Interesting facts about Dubai
Dubai is a world champion in almost every domain. It’s the most rapidly built megapolis in the world. The number of the Guinness World Records is a proof of these statements. Discover 25 interesting facts about Dubai that will certainly surprise you.
1. The name “Dubai” has different origins
There are various theories about the etymology of the name. Some people say that it comes from the name “money”. They refer to the fact that those living here were very wealthy due to economic conditions.
2. Burj-al-Arab is the only seven-star hotel in the world
This is the tallest hotel in the world: Burj Al Arab. It has 321 meters and is situated on an artificial island. The island is linked to the other parts of the city by a 340 meters long road. It is known for its sky bars.
The Dubai Skyview bar broke the Guinness World Record for the most expensive cocktail. The price of the cocktail is approximately 7440 US dollars. The cocktail is served in a Swarovski Crystalline cocktail glass. As a result, you can take the glass with you as a souvenir from this amazing destination.
3. Palm Islands are artificial
They are composed of three islands: Palm Jumeirah, Jebel Ali, and Deira. They have one thing in common. The Jumeirah island is already constructed. The Jebel Ali island is under construction. The Deira island is a new project which has not started yet.
4. The majority of the population are expatriates
Dubai has a good immigration policy. They welcomed thousands of foreign workers in order to boost the economy. 85% of the population of this emirate are foreigners. Everyone here is hard-working and live in a safe environment.
5. 70% of the residents are male
Gender equality is a problem in the Middle East. 70% of people living in Dubai consists of male. The majority are expatriates. They come here to work. However, the government runs projects to support motivated and educated women.
6. The green is the color of Dubai police forces
The luxe is everywhere in this great destination. Don’t be surprised to see the brand new police cars. The cars and officers’ uniform are in green. It is the dominant color of these forces. There are eleven stations in the city. Female officers wear a headscarf.
7. Dubai has veto power in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates were created in the 1970s. The seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, formed the UAE. These two emirates made a condition to join the coalition. They are the only two emirates to have veto power over political and economic issues in the country.
8. Dubai is home to the second-largest shopping mall in the world
The UAE is a famous shopping destination. There are more than sixty malls. Twelve other malls are under construction. The second-biggest mall is Dubai Mall. It is situated in the downtown of the city. It’s one of the top places to discover in the UAE.
9. Burj Khalifa has 57 elevators
It’s the tallest building in the world. Burj Khalifa has 828 meters of height and is situated in the Downtown. There are two observation decks here. The highest one is situated on the 148th floor. There is a breathtaking view of the city and the skyline.
10. Ramadan is the most important period in the year
You should respect the local etiquette and culture. Firstly, it’s important to adopt a respectful dress code. It’s the best period to immerse in amazing cultural traditions and customs. You can directly participate in many charity events during Ramadan.
11. Dubai has the longest automated metro system
The metro system is completely automated without any drivers. There are three classes in the metro: first or VIP class, women class, and ordinary class. The metro system is completely adapted to the high temperatures.
12. Dubai has unusual vending machines
The residents really love gold. There are ATM’s that distribute gold bars. If you would like to buy eastern jewelry, you should absolutely visit the gold souk (market). It’s a must-do place for precious stones and jewelry lovers.
13. Dubai has a tax-free system
One of the interesting facts about the city is that there is no income tax. But, in some circumstances, you will face a tax. The advantageous tax policy is one of the reasons why people travel to this destination for job opportunities.
14. Dubai fountains can perform
The dancing fountain is one of the biggest fountains in the world. It is located in Dubai on an artificial lake. Every evening you can admire the performing fountains. The best places to observe the musical show are Burj Khalifa, Waterfront Promenade and Souk Al Bahar.
15. The desert in Dubai is the hottest in the world
The temperatures vary drastically between daytime and the night. The highest temperature ever registered reaches 49°. It’s almost impossible to visit it in the summertime, especially in the afternoon. You can do things like camel racing, dune bashing, and sandboarding.
16. The World islands are under construction
Dubai is breaking the stereotypes. The World islands is a new mega project off the coast of the city. It consists of 300 private artificial islands. It is in the form of the six continents. Currently, the project is under construction.
17. There is no zip code system in the city
One of the most interesting things in Dubai is that there is no zip code system. A city that builds artificial islands and the tallest skyscrapers, didn’t implement a simple zip code system. As a result, online shopping is a real brain teaser for post officers.
18. The end of the oil resources is near
Dubai has one of the largest amounts of oil resources in the Middle East. According to some specialists, this resource will definitely run out in 2019 in the country. However, it continues to be a major source of revenues and development in the UAE.
19. Dubai International airport has highly-developed facilities for passengers
It has an indoor garden called “Zen gardens”. Additionally, the airport has an entire terminal dedicated to A380, the world’s biggest passenger airplane. There are sleeping cabins, called “Snooze cubes”. You can pass your overnight in these comfortable rooms with free wifi connexion.
20. There is a minimal risk of natural disasters in Dubai
The overall area is safe from earthquakes and tsunamis. The explanation of this phenomenon is that the Persian Gulf waters are not that deep. And, even if the artificial islands are built up of sand, they don’t represent any major safety risk.
21. Dubai is tolerant towards western cultures
The United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country. However, they are very open to foreign culture and traditions. The population of Dubai lives in perfect harmony. Therefore, tourists from western countries can travel across it in safety.
22. Dubai became a megapolis in 30 years
Before tourism and oil, it was an ordinary pearl diving village. The village didn’t have even elementary living conditions. After the discovery of natural resources, the rulers decided to invest in infrastructure and tourism development.
23. Abu Dhabi helped to build the world’s highest building
This has been a challenging project. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Dubai who is the ruler of Abu Dhabi helped to finish the construction. At first, the building was named “Burj Dubai”. One day prior to the inauguration the rulers decided to rename it “Burj Khalifa”.
24. Dubai will host the World Expo 2020
The official theme of the expo is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. It is estimated that more than 200,000 new jobs will be created for this occasion. Many international companies from top countries will participate in it.
25. The world’s second largest indoor snow park
Dubai is the capital of contrasts. Skiing in an indoor snow park, then chilling in the desert is completely possible in this destination. This indoor ski complex provides snowboarding and ski lessons for friends and families.
