23 Interesting Facts About Dubai You Probably Didn’t Know
Dubai has always fascinated me. When I first visited years ago, I couldn’t believe how much this city had achieved in such a short time. While 50 years ago, Dubai was an unknown place, today it’s one of the most visited and talked-about cities in the world.
I’ve been to Dubai many times since that first trip, and every visit shows me something new. In this article, I’m sharing 23 fascinating facts about Dubai that will give you a real sense of how extraordinary this place is.
Make the Most of Your Dubai Trip
Planning your visit? Here are some top picks to enjoy Dubai to the fullest:
Best hotels:
🏨Palace Downtown – Luxury Arabic-style hotel right next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain
🏨The Ritz-Carlton, JBR– perfect for a beach vacation directly on the beach
Top tours & experiences:
📸Burj Khalifa VIP experience
📸Dubai Desert Safari
📸Dubai to Abu Dhabi one-day trip with sightseeing
1. Dubai has the tallest building in the world
The Burj Khalifa isn’t just the tallest building in the world, it’s Dubai’s most iconic landmark. Standing at 828 meters, this skyscraper is a symbol of the city’s ambition to reach new heights.
The high-speed elevator takes just one minute to reach the 124th floor, where you’ll find an observation deck with incredible views across Dubai’s skyline and desert.
Inside, the building houses luxury apartments, offices, the elegant Armani Hotel, and even a nightclub, making it a place where people live, work, and play, all inside a record-breaking tower.
2. There is no income tax in Dubai
One of the most attractive things about living or working in Dubai is that there’s no income tax. This means people don’t pay taxes on their salaries, which is quite different from many other countries.
Recently, taxes have been introduced for companies, but only after they reach a certain level of profit per year. For individuals, your earnings stay yours, which is one of the reasons Dubai attracts so many expats and entrepreneurs from around the world.
3. Dubai police have luxury cars
While police forces around the world usually have standard vehicles, Dubai takes it to another level. The Dubai police fleet includes luxury and exotic cars like Ferraris, Porsches, Bugatti Veyrons, and Bentleys.
These high-performance cars aren’t just for show, they help patrol the city’s wide highways and keep up with fast-moving traffic when needed. And a fun detail, most Dubai police cars are green, making them instantly recognizable on the streets.
4. Dubai has an ATM for gold
Dubai has an unusual twist on the traditional ATM. You can buy gold from it! These gold ATMs work like vending machines, letting you purchase gold bars or coins instead of snacks or drinks.
It’s a unique experience and one of the many ways Dubai combines luxury with convenience, showing why the city is full of surprises at every corner.
5. Dubai has an ATM for Bitcoin
Dubai isn’t just about gold, it’s also embracing the digital age. The city has ATMs for Bitcoin, making it possible to buy cryptocurrency just like you would withdraw cash.
Moreover, Dubai aims to go completely cashless in the future. In addition, several businesses in Dubai accept Bitcoin as a payment method, showing how forward-thinking the city really is.
6. Dubai’s Population is mostly expats
You might be surprised to learn that most people living in Dubai are not Emirati. About 85% of the population are expats, while only 15% are local residents.
This mix of cultures gives Dubai its international vibe, with communities from all over the world adding to the city’s unique energy.
7. Dubai Has More Men Than Women
Another interesting fact about Dubai is that men outnumber women. Roughly 70% of the population are men, and only 30% are women.
This is mostly because many men move to Dubai for work while their families stay in their home countries, creating a city with a very different demographic balance than you might expect.
8. Dubai has a 7-star hotel
Dubai was the first city in the world to build a 7-star hotel. Burj Al Arab, shaped like a sail, sits on its own artificial island and is one of the most iconic symbols of the city.
It houses luxury suites, fine dining restaurants, and even a private beach and helipad, making it a true showcase of Dubai’s extravagant style.
9. Dubai has the largest flower garden
Dubai is home to the largest outdoor flower garden in the world, called Miracle Garden. It’s amazing to see how thousands of flowers bloom in the desert.
The garden is open from October to April and closes during the hot summer months, but when it’s open, the displays are carefully maintained and absolutely stunning.
10. Weekend in Dubai is 2.5 days
In the past, Dubai’s weekend was Friday and Saturday, with Friday being a day for prayer at the mosque.
Now, the weekend aligns more with the Western schedule, Saturday and Sunday, but they’ve kept half a day on Friday afternoon. That’s why Dubai effectively has a 2.5-day weekend.
11. Dubai has air-conditioned bus stops
Waiting for a bus in Dubai’s intense heat can be tough. To make it more comfortable, Dubai introduced air-conditioned bus stops, perfect for keeping cool while you wait for your ride.
12. One of the largest man-made islands is in Dubai
Dubai is home to one of the largest man-made islands in the world, Palm Jumeirah. The island is famous for the iconic Atlantis Hotel, and now also Atlantis The Royal.
Palm Jumeirah isn’t just about hotels, it also has residential buildings with private beaches, luxury apartments, and plenty of leisure spots. You can reach the island easily using the Palm Monorail, which connects it to the mainland.
13. The world’s longest automated metro in Dubai
Dubai used to hold the record for the world’s longest automated metro line, according to Guinness World Records in 2012. Singapore later took the record, and then Saudi Arabia surpassed Singapore.
Nevertheless, Dubai still holds the record for the longest single automated metro line, the Red Line.
14. Dubai used to be a desert
If you didn’t know, Dubai was almost entirely desert not too long ago. Over the past few decades, it has transformed rapidly, building modern infrastructure, hotels, and attractions.
Today, it’s one of the world’s most popular business hubs and tourist destinations, a true example of rapid growth.
15. Burj Al Arab’s interior is made of gold
The iconic 7-star Burj Al Arab isn’t just famous for its sail-shaped design. Inside, much of the interior is plated with 24K gold leaves.
Some suites even have gold toilets and bathrooms, making it a symbol of luxury that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
16. The tallest hotel in the world is in Dubai
Dubai is home to not just the tallest building but also the tallest hotel in the world. The Gevora Hotel, opened in 2018, reaches a height of 356 meters.
It surpassed the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, also in Dubai, to claim the top spot.
17. The world’s highest infinity pool is in Dubai
Dubai is home to both the tallest infinity pool and the tallest 360-degree infinity pool in the world.
The tallest is at Address Beach Resort, standing at 293.9 meters, while the Aura Sky Pool on the Palm offers a full 360-degree view from 210 meters high. Swimming here, especially at sunset, gives you a view like no other.
18. Dubai has the deepest pool
Dubai is home to the deepest pool in the world. There are different areas and packages for kids, snorkeling, diving, free divers, and professional divers.
Whether you want to try a safe snorkeling session or challenge yourself with deep diving, this pool offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else.
19. Dubai made the world’s longest gold chain
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Shopping Festival, the city created a 5-kilometer-long gold chain weighing 240 kg. This stunning record was recognized by the Guinness World Records, a perfect example of Dubai’s love for big, bold achievements.
20. The Dubai mailing system works on P.O. Box
Did you know that Dubai didn’t originally have street numbers? In the past, mail and packages were delivered based on descriptions.
Today, the city uses P.O. Boxes for mail. There’s still no official postcode system, so sending a package based on a street number alone could mean it never reaches its destination. Using a P.O. Box is the only reliable way to get mail delivered in Dubai.
21. Palm Jumeirah Island is visible from space
Here’s a fact that always amazes people: the man-made Palm Jumeirah Island is so massive it can be seen from space.
This iconic island is home to luxury hotels, residential areas, and some of Dubai’s most famous attractions. Seeing it in person is impressive, but knowing it’s visible from orbit makes it even more incredible.
22. Eating and drinking in public transportation is not allowed
In many countries, eating or drinking in public transport is normal, but not in Dubai. If you eat, drink, or even chew gum, you could get a fine. It’s a rule designed to keep the trains clean and safe for everyone.
23. You will never get a nationality in Dubai
Many people don’t realize this: no matter how long you live in Dubai, own property, or run a business, you can’t become a citizen. Expats can get residency, which allows them to live, work, and study in Dubai, but nationality is reserved for Emirati citizens only.
Dubai Facts: FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about Dubai:
Is Dubai a city or a country?
Dubai is a city and one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
What language do they speak in Dubai?
The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, malls, and tourist areas.
What is a nickname for Dubai?
Dubai is often called the Gulf Tiger because of its rapid growth and booming economy.
Have questions or tips about Dubai? Join my free Facebook group, I Love To Visit Dubai. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
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