An Australian influencer living in the United Arab Emirates has sparked an online debate after revealing the eye-watering sum she paid for two simple drinks at a Dubai concert.
The Staggering Bar Tab That Went Viral
Louise Starkey, an expat content creator, took to Instagram this week to express her disbelief after a night out at a concert by South African DJ Black Coffee. The source of her shock was a bank statement showing a charge of AED 380 – equivalent to roughly £80 or $154 Australian dollars – for just two beverages.
In a video posted to her followers, a stunned Starkey explained the purchase. "I can't get over the fact I paid 380 dirham for two drinks last night," she said. The order consisted of two double-shot vodka Red Bulls, not elaborate cocktails. "I looked at the bartender and I was like: 'Are you for real? That's crazy,'" she recounted.
Context and Comparisons
To underline the perceived mark-up, Starkey compared the bar price to local off-licence costs. She showed images of Skyy Vodka retailing for 40 dirhams and Absolut Vodka for 144 dirhams for entire bottles. While she acknowledged expecting a premium at a concert venue, the scale of the hike left her reeling. "Don't get me wrong, I know I was at Black Coffee last night. For real, I expect a mark-up but not that," she stated.
Interestingly, Starkey noted that even the bartender seemed sympathetic to her surprise. "Our bartender knew. He looked at me and he was like: 'yeah,'" she added in a sheepish tone. The influencer admitted her shock was amplified because she rarely drinks and often receives complimentary beverages through promotional work with women's groups.
A Divided Reaction From Followers
The post prompted a flood of comments, with many sharing similar experiences of price shock in Dubai. One follower wrote, "I bought 2 beers in Dubai and never went out again for my remaining time there. The recreational budget was gone." Another claimed to have paid nearly 1,000 dirhams for five tequila shots, calling the city "scam central." A third recounted being "almost bankrupted" by two gin and tonics at the Versace hotel.
However, other commenters were less sympathetic, asserting that such prices are standard for high-end venues in the emirate. "Yes this is normal – is not expensive," one claimed, while another summed up the sentiment with: "Tell me you've never paid for a drink in Dubai without telling me."
The incident highlights the extreme cost of leisure activities in certain global hubs and the ongoing conversation about value for money, even for those accustomed to luxury lifestyles.
