It’s not just a city in the United Arab Emirates desert, Dubai has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world with people coming from all over the world to experience the luxury and beauty of this oasis. But what makes Dubai so special? Read on to learn the coolest and most interesting facts about this desert jewel!
Picture Perfect
Dubai has become pretty famous for its many attractions that consist of having built the largest of things. This beloved city attraction, though, is pretty unique. You see, it’s not just any old skyscraper.
No, The Dubai Frame is the biggest picture frame in the world! This highly Instagramable location holds a massive frame that towers over the city, with it being 492 feet tall. We’re sad to say, though, that there’s no picture in this huge frame.
You’ve Got Mail
While most people are used to having a specific address in their home countries, the residents of Dubai have a different system. Until a few years ago, Dubai had no standard postal system. Instead, they used old-school descriptions.
So, if you wanted to send a letter to a friend, you would need to actually fully describe how to reach their mailbox. Although the city does have postal codes now, it’s still a good idea to print out a detailed map of where you want to go so that people can help you find your way.
Happy New Year!
We all love traveling to vacation somewhere unique during the winter holidays. But, have you ever considered that Dubai might be the perfect destination for a New Year’s trip? Ideally, the end of the year is perfect weather-wise to visit the vibrant city.
But the true attraction in Dubai is the impressive fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. In fact, the display, which takes place around the famed Burj Khalifa, is among the largest fireworks shows in the world. Now, that’s a way to start the year bright!
The Cleanest Metro System
In most cities, while the metro or subway system is the quickest and easiest transportation method, it’s also kind of the grungiest. Dubai’s metro, however, is extremely clean, neat, and safe, thanks to a few rules.
Just keep in mind that if you decide to take a nap, eat, or drink, on the metro, you’re likely to be hit with a hefty fine. Of course, littering is completely out of the question. So, just wait until you’re off the metro to do any of these.
Long Weekends
Like many countries in the area, Dubai had its weekends on Thursday and Friday in accordance with the religious beliefs of the residents. But, to try to accommodate the international market, they’ve decided to alter their days of rest.
Since the beginning of 2022, Dubai has had an extended weekend of two and a half days! Now, Thursday is a work day, and from Friday at 12 pm until Monday at 7:30 am, the people of Dubai get to relax and enjoy themselves.
Jockeying for Tech
While we might be used to horse racing, Dubai has its own version of the sport — with camels, of course! That’s pretty interesting on its own, but to make it even better, in Dubai (and several other Arab countries), it’s not humans jockeying the camels.
They actually use remote-controlled robots! These machines replaced the children, who were the only ones small enough to act as jockeys to these desert animals. This way, everyone can enjoy this beloved local sport knowing that no humans (or animals) are harmed in the process.
Outdoing Themselves
It’s been a centuries-long tradition between the nations of the world to fight over who holds the record of having built the tallest building. It’s no secret that Dubai’s impressive Burj Khalifa tower currently holds the title.
However, for some years, Saudi Arabia has attempted to build a project that would out-rank the 2,717 ft high building. So far, though, that project has been delayed. In the meantime, Dubai is working on the Dubai Creek Tower, which is due to be 4,265 ft high!
Record Breaking
As of summer 2022, Dubai holds 339 world records! While some are very well known (like having the tallest building in the world), others are a bit more esoteric and unique. For example, did you know Dubai holds the record for the most diamonds on a perfume bottle?
The Dubai authorities are also proud to have the fastest police car in the world — a Bugatti Veyron, which can go from 0 to 60 mph in two and a half seconds! On the sweeter side, in 2014, Dubai unveiled the tallest chocolate sculpture, a mini Burj Khalifa (44 ft).
It’s Raining Men
This fact is especially interesting for those looking for a man — Dubai’s population is made up of 69% men and only 31% women. In fact, the ratio stands at seven men to three women.
However, keep in mind that many of those men are people who come from other countries to work in the great city. They do usually have families back in their home countries, though, so there aren’t as many eligible bachelors as some might hope.
How Long?!
It’s pretty clear that the people of Dubai pride themselves in being record-breakers. That also seems to apply to their craftspeople. The Dubai Gold and Jewelry Group unveiled another record-breaking artifact to celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the Dubai Shopping Festival in 2015.
The winner is a beautiful gold chain. The 22-carat gold chain took 45 days and about 100 craftsmen to create, and it is indeed the largest in the world. It’s 18,116 ft 9.14 in and weighs 529.109 pounds.
All You Can Eat
Most cosmopolitan cities pride themselves on not just having a diversity of people but also of cultures and, by extension, food. So, it’s no wonder that Dubai boasts a wide variety of foods from all over the world.
But it’s not just specialty cuisines that the city holds. Dubai also has a brunch of every popular food chain in the world. Craving McDonald’s, Starbucks, or Domino’s Pizza to enjoy in the desert heat? Dubai has got you covered!
Keeping it PG
While we might love taking lovey-dovey photos with our significant others while on vacation, you might want to rethink that behavior while you’re staying in Dubai. You see, public displays of affection are heavily frowned upon.
Holding your husband or wife’s hand is generally considered alright, although not totally accepted. But anything beyond that could land you in some pretty serious trouble. Just keep any kissing to when you’re in the privacy of your own home.
All That Glitters
This luxury hotel has become famous for several different reasons. Firstly, the Burj Al Arab is among the tallest hotels in the world at an impressive height of 648 ft. It also holds the impressive title of the world’s only seven-star hotel.
But, what makes the sail-inspired structure so iconic is its dazzling interior. The interior is gilded with a staggering 19,267 square feet of 24-carat gold. In case you’re wondering, getting a room there can cost up to $20,000 a night!
