust animals instincts.
I also can't believe this was allowed to be published. You would think they would never let the underbelly of Dubai leak out in the western world.
The part I hated was the author herself. Spoiled, self-centred, alcoholic, involved with a married Muslim man, whiney... even the kitten they adopt dislikes her. I trust animals instincts.
I also can't believe this was allowed to be published. You would think they would never let the underbelly of Dubai leak out in the western world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2011
This book is a really fun read, I know the author, so my outlook may be a little tainted. This book is a great holiday read, and I mean that in a good way. It kind of lifts you up into adventure and gets you thinking about mad capped adventures that you might want to go on.
June 20, 2013
Self indulged person. Read this in anticipation of a visit to Dubai, put me off the place and the magic and 'false reality' - just about. Author just went on and on about nothing- wouldn't recommend to worst enemy!
January 9, 2014
Very poorly written book. Author did not manage to keep my attention during the book. Rather than writing about her career and life in Dubai she tends to wale on about her relationships and drunken nights. This book has changed my views of wanting to travel to Dubai.
August 18, 2014
Engagingly written but really just another book written by a British expat in Dubai who goes on to learn nothing about the city or the UAE. Even though she has an affair with an Emirati, there is no insight into the Emirati culture that comes through in the book. Disappointing.
October 11, 2016
I couldn't finish this book. I thought it was going to go more into her time in Dubai but it was more like a Sex and the City/Bridget Jones wannabe with an unlikeable narrator. It's an easy read but I wouldn't recommend it.
May 20, 2011
This book was ok, not the written the best, but interesting...
July 19, 2012
Not worth reading.
October 15, 2019
Only got part way through before giving up. Agree with a previous reviewer - too much like Bridget Jones
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews