dubai

A local restaurant has taken advantage of the controversy surrounding the Bahamas’ delegation to Dubai.

Da Bush Cook’s recent posting on Facebook of  ‘Da Dubai Burger’ has circulated social media with many praising the marketing team of the local restaurant.

The burger is made of Angus beef and cracked lobster, dressed with truffle mayonnaise on a brioche bun. It is served with “seafood-loaded fries.”

The restaurant says, “You may not be in Dubai, but you could eat like you are.”

It is a nod to the cultural trip to the World Expo 2020 in Dubai that has become a hot button issue in the Bahamas due to the large contingent that left the country for the megacity, and the high cost of the trip. The government said it spent $1 million to supplement the $3 million donated by the United Emirates.

Some people questioned why other artisans were not invited to perform on the trip while others say nepotism was involved in the selection of performers.

Some Bahamians have labeled the criticizers as “salty” which means they are jealous or bitter because they were not invited to go to Dubai.

Da Bush Cook is nodding to that and offering a free bag of salty to its first 20 customers who purchase the burger.

Social media users have found the advertisement humourous.

Sheli Johnson says, “The petty and shade is heavy.”

Darren Outten says, “…say free bag of salty…yall great bey.”

Many others commented on the smart marketing campaign of the company.

“Edneka Pinder said, “Yall don’t waste no time.”

Zonia Wright said, “Your marketing skills are top tier.”

Dubai, the United Emirates has become a topic of discussion in the Bahamas, ever since Prime Minister Philip Davis and nearly 160 delegates left the country for the oil-rich middle eastern city.

Though the Bahamas is a country based on Christian beliefs, many Bahamians have taken a keen interest in the city where Islam is the official religion.

Here are the reasons why so many people wish to visit Dubai:

1. Its reputation of wealth has become the envy of the world.

Dubai is known for its ultra-rich residents, but most of the wealthy residents have migrated there. Only 15 percent are natives of Dubai.

A report shows that more than 2,000 wealthy people moved there in the first six months of 2021.

2. Mega malls have become great entertainment.

Dubai is known for mega malls and is home to the ‘Dubai Mall’ dubbed the biggest shopping center in the world. It has 1200 shops. People travel from all around the world indulge in the city’s shopping centers.

Dubai holds a month-long shopping festival in January with concerts and giveaways where shoppers win cars and gold.

3. It has a thriving food scene.

There are a variety of foods available—at, Arab, Persian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, French, Japanese, Chinese, British, and American restaurants from low-end to high-end. Pop-up eateries are common.

4. It’s the modern art and design capital of the Middle East.

Art districts are littered throughout Dubai and some have sprouted up in the industrial Al Quoz area. Dubai has a diverse art scene. Art and design festivals like Art Dubai and Design Days are always taking place.

5. The Desert Safari experience is on most people’s bucket list.

The famous Liwa Desert is just miles and miles of red sand stretching endlessly into the horizon. A Liwa Desert Safari takes you deep into the true Arabian Desert, miles away from civilization and toward the Saudi border.

Former Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Iram Lewis criticized the government, demanding an account of a culture trip to Dubai, where nearly 160 delegates, including Prime Minister Philip Davis traveled for the World Expo 2020.

Lewis asked the government to reveal a list of expenditures, how many people were a part of the delegation, and the criteria to determine which artist made up the delegation.

He says the government is “careless” and “negligent” in its decision since the pandemic has adversely affected the economy and health of the country.

Lewis believes the delegation should have been smaller “to participate in a more targetted way for a more desired impact.”

Shaback Choir, a religious group directed by Press Secretary Clint Watson was also a part of the contigent.

Some people have questioned why the country’s national youth choir was not invited to attend the expo. Instead, Shaback seemed to take that place as it is seen singing the Bahamian cultural songs on the stage while dressed in island-style fabric.

A delegate of Bahamians to Dubai at the World Expo 2020 has spurred public debate, as some argue that the contingent was too big and the cost was too high.

Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister Latrae Rahming when pressed by reporters last week said the government spent $1 million for the trip, while the government of Dubai contributed $3 million for the Bahamas’ representation at the World Expo.

He justified the spending by stating that the event was planned about five years in advance and the former administration intended to spend more but the Davis administration cut back on spending.

The trip is meant to be a cultural event comprising Bahamian bands, musicians, and cultural artisans. Among those who traveled were the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, a Junkanoo Group and the Bahamas All-Stars Band.

A local performer, The Mighty Pencil, was not invited to the event but took to social media to voice his displeasure and questioned why others were not asked to attend.

Many of the delegates when they arrived in Dubai took to social media to show off their living arrangements and share their experiences in the mega city located in the middle east.

Seen in many of the pictures and videos are Watson’s cousin also known as a local sensation, Dynamite Daisy, who dramatizes an intoxicated woman with ugly makeup, disheveled hair, and shabby clothing. Some questioned whether or not her act would meaningfully contribute to the expo since it may not translate to people in that part of the world.

One Bahamian living in Dubai, Aaronp Moss asked, “What is she coming to do? Public intoxication is a jailable offense in this country.  No one will understand her…”

Watson’s sister Nicole Watson and another cousin Pastor Trent Davis, are also seen on the trip,  Their role has not been explained.