38 interesting facts about Dubai

Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is a city known for its dazzling architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. With a vision to create an extraordinary destination for tourists and businesses alike, Dubai has rapidly transformed itself from a small trading port to a global metropolis. It’s a city that never seems to rest, with a skyline filled with towering skyscrapers, some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, and ambitious projects that continue to push the boundaries of human achievement. The unique blend of traditional Arabian culture with modernity, innovation, and luxury makes Dubai a fascinating place to explore. Here are some intriguing facts about this dynamic city:

1. Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres (2,722 feet).
2. The artificial Palm Jumeirah island is large enough to be visible from space.
3. Dubai’s police force uses supercars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Bugattis.
4. The city has no natural rivers; all its waterways are man-made.
5. Dubai hosts one of the largest shopping festivals in the world, attracting millions of shoppers.
6. The Burj Al Arab hotel, designed to resemble a sail, is one of the most luxurious hotels globally and offers a 24-carat gold iPad to guests upon check-in.
7. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world by total area.
8. Dubai is planning to have 25% of its urban transport autonomous by 2030.
9. It has an indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, where people can ski or snowboard in the desert.
10. Dubai’s GDP was initially driven by oil, but oil now accounts for less than 1% of its revenue.
11. The city aims to be a global centre for innovation, with the Dubai Future Foundation leading various futuristic projects.
12. Dubai is building the first-ever 3D-printed office.
13. The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
14. Almost 85% of Dubai’s population is foreign, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.
15. The Dubai Metro is the world’s longest fully automated metro network, spanning 74.6 kilometres (46.4 miles).
16. Camel racing is a popular sport, and some camels are even sold for millions of dollars.
17. There’s a ‘Gold to Go’ ATM in Dubai that dispenses bars of 24-carat gold.
18. The Al Maktoum family has ruled Dubai since 1833.
19. Dubai’s artificial islands have added over 520 kilometres (323 miles) of new beachfront to the city.
20. The city plans to make 75% of its energy renewable by 2050.
21. Dubai hosts the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup, with a prize of $10 million.
22. There’s a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving, with severe penalties.
23. Dubai’s rapid growth means that more than 20% of the world’s construction cranes are operating there.
24. The Emirates Airline is the largest operator of both the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777.
25. Dubai Creek has been the historical heart of the city, serving as a trading port for centuries.
26. It’s one of the safest cities in the world, with a very low crime rate.
27. The city’s Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, featuring over 50 million flowers.
28. The Dubai Aquarium, inside the Dubai Mall, is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world.
29. Traditional souks (markets) still operate in Dubai, selling spices, gold, perfumes, and textiles.
30. The Global Village in Dubai combines cultures from 90 countries across the world in one place.
31. The Dubai Opera can convert into three modes: theatre, concert hall, and flat floor.
32. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced, and eating in public during daylight hours is prohibited.
33. The city’s ambitious tourism target aims to attract 20 million tourists annually by the year 2025.
34. Falconry is an important part of the Emirati culture, and falcons even have their passports in the UAE.
35. Dubai is set to host Expo 2020, rescheduled to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is expected to draw millions of visitors.
36. Dubai’s Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims for tours.
37. The city has strict censorship laws governing media, entertainment, and the internet to align with Islamic morals and values.
38. Dubai has one of the world’s most efficient and fast governmental processes, with an aim to become entirely paper-free by 2021.

Dubai’s astonishing growth and relentless pursuit of excellence make it one of the most fascinating cities globally. With its ambitious projects and iconic landmarks, it has become a symbol of modernity and innovation. Its cultural diversity, luxury lifestyle, and status as a global hub for business and tourism make Dubai a city unlike any other. Despite its rapid modernisation, it retains a connection to its rich cultural heritage, offering a unique blend of the traditional and the contemporary. Whether one is captivated by its architectural marvels, intrigued by its technological advancements, or enchanted by its cultural vibrancy, Dubai continues to be a city that inspires wonder and admiration.

Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is a city known for its dazzling architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. With a vision to create an extraordinary destination for tourists and businesses alike, Dubai has rapidly transformed itself from a small trading port to…