facts about uae tourism

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The UAE, an ideal tourist destination

Safety, political stability, tolerant population, affordable shopping, world-class infrastructure, and a range of events and activities are amongst the several things that make the UAE, an ideal tourist destination.

UAE official tourism websites

Uae tourism apps, distinct features of the uae.

• The official tourism portal of Abu Dhabi ( Visit Abu Dhabi )
• Abu Dhabi Calendar of events
• Abu Dhabi Moments
• The official tourism portal of Dubai ( Visit Dubai )
• Dubai calendar of events
• Dubai Summer Surprises
• The official tourism website of Sharjah ( Visit Sharjah )
• Sharjah Events
• The official tourism portal of Ajman ( Ajman Travel )
• Visit Umm Al Quwain
• The official tourism portal of Ras Al Khaimah (Visit Ras Al Khaimah)
• Tourism in Fujairah .

Discover the  World's Coolest Winter  in the UAE.

Download the following UAE tourism apps

• Visit Abu Dhabi app for: iOS  -  Android
• Dubai Tourism app for: iOS  -  Android
• Seniar navigation app for : iOS  -  Android
• Eco Tourism UAE app for: iOS  -  Android .

The UAE is an ideal tourist destination in many ways. Some of its distinct features that contribute to making it an ideal tourist destination are:

• Economic and political stability
• Strategic location connecting the East and the West
• Well-connected by major airlines of the world
• Robust infrastructure supporting tourism
• A range of accommodation to choose from for all budgets and fancies
• A range of events and activities that cater to all age groups and people with varied interests
• Unique biodiversity - the UAE has deserts, oases, mountains, valleys, salt plains, mangroves, beaches and a very rich terrestrial and marine flora and fauna
• Religiously and culturally tolerant population - the UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities from different religious and cultural backgrounds living peacefully
• Low crime rate - the rate of premeditated murders in the UAE is 0.3 per cent for every 100,000 people as of January 2018.

Visit the UAE-An exceptional tourist destination  - Ministry of Economy.

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19 Interesting and Fun Facts About Dubai You Need To Know

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: June 11, 2024

Quick, think about the world’s greatest cities in the world! Perhaps you dream of Paris , London , and New York . 

Yet  nearly 2.2 million tourists  went to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in the first quarter of 2022 alone. Tens of thousands of Americans visited the city and saw sights they could not see anywhere else. You can too, as long as you know some important facts about Dubai.

Table of Contents

Fun Facts about Dubai 

What are the history and climate of Dubai like? What are Dubai’s greatest tourist attractions? How can you respect local customs and remain safe in the city? Answer these questions and you can make the most out of this spectacular destination. Here are 19 facts you should know.

1. 20 Years Ago, Dubai Was a Desert

Humans have lived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for 125,000 years. Yet it was not until the 18th century that the town we know today as Dubai was founded. 

At first, the town was a small fishing village, with a population of just a few hundred people. It was small and cramped, with most of the modern-day city being a desert. Farmers wouldn’t even use the land for growing plants or maintaining livestock because it was inhabitable.

In 1971, the United Arab Emirates was founded. The UAE became a wealthy nation virtually overnight due to its immense supplies of oil.

Oil was found off the coast of Dubai, so businessmen began streaming into the city to start businesses. Though the Gulf War caused many business people to leave, they returned once oil prices rose. Starting in the 2000s, they invested in the development of Dubai, which continues to this day.

2. Don’t Confuse the City With the Emirate

When people think of Dubai, they think of the city of Dubai. However, there is also an Emirate of Dubai.  Read more: 25 Best Things to do in Dubai

The city of Dubai is the capital of the emirate, but the emirate also includes smaller communities and less-developed areas. When you are asking for directions or travel advice, make sure you specify that you are talking about the city. 

3. Foreigners Love Dubai

Dubai’s population is just shy of  three million people . Despite Dubai’s importance to the UAE, only 15% of the population consists of native UAE residents. 

Dubai has a massive population of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi residents. Many of these residents are businesspeople who moved to Dubai to pursue various opportunities. You can find Indian and Pakistani communities and businesses spread throughout the city, especially in high-income areas. 

The largest population of Western expatriates consists of British people. But you can find Americans as well as many people from Africa, particularly Somalia.  Read More: Is Dubai Expensive to Visit? How Much Money You Really Need

4. But Rain Clouds Don’t

The  climate in Dubai  is similar to climates you’ll find throughout the Middle East. It rains for only 25 days on average throughout the entire year. February is the month with the most rain on average, yet the city receives only 1.4 inches of rain during that month.

Despite the lack of rain, it is not extremely sunny in Dubai. There are 12 hours of daylight per day in June and only eight during January. You should expect to use streetlights to navigate the city, especially if you are staying out late.

Read More Fun Facts From Around The World

• Turkey: 13 Facts About Turkey That Will Surprise You
• Rome: 9 Interesting Facts About Rome, Italy You May Not Know
• France: 11 Interesting and Fun Facts About France

5. Make Sure to Go During the Cooler Months

Dubai makes up for the lack of sunlight with heat. During the spring and summer, the average temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

But the temperatures do drop off significantly during other parts of the year. In January, you may have days where the temperatures hover around 75 degrees. As you are planning a Dubai vacation, you should try going to the city during the winter or fall.

6. Weekends Are Not on Saturdays and Sundays

For years, the weekends in Dubai consisted of Fridays and Saturdays. In January 2022, Dubai changed its official weekends to align better with international financial markets. 

However, their weekends and hours off are still a little different. Dubai businesspeople work between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. They work until noon on Friday, and their weekends run until Monday morning. 

7. The Address System Is up and Running

When asked about interesting facts about Dubai, many people say that the city does not have an official address system. That used to be true. When residents used to send packages to each other, they would write instructions on how to find the recipient instead of writing an address. 

Over the last few years, the Dubai local government has developed an address system. They have assigned codes to streets and buildings, allowing people to send packages with written addresses. 

However, a lot of residents remain unfamiliar with the system. You should be able to provide instructions on how to get to the locations you want to get to.

8. You Can Use a Lot of Languages

The official language of the UAE is Arabic. If you are speaking to a government official or important businessperson, you should try to use Arabic. Even saying a basic greeting can help break the ice. 

But Dubai is a multicultural city, and many people are familiar with English. You can also speak Hindi, Chinese, and Urdu, especially with Indian and Pakistani residents.

9. You Can Stay In Luxury

Dubai is perhaps the greatest city in the world for luxury hotels. Even if you are  traveling on a budget , you can stay at a location with great amenities and personal services. 

The Burj Al Arab has thousands of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, yet you can stay at the hotel for as low as $200 a night. You can use free high-speed internet, enjoy massages and manicures at the hotel’s spa, and eat breakfast at a buffet. We stayed at JW Marriott Dubai and The Habtoor Grand Dubai they were both magnificent and quite affordable.

10. The Burj Khalifa Is the King of Buildings

Ask anyone about Dubai facts, and they’ll talk to you about the Burj Khalifa. At 2,722 feet, it is the world’s largest building.

The building is multi-use, so you can find a lot of different attractions inside. You can ride one of the world’s fastest elevators up to an observation deck that is nearly 1,500 feet off the ground. When you’re hungry, you can eat at Atmosphere Burj Khalifa, the highest restaurant in the world.

11. The Miracle Garden Is the World’s Largest Flower Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden contains more than 50 million flowers spread across 780,000 square feet of space. It is the world’s biggest natural flower garden, and you find virtually every species of flower inside the garden.

The garden also contains the world’s biggest floral installation, a life-size version of the Emirates A380 made entirely of flowers. When you need to take a rest, you can sit down in the sitting area under a canopy of flowers and look at fountains.

12. You Can Find Wildlife in Dubai

Despite Dubai’s rapid development, you can find many different animals in and around the city. As you might imagine, you can see camels and even go racing on them. But you can also see falcons, wolves, leopards, and Arabian oryxes in their natural habitats. 

You can travel outside the city to conservation centers, including the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. If you prefer to stay inside the city boundaries, you can go to The Green Planet, which contains an entire tropical rainforest inside a bio-dome.

13. Get Ready to Go Shopping

Shopping is one of the best  things to do in Dubai . The Dubai Mall is one of the biggest malls in the world, covering more than five million square feet of space. You can purchase luxury items from retailers like Louis Vuitton as well as electronics and home furnishings. 

If you want to shop and then visit some attractions, you should visit the Mall of the Emirates. The mall offers several clothing and fashion stores alongside theaters and VR experiences.

14. Dubai Loves New Year’s Eve

If you want to visit Dubai during the holidays, you should schedule your trip around New Year’s Eve. Dubai is home to one of the world’s largest fireworks shows, which takes place around the Burj Khalifa. 

If you prefer something a little more relaxing, you can go on dinner cruises and desert safaris. You can watch live bands and dancers perform their works. You can also listen to live music at Dubai Opera and dance to the latest tunes yourself. 

15. Don’t Worry About Your Safety

Dubai is a safe area, including for women traveling alone and families. You may encounter the same  travel scams  you see in other cities, including bump-and-grabs. You should follow the same safety precautions you take anywhere else, but you shouldn’t worry too much. 

If you plan on worshipping in or touring the mosques, you should keep an eye out for the exits. Many of Dubai’s mosques can accommodate thousands of people at once, and stampedes can occur during emergencies. Move off to the side to avoid the crowds and head to the exits in a straight line.

16. Don’t Show Public Displays of Affection

Dubai is infamous for its strict regulations. Regardless of whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you must respect the local rules and deal with a little bit of culture shock. 

Dubai takes public displays of affection very seriously. Kissing your significant other in public can result in a fine or deportation from the country. You may be able to hold hands with them in a restaurant, but you should not walk down the street while holding hands. 

LGBTQ people can be imprisoned or executed for any romantic or sexual activity in the UAE, even in Dubai. Be very careful if you are an LGBTQ person traveling through the city. There are no official spots for LGBTQ people to hang out, and the police have used dating apps to entrap people. 

17. Watch What You Say

The UAE also has restrictions on freedom of speech. You cannot criticize the government, police, or royal families in any way. Foreign nationals have been imprisoned for making satirical videos and tweets about the government. 

The government regulates internet access. Though social media sites are free, you cannot access dating, LGBTQ, or salacious websites. 

18. Prioritize Hygiene at the Dinner Table

UAE dining etiquette  centers around keeping the food and yourself clean. You should wash your hands before you sit down to eat. 

You should pick up glasses and finger foods with your right hand, even if you’re left-handed. Many people in the UAE use their left hand to clean themselves, so eating with your left hand would be seen as dirtying the food.

Do not put your personal items like your cell phone on the table. This will free up room for the plates and prevent you from knocking things over. You can leave papers on the table if you are conducting business or need to show someone something.

19. Be Courteous During Ramadan

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Muslim calendar. Observant Muslims fast during the day and conduct prayers while they are awake. 

It is a criminal offense to eat food in public during Ramadan. While you can eat food indoors, you should avoid doing so in front of other people so you don’t offend anyone. 

You should avoid playing music or dancing in the street during the month as well. Try to dress conservatively and avoid houses of worship unless you are going to pray.

Learn the Most Important Facts About Dubai

There is no doubt that some of these facts about Dubai will surprise you. Dubai is a very young and dry city. Yet it is a hub for culture, finance, and religion. 

You can enjoy many different attractions, namely the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Miracle Garden, and at the same time, you can have a lot of fun taking in the beautiful architecture and exotic animals. 

However, you must be mindful of etiquette. You should avoid displays of affection, criticisms of the government, and provocative behavior during Ramadan.

We have been lucky enough to visit Dubai and experience everything the city has to offer. Hopefully, these facts about Dubai will help you understand the city more and encourage you to plan a trip to this very unique city in the UAE.

Read more about Dubai Here

25 Best Things to do in Dubai

• Is Dubai Expensive to Visit? How Much Money You Really Need
• Etiquette in the Middle East- Travel for Men and Women
• 18 Fun Facts About Egypt

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Is Dubai expensive to Visit? How Much Money You Really Need

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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2 thoughts on “19 Interesting and Fun Facts About Dubai You Need To Know”

Is Dubai really one of the richest cities? I heard it in a YouTube video once.

Hi Louis, Yes, it is 23rd richest city in the world. It is estimated to have $814.7 billion dollars

70 Facts About Dubai | Fun & Interesting Things About Dubai

Looking for the most interesting facts about Dubai? Perfect, I’ve curated this long list of the most fun and mindblowing facts about the UAE’s most-populated city.

There’s so much you can say about Dubai. Majestic. Surprising. Captivating. Cosmopolitan. Modern. These are just some of the ways to describe this popular destination.

It’s new, exciting, and vibrant – but also quite mysterious. It’s a haven for expats, a playground for the rich and famous, and home to some of the most famous Asian landmarks .

If you have dreamed of visiting Dubai, you are in good company. As more and more visitors jet to this U.A.E hotspot each year, now’s the time to get up to date on a range of Dubai interesting facts, as well as to read up on important local customs you need to know.

These 70 facts about Dubai are as fascinating as they are informative. 

Fun Facts About Dubai 

There’s a lot to learn about the richest city in the Middle East. Here are a few Dubai fun facts to kickstart your journey…

1) As of 2023, the population of Dubai is around 3.57 million. And only around 15% of this population is Emirati! Dubai is a magnet for nationalities from across the globe, and foreign expats make up the majority of the population.

2) Dubai is one of the “Seven Emirates” that come together to make the United Arab Emirates. Its closest neighbor is Abu Dhabi, which is the capital Emirate and another popular tourist destination. 

3) Each Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.) has its own king, otherwise known as a Sheikh.

4) Arabic is the official language of Dubai, with English being spoken by many as well.

5) Dubai’s main airport is Dubai International Airport, which is the main hub airport of the major airline Emirates. Visitors can enter the city via the Dubai airport or by flying into nearby Abu Dhabi or Sharjah and driving in.

6) Dubai’s food is delicious, and shawarma is the most popular local dish. It is much like a kebab or souvlaki, with meat, vegetables, and dressings wrapped in pita bread.

7) Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most progressive cities. Its population is growing rapidly, as is its infrastructure. It’s now one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday.

8) The national animal of the entire United Arab Emirates is the Arabian oryx. What’s an Arabian oryx, you ask? It’s kind of like a mid-sized antelope.

9) Dubai was founded in 1833, but back then, it was just a small fishing settlement. But it was only in the 1980s and 1990s that saw it revolutionize itself as a world-class tourist destination. In 30 years, Dubai has gone from a sparse desert city with very little infrastructure to a multicultural and cosmopolitan destination people are flocking to.

Live that cosmopolitan Dubai life with a stay at the best Airbnbs in Dubai . These incredible Dubai accommodations will make you feel like UAE royalty.

10) On average, 14 million tourists a year visit Dubai.

11) More than half of the population of Dubai is aged between 25-34, so it’s a youthful city that is geared very much towards those in this age bracket. Only 15% of Dubai’s population is over 45!

12) The king (or Sheikh) of Dubai and leader of their Royal Family is His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum . He has played a major role in turning the once-sleepy city into modern Dubai.

Interesting Facts about Dubai 

Dubai is a fascinating and captivating city. These interesting facts about Dubai will be sure to take this United Arab Emirates city to the top of your travel bucket list. 

13) The total land area of Dubai is 3,900 km2 (1,510 m2).

14) The currency of Dubai is the UAE dirham (AED). This is the same currency as the rest of the United Arab Emirates.

15) The climate of Dubai is hot, humid, and subtropical due to its desert location. In summer, the average temperature is 42 degrees Celsius (108F) during the day. In winter, the average daytime temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius (75F).

16) If you like a rainy, cozy day, Dubai may not be the place for you. After all, they only receive around 3.7 inches of rainfall per year. To compare, the rainy city of Seattle, Washington, in the United States, averages almost 40 inches per year.

17) The Indian population in Dubai makes up a large percentage of its residents.

18) Islam is the UAE’s official religion, with 76% of Dubai’s population being Muslim. The remainder of the population is Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and other faiths.

19) Dubai is a major port city, and its waterways are a unique way to see the city. A boat trip down the massive Dubai Water Canal will take you past many of the city’s luxury hotels and landmarks.

20) Dubai has the longest automated train network in the world. It stretches for 74.6 kilometers (46.3 miles) and offers modern, comfortable services. It’s a great way to explore the whole region on a budget.

21) For a long time, foreign nationals couldn’t get citizenship in Dubai and the UAE. However, this has changed, and you can become a citizen in various ways .

22) There’s no denying Dubai is mega-rich. But how did it get so cashed up? The main earner for Dubai these days is tourism, but before that, it was oil, fishing, farming, and pearl diving.

23) In 1968, there were only 13 cars in Dubai. Today there are millions. Crazy!

Information About Dubai for Visitors 

Rules and laws in Dubai are stricter than in most countries, and it’s important to do your own research before jetting off. These facts for visitors to Dubai are just a few you must know…

24) Certain nationality passport holders are required to organize their visas for Dubai in advance, while others are granted a visitor visa upon arrival. Be sure to do your research when booking your trip.

25) Dubai is not an LGBQTI-friendly location, and homosexuality (or anything outside of the “normal” male/female partnership) can be punishable by the law.

26) While Dubai is a rapidly growing cosmopolitan city with a booming nightlife scene, it does have strict rules regarding alcohol. Alcohol can only be consumed at licensed premises by non-Muslims 21 and over, is illegal to drink in public spaces, and cannot be sold on select religious holidays.

Being obviously intoxicated or affected by alcohol can mean jail time or deportation, so keep yourself in check!

27) While Dubai is embracing liberal views on many issues, it’s still socially expected that you will cover up when out and about. Forget your vacation tank tops and short shorts combo. Opt for long-flowing clothes that cover your skin. Follow how the locals behave and dress, and you’ll have a great trip. 

28) Dubai doesn’t have the relaxed attitude that allows smoking almost anywhere that other Asian countries are famous for. Their approach to smoking is much like the rest of the Western world. You can only smoke in designated smoking areas.

29) While Dubai has beautiful beaches and epic luxury hotel pools, you should stick to wearing your swimwear only at the beach or at your hotel pool. Topless sunbaking or swimming is a big no-no, no matter where you are.

30) If you’re a loved-up couple, that’s fine – just avoid showing public displays of affection in Dubai. It’s not culturally acceptable in Dubai, and penalties can apply. That even goes for holding hands, so keep it minimal.

The law in Dubai states that only married couples can have sex, this includes foreign visitors. Within the privacy of your hotel room, you’ll be fine, but chill out beyond the confines of your accommodation.

31) Don’t get snap-happy in Dubai. Taking photos of government buildings or locals without consent is warned against. That should go without saying, no matter where you travel, but it’s especially enforced by the Dubai police here.

32) During the month of Ramadan, be vigilant about following local customs and laws. Keep noise to a minimum (especially music), and do not consume food, drink, or smoke in public from dawn until dusk. If you are hungry, you can eat at your hotel or at your home no problem. Swearing is also warned against year-round, so no cussing ever.

33) It is illegal to bring any prescription or illicit drugs into Dubai. Harsh jail sentences can apply for traveling with things as simple as common antidepressants. Most people even warn against traveling with even the most basic painkillers. If you are reliant on medications like these, I would recommend you don’t visit Dubai.

34) Thanks to the Dubai crime rate being virtually non-existent, it’s one of the safest cities in the world. This is mostly due to the harsh penalties enforced by Dubai’s police force that apply for even small offenses.

Dubai Sights and Landmarks Facts 

Dubai is all about being the best, the biggest, and the most modern, and it makes for a great luxury destination. Here are a few facts about the landmarks of the city so you can learn all about Dubai.

35) The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, situated in the heart of Dubai. It stands at 830 meters tall (2,722 feet). If you’re game, journey to the 124th-floor observation deck. If you want to take it easy, unwind in the Sky Lounge on the 148th floor.

Book a stay at a Dubai apartment for incredible vistas. This luxe modern apartment overlooks the best of glittering Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa.

36) The uber-famous Burj al Arab Hotel is one of the world’s only 7-star hotels, and a stay here is luxurious and incredible. But you might want to start saving now. This hotel, situated on an artificial island just west of the magnificent Palm Jumeirah, starts at around 1050 US dollars per night.

37) Dubai is a destination for the world’s biggest things, and that also includes the world’s biggest shopping mall. The Dubai Mall spans 5.9 million square feet and has over 1200 shops, a full-sized ice skating rink, a luxury hotel, and 120 places to eat.

38) Fun fact about Dubai, it’s home to the largest man-made island in the world, Palm Jumeirah Island. In fact, it’s even visible from space!

39) During your trip to Dubai, be sure to visit the Al Fahidi historical neighborhood. This is one of the oldest parts of the city of Dubai and has lots of interesting pockets to check out.

40) A visit to the Dubai Opera is a popular pastime in this vibrant city, and it has a year-round schedule of productions and musical events to plan your trip around.

41) Dubai is such a modern, bustling city; it’s crazy when you realize just how close the desert is. Twenty minutes from the heart of the city, you can be in the Arabian Desert.

Have a break from city life and book a desert safari from the range of tour companies on offer. Available during the morning, afternoon, or evening, this incredible experience includes 4WDing, camel rides, a delicious feast, and live entertainment.

42) Among the city’s impressive world records is the fact that it’s also home to the world’s largest flower garden, The Miracle Garden . It’s a top tourist attraction that spans 780,000 square feet with 50 million flowers and 250 million plants.

43) For a dose of local culture, head to one of Dubai’s “souks” (marketplaces) and pick up some traditional Emirati souvenirs. Incense and Arabic pottery are popular gifts for visitors to snap up.

44) The world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, is located in Dubai at Ferrari World.

Crazy Facts about Dubai 

Sometimes in Dubai, the truth is stranger than fiction. These strange facts about Dubai make this mystical city even more mysterious… 

46) The weekly Dubai day off is actually Friday and sometimes Saturday, depending on which sector you work in.

47) The city is also home to the largest suspended aquarium in the world, the Dubai Aquarium Tank, located in the Dubai Mall.

48) The ratio of men to women in Dubai is 3 to 1.

49) One of the cool things about Dubai is that Dubai police often drive luxury sports cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. A step up from your local police, no doubt.

50) Dubai is called Crane Capital for good reason, which makes it unsurprising that they want to eclipse the Burj Khalifa. The city’s new project, the Dubai Creek Tower, is set to be the world’s tallest building once completed in 2025, with it set to be 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) high.

51) You can order gold-infused coffee in Dubai. That takes your morning latte to a whole other level.

52) Much of Dubai’s water is desalinated water from the sea, thanks to its dry desert location.

53) Among the many world records held by Dubai, none are as golden as their incredible gold chain. The city is home to the Dubai Celebration Chain, the longest-handmade chain, which measures at 5.52 kilometers (3,42 miles) long and weighs 256 kg (564 lbs).

54) The UAE government has a Minister for Happiness, whose focus is – you guessed it – the happiness of residents.

55) Dubai’s world-record-beating exploits prompted the renowned Guinness Book of Records to set up an office in the city to keep track of them all.

56) It’s only in the last few years that residents of Dubai have been using an official address system. Before that, people just directed people to places according to local landmarks. Now, the government is assigning unique codes to each building to better the system.

57) In the past, the Dubai local government incentivized weight loss by rewarding families with 2 grams of gold for every kilogram lost. Unfortunately, this was a once-off campaign, but it’s still crazy nonetheless.

58) Horse racing and camel racing are both big businesses in Dubai. Camel racing is a historically important event in Arabian culture. But due to the small size required for jockeys, children were being trafficked into the city.

Fortunately, the Dubai government put a stop to this by introducing small robots that ride the camels instead. Look it up if you don’t believe me!

59) Again, Dubai is a rich city, as are many of its residents. Perhaps there’s been no greater display of their wealth than the fact that so many number plates have been sold for millions of dollars. Recently, a “P7” license plate sold for $15 million — crazy!

60) Many Dubai residents shun the standard dog or cat as a pet in favor of animals of a more exotic nature. Lions and cheetahs are highly sought after, and the more exotic the animal, the higher your social status. The government is systematically phasing out this practice, thankfully. 

Facts about Working in Dubai

There are many benefits to living and working in the Dubai Emirate. Here are a few fast facts you need to know about laying roots in the U.A.E.

61) One of the reasons Dubai is so enticing for foreign workers is because of its tax-free system. Major businesses choose Dubai as their base for this reason, and people from across the globe head to Dubai to take advantage of the major earning potential and plethora of employment opportunities.

62) Expats make up 71% of the population of Dubai – so you’ll be in good company when relocating to the city. It’s home to over 200 nationalities, including those from Europe, Australia, the USA, Asia, and the Middle East – amongst many others.

So, it’s not shocking that when people think of Dubai, “global village” pops up in their minds.

63) Many jobs in Dubai offer to cover flight costs, organize visas, and sort housing for the right foreign candidate. This is helpful as navigating the often-confusing and expensive Dubai real estate and visa scene can be super tricky for a newcomer. When negotiating a new job in Dubai, try to ensure that all of this is included in your benefits.

64) The average monthly wage in Dubai is around 16,000-17,000 Dh ($4300 USD per month approximately). This generally includes housing and transport costs, amongst other benefits (depending on your employer).

65) Make your transition to life in Dubai as seamless as possible by getting out and about and meeting other expats. The internet is full of handy groups and social media channels to stay up to date with what’s going on in this booming city.

66) Adjusting to a new life in Dubai can be a steep learning curve for many expats. Be certain you are ready to take the plunge before doing it.

Lifestyle and cultural differences between Dubai and many other Western countries can be vast, and it can take a lot of getting used to. The oppressive heat, particularly during summer, and the cultural customs can require a big adjustment.

67) Dubai is much more progressive than other Middle Eastern countries in regard to their attitude to women in the workplace. Women can be found excelling across a range of industries and sectors in Dubai.

68) Debt of any kind is not tolerated in Dubai. You could find yourself in a debtor’s prison with your bank accounts frozen and unable to leave the country.

69) It only takes one hour to drive the entire length of Dubai, so you can guarantee your commute won’t be a total killer. Then again, peak-hour traffic is pretty crazy in Dubai.

70) The rapid growth of Dubai has meant that many jobs are now in-demand. If you work in finance, web development, IT, business support, or legal services, you could be just what many businesses in Dubai are looking for. 

Am I Missing Any Interesting Dubai Facts? 

I could go on and on and on with fun facts about Dubai because it really is one of the most unique destinations in the world. If you think there’s any fun or interesting fact about Dubai that I may have missed, please do let me know!

Looking for some travel inspiration? 

My travel blog is filled with tons of inspiring articles, and I’d love for you to take a look through a few of my favorites below:

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Thanks for reading about these fun Dubai Facts!

Share these dubai facts with your travel squad.

There are a few errors in this list: – Fact number 57 is categorically untrue. There was a campaign once, years ago where they rewarded people for losing weight, it is not an ongoing thing. – Alcohol is only not served on certain religious holidays not all public holidays, there are only a handful of dry days a year. – There is only one gold dispensing ATM and that is in Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi. – Fuel hasn’t been cheaper than water for a long time. – The guy who bought the number 1 plate was from Abu Dhabi, in Dubai it is well known that the number 1 plate belongs to Sheikh Mohammed. – There are VERY few companies that still take a 3 hours lunch break, that practice was phased out in the late 90s.

you eat poo

this was helpful

Very nice article. Really enjoyed it a lot. Dubai is one of the heavens on earth and these facts about Dubai are very entertaining. Thank you for sharing this awesome post with us. This article is very valuable for Dubai enthusiasts. The nightlife of this city looks so thrilling. I will visit this paradise soon. Keep posting.

there is no doubt how you researched hard to get these points, really appreciate the efforts you have put in!

Dubai is such a fascinating city!

This is amazing article Dubai is such a fantastic place and one of my dream tourist place too. You covered all the points about the Dubai and explained very well. Thanks for sharing this article i appreciate your efforts for this blog.

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