Dubai is one of the top destinations for travellers across the globe. It is a city that has embraced modernity and people from all walks offering the best of the world’s amenities. Dubai in numerous ways glorifies the many feathers this magnanimous city has added to its cap in the least amount of time. It’s a top-notch attraction not only for travellers but also for those who wish to make a living in this larger than life destination. This Emirate has made a mark for itself on the global platform, showcasing nothing but the best. Here are 25 interesting facts about Dubai.
Dubai Facts
1. Dubai Houses the World’s Tallest Skyscraper – Dubai is an architectural paradise. One can only sit in awe of the numerous beautiful structures you can witness while on a drive. Among the many luxuries and rare buildings, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest skyscraper; and the emirate takes pride in this marvel. The structure which is three times the height of the Eiffel Tower is said to be visible from space. At a height of 828 meters, this state of the art wonder which is designed to resemble a local desert flower, hemerocallis, holds many world records for the world’s tallest building, building with the highest number of stories, the most number of upper outdoor observation decks, the most number of towering elevation service and the list is endless. During special occasions, these gigantic structures light up with fireworks which is a sight to behold. Most profound messages are displayed with the finest work of lights on the tallest skyscraper of the globe
2. Home to the World’s Largest Mall – The Dubai Mall, another pride of Dubai, is known for being the largest shopping mall on the planet! Spread over 12 million square meters, it houses 1200 stores, 120 cafes and restaurants, and 26 cinema screens. One can never get enough of it!
3. The World’s Largest Suspended Aquarium – With a capacity of 10 million litres of water, the Dubai aquarium tank is the largest suspended aquarium in the world. With an extensive collection of aquatic animals, housing the most tiger sharks in the world along with 3300 aquatic animals from around 200 species, it is a delightful escapade
4. A Gigantic and the Biggest Picture Frame in the world – The Dubai Frame is the biggest picture frame in the world. Standing at 492 feet tall, embracing the city’s skyline, it a sought after hotspot for tourists! One can witness two different worlds – the old Dubai and the new Dubai while on top of the frame! Astonishing but true!
5. Largest Airport Terminal in the world – Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, is the largest airport terminal in the world. The terminal replicates a shopping mall or a mini-city with uber-cool amenities and features. Featuring 5-star hotels, apple stores, gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, snooze cubes, not one but two soothing gardens, can we ask for a shorter layover?
6. The world’s Largest Man-Made Island – Dubai’s palm island shaped like a Palm tree is the largest man-made island on the continent! This iconic island which is another historical marvel has increased the total area of the country by 520 Kilometers. Palm Jumeirah with residential apartments, hotels, resorts, amusement parks is nothing short of magic!
7. 85% of Foreign Population – With a mere 15% of the local Emirati population, Dubai is a foreign land. You will find people of various cultures and geography not just for travelling or sightseeing but also to make a living. 50% of the population comprises immigrant workers from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who paved the way to building hundreds of skyscrapers for Dubai. While 70% population is Muslim, you will find people of all faith in Dubai.
8. Foreigners cannot get permanent citizenship or residency in UAE – That’s one of the facts of UAE. No matter how long you have stayed or worked in the county you will still need a visa to survive and will always remain an expatriate.
9. Cloud Seeding to control the extreme climate of the country – To beat the scorching heat, Dubai has been incorporating many modern ideas. The country has laid its on hands-on cloud seeding to bring artificial rains, and a feeling of solace during the tough summer months. A climate-controlled city is in the making, however, these innovative tactics have taken the country to a different league altogether.
10. Low Crime Rate – Criminal activities and crime rates are on a rise globally. Thus it is difficult to believe that crime rates are close to 0% in Dubai. The thought of a criminal engagement may also lead you to imprisonment!
11. Zero percent tolerance to debt – The Dubai government has a no-tolerance policy towards Debt. So if you are unable to repay your debt, the repercussions are dire. You are considered a criminal and may be sent for prison for life.
12. Free services for Emiratis – The local Emirati citizens enjoy a lot of privileges, such as free education, free places of residents to stay, free medical facilities. Besides they are bestowed with innumerable benefits which is quite common in most countries across the globe.
13. Fancy supercars for the Police Force – The classy city of Dubai uses supercars for their police force! You won’t be surprised to witness a Ferrari, Mercedes, Lamborghini, or an Aston Martin with police stickers and siren! For the record, Dubai also holds a world record for the fastest police car – a Bugatti Veyron!
14. You are never too far from the Arabian Desert– It is crazy to realize that you can leave the bustling, modern city and get to the deserts in no time. Even from the heart of the city, the Arabian Desert is just 20 minutes away.
15. Friday is the weekly off day along with Saturday – Your weekend is set to begin Thursday evening with Friday being the official weekly off for all sectors. Your two days of weekly off falls on Friday and Saturday.
16. No eateries open to eat out during the day during Ramadan – During Ramadan, one has to follow the local laws and customs. Music and noise have to be minimum, consumption of food, smoking, and drinking beverages, including water, is prohibited in public from dawn to dusk. Nevertheless one can eat inside your house or hotel room.
17. Fuel is cheaper than water – Water in a desert can be expensive! As there were no inland rivers in the entire county, seawater undergoes a various purification process to bring it to use for household chores. Drinking water is sparse though and does not flow in running taps. Fuel is thus cheaper than water!
18. There is no zip code/ postal code to your address – A standard address system had never developed in Dubai, until recently. However, there is no postal code to your address. There is a unique 10 digit code (Makani numbers) that have been assigned to buildings post-2015.
19. Indoor Skiing – this must come as a surprise for many. One can go skiing in the middle of a desert with temperatures soaring high outside! Indoor skiing housed amidst shopping malls, for instance, the Emirates Mall and the Dubai Mall, is a highlight and fun activity for the entire family. This is like bringing two different worlds under the same roof!
20. A city of Gold – The love for the yellow metal is quite evident throughout Dubai. From ATM machines dispensing gold bars to the very popular Gold souk in Dubai with over 380 retailers, the glittering gold market visit is on the agenda of one and all. It is also believed that 25% of the world’s gold physically passes through Dubai. More so Dubai holds a world record of making the longest gold chain. Besides, it holds the Guinness world record of the world’s largest gold ring. One can behold the sight of it at Deira gold souk. Another top highlight is having gold-infused coffee! Can it get any better!
21. A crane capital city – It is said that 25% of the world’s cranes are camped in Dubai. While many countries take just 2 or 3% of it, a whopping 25% denotes the amount of development this country has gone through in mere past few decades!
22. Robot jockeys for camel racing – A popular sport in Dubai is Camel racing. Owing to the size of the camel only children were to participate in the race. For this very reason in the past children were illegally trafficked into Dubai. Robot jockeys thus saw the light to race camels to ensure nothing illegal happens within the country.
23. House to the world’s tallest four and five-star hotels – Dubai records the world’s tallest 4-star hotel – Gevora, which stands tall at 356 meters and the tallest 5-star hotel, JW Marriott Marquis, standing 355 meters tall. Besides the world’s only 7-star hotel, Burj al Arab, is in Dubai.
24. The Miracle Garden is the world’s largest flower garden – If you think of Dubai, think the impossible. Miracle Garden featuring over 50 million flowers and more than 250 million plants in a middle-eastern desert nation! As the name suggests, it is just one of the rare miracles to witness along with a flowery extravaganza!
One of the world’s safest cities– Dubai is considered the safest city as the crime rate is next to zero. This is because of the incorporation of harsh penalties even for small offences.
25. The UAE has a minister for happiness – Yes, a minister for happiness who works towards promoting happiness among residents. This applies to all the 7 Emirates of UAE, including Dubai.
26. World record never seizes in Dubai and the county constantly strives for larger than life projects to blow every beholder’s mind. Interesting facts about this fabulous destination will continue to surge in days to come as Dubai plans nothing less than to reach the stars!
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