There are so many fascinating facts about Dubai that most people don’t know! This unique city is one of the most interesting places in the world… read on to find out why!

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Must-Know Facts About Dubai

Must-Know Facts About Dubai

Dubai is one of the seven Emirates and the most populated city in UAE. You may only think about tall skyscrapers or luxurious cars when it comes to Dubai, yet, the city has so many other things to offer and also has a plethora of lesser-known achievements!

In this article, I’ll be discussing both the common and uncommon facts about Dubai. Read on!

1. Dubai Has the Tallest Skyscraper in the World

Let’s start the article with one of the most iconic facts about Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building and skyscraper in the entire world. It has a height of 828 metres or 2,717 feet and around 163 floors!

Inside the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find residential areas, commercial areas, and restaurants too. The tallest restaurant, Atmosphere, is located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa.

2. Almost 90% of Dubai’s Population Are Foreigners

Once you visit Dubai, you’ll feel like you’re truly in a melting pot of cultures. After all, there are only 11.48% (1.17 million) Emiratis living in Dubai- the remaining 88.52% (9.0 million) are immigrants from different parts of the world.

You’ll mostly find Indians, Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Filipinos living in Dubai.

3. Dubai Has a Zero Debt Policy

These facts about Dubai prove that the country has some of the strictest laws.

As per Dubai’s laws, if you’ve not paid instalments for your debt, you’ll be imprisoned for up to three years. Still, this doesn’t absolve the person from the debt!

Instead, the debtor needs to arrange the money within a month. If they can’t, the creditor has the right to send the person to jail indefinitely until they get their money back.

4. Some ATMs in Dubai Give Out Gold!

We hear about ATMs giving out cash but have you heard about one that gives out gold?

Certain ATMs in Dubai allow you to withdraw gold in the form of gold bars. You just need to specify the weight. Amazing, huh?!

5. There Are No Income Taxes in Dubai

One of the reasons why many people want to relocate to Dubai is its tax-free policy.

The government doesn’t take any tax on your income unless you own an oil business (55% tax). So, you don’t have to worry about filing taxes if you’re living in Dubai!

Keep in mind that you might have to pay a service tax of 10% in hotels, cinemas, and even restaurants though.

6. Arabic is the Official Language of Dubai

Since 1971, UAE’s official language has been Arabic.

Although there are many expats living in Dubai, Arabic continues to remain the main language for government officials.

The most common language in Dubai is English. Other languages like Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog are also widely spoken.

7. EXPO 2020 Took Place in Dubai

The World Expo is one of the largest international events that takes place every five years. In 2020, the World Expo took place in Dubai. However, due to the pandemic, it was shifted to 2021 and 2022.

The country received more than 24 million visitors between October 2021 and March 2022.

UAE also spent more than $7 billion to prepare the city for Expo 2020! It’s estimated that the Expo will add $42.2 billion to UAE’s economy by 2042.

8. Dubai Has the World’s Largest Choreographed Fountain

The Dubai Fountain found near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall is the largest choreographed fountain.

It’s set across a man-made lake of 30 acres and can spray 83,000 litres of water!

9. Food and Drinks Are Not Allowed on Dubai Metro

If you are planning to travel on the Dubai Metro, read these facts about Dubai to avoid getting fined.

You can eat and drink at the metro stations and platforms. However, it’s prohibited to carry food and drinks inside the metro. You’ll be fined 100 Dirhams for it!

10. It Hardly Rains in Dubai

Dubai mainly used to be a desert before it turned into a megacity.

Therefore, the city receives scanty rainfall (around 3.7 inches annually) between December and April. The wettest month is generally March.

11. Public Hugs and Kisses Are Not Allowed in Dubai

Here’s one of the facts about Dubai to consider if you’re planning to visit the country.

Public display of affection, like hugging or kissing publicly, is forbidden in Dubai. It may lead to severe punishment, including imprisonment in certain cases.

These rules are set in place due to the Islamic background of the city as modesty is given extreme importance.

12. The Legal Age for Drinking Is 21 in Dubai

Although the UAE falls in the Arab belt, alcohol isn’t banned here, except in Sharjah.

In Dubai, you need to be over 21 to consume alcohol. You also need to show proof declaring that you’re older than 21.

However, the legal age for drinking in Abu Dhabi, a city just down the road from Dubai, is 18. Still, many places may restrict alcohol if you’re below 21.

13. Men Are More Than Double the Women in Dubai

Amongst all the cool facts about Dubai, this one is truly saddening!

There are 2.3 males for 1 female in Dubai.

One of the major reasons behind this gap is that many young men from third-world countries come to Dubai as immigrants for working opportunities in male-dominated industries.

14. Dubai Mall Is the Biggest in the World

If you’re a shopaholic, these facts about Dubai will make you want to visit!

The Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the entire world as it is spread across an area of 502,000 square metres!

It also has more than 1200 stores, 120 restaurants, and 26 cinema screens.

Inside the mall, you’ll also find the world-famous Dubai Aquarium and Dubai Ice Rink.

15. Dubai Owns the World’s Biggest Picture Frame

Dubai has many records, including one for the biggest picture frame.

The Dubai Frame has a height of 150 metres or 492 feet and covers an area of 95 metres. You can also go to the top and get a marvellous view of the entire city, including the Burj Khalifa.

16. Dubai Has Many Exotic and Unusual Pets

Dubai citizens don’t hold back on anything, even animals!

Even though you’ll normally come across dogs and cats as pets, there are a few Emiratis who keep exotic pets.

There are more than 600 unusual animals being kept as pets in the country. Some of them even keep lions, tigers, and cheetahs- something that I certainly do not recommend!

17. The First Ever 7-Star Hotel Was Built in Dubai

If you love reading about hotels, here are some facts about Dubai for you.

You may have already heard about 5-star hotels but Dubai built the first ever 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab in 1999.

Located in the luxurious area near Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab is the fifth tallest (321 metres) luxury hotel in the world. It is in the shape of a sailboat and also has a helipad on top!

The prices for this hotel often cost more than $1000 per night. So, you can expect the level of grandeur Burj Al Arab offers.

18. Dubai Is Planning “The Mall of the World”

Dubai has many huge ambitious projects, including the “The Mall of the World”.

This project is set to have five main areas – retail, office, hospitality, entertainment, and residential. There will be 300 new buildings spread across an area of 8 million square feet.

19. Dubai Has Air-Conditioned Bus Stops

Dubai has extreme summer temperatures which can easily reach up to 55 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the government has tried to provide air-conditioning in all bus stops.

20. You Shouldn’t Miss Dubai’s Global Village

If you want to explore various countries within one country, then Global Village in Dubai is a must-visit!

People from different parts of the world showcase their handicrafts, clothes, and other speciality items at Global Village. You can also try authentic cuisines from all over the world.

Note that Global Village is only organized between October and April.

21. Skiing in a Desert Climate Is Possible in Dubai

Nothing is impossible in Dubai! Even though it’s a desert, you can ski too!

The Emirates Mall in Dubai has a huge indoor skiing area, known as the Ski Dubai. It covers an area of 22,500 square meters and has a yearly temperature between -1 degrees and 2 degrees Celsius.

There are many snow rides in the adjacent snow park too.

22. Dubai Can’t Get Enough of Skyscrapers

When I think about Dubai, many of us imagine the stunning skyscrapers! So, let’s talk about some facts about Dubai and its skyscrapers.

In 2022, Dubai ranked fourth in a list of cities with the most skyscrapers (taller than 150 metres or 490 feet). The country has 251 such buildings! There are many more under construction too.

23. Ain Dubai Is the Biggest Ferris Wheel in the World

The High Roller in Las Vegas used to be the biggest Ferris wheel in the world. Yet, this changed after Dubai constructed Ain Dubai!

Ain Dubai’s construction started in 2015 and ended in 2021. The Ferris wheel has a height of 210 metres and a diameter of 250 metres!

You can see 360-degree views of luxurious areas like Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina from Ain Dubai!

24. Dubai Paid Citizens and Residents Gold To Lose Weight

Okay, this is certainly one of the weirdest facts about Dubai!

Have you ever heard about a country paying its citizens anything to lose weight? Well, it looks like Dubai did just that.

According to the BBC, every citizen that lost one kilogram of weight received one gram of gold (equivalent to $63.14). The top three winners also got to enter a lucky draw, and the winner received a gold coin.

The whole point of this activity was to encourage healthy living and reduce obesity in Dubai citizens.

25. Dubai Has the Largest Suspended Aquarium in the World

Dubai has something to offer for people who love marine life.

The Dubai Aquarium Tank in the Dubai Mall has a capacity of 10 million litres. You’ll get to see more than 33,000 marine species.

If you love penguins, there’s a penguin zone too in the aquarium with 16 of them.

26. IMG Is the Second Largest Indoor Theme Park in the World

If you love rollercoasters and theme parks, Dubai is the place for you.

The country has many excellent theme parks, both outdoor and indoor. It also has the second largest indoor theme park in the world, the IMG Worlds of Adventure.

Funnily enough, the first largest theme park is Warner Bros World in its neighbouring city Abu Dhabi!

The IMG Worlds of Adventure covers an area of 1.5 million square feet and has a capacity of 20,000 visitors. You’ll get to explore 17 unique rides here!

27. There Is a Real Dinosaur Fossil in Dubai Mall

These facts about Dubai just prove that you’ll get to see the weirdest things in the country, including a real dinosaur fossil!

However, the more astonishing thing is that the fossil is actually kept on display in the Dubai Mall.

The fossil is of 155-million-year-old Diplodocus Longus or the ‘Dubai Dino’. The special feature of this fossil is that it’s one of the few ones with its bones intact.

So, if you’re into palaeontology, don’t miss it!

28. Dubai Has Some Really Fancy Police Cars

Are you a motorhead? Well, these car-related facts about Dubai are for you!

The Dubai Police has some of the most luxurious cars in the world. Right from Lamborghini to Bugatti to Ferrari, you name it!

They also have one of the fastest cars, the Bugatti Veyron, which can cover 407 kilometres in just an hour!

You wish you were a part of the Dubai Police squad, don’t you?

29. Dubai Has the Largest Airport Terminal in the World

After reading the facts about Dubai, you might already know that everything in the country is grand, including its airport terminal!

The Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 is the largest and the second-busiest in the whole world. It covers an area of 1,713,000 square feet!

You’ll find almost everything in this terminal, including a 5-star hotel (Dubai International Hotel), a swimming pool, a gym, a jacuzzi, Apple stores, and even gardens.

So, if you have a flight from this terminal, you’re sorted!

30. Dubai’s Economy Doesn’t Depend on Oil

This is one of the most important facts about Dubai.

Many Middle East countries rely on oil exports for their economy. Yet, the UAE isn’t one of them.

Once upon a time, oil production contributed 50% towards Dubai’s GDP. Over the years however, it has steadily decreased. Presently, it simply contributes just 1%.

The rest of Dubai’s economy is highly dependent on tourism (20%) and business.

The reason behind diversifying the sources is that when the need for fossil fuels decreases in the future, the country won’t be affected.

31. Dubai Has a Man-Made Island

Here’s one of the most astonishing facts about Dubai.

Since there are no natural islands in or around Dubai, the government decided to make one themselves!

The Palm Islands in Dubai are divided into three islands – Palm Jumeirah, Deira Island, and Palm Jebel Ali.

The construction of Palm Jumeirah started around 2001 and was completed in 2004. Many buildings were built here around 2006.

32. There Are So Many Luxury Projects in Dubai

If you love modern luxury, Dubai is the place for you.

Right from real estate to hotels, Dubai offers luxury in almost everything. You can choose to buy an apartment or house in some of the most expensive localities, like Palm Jumeirah.

You can also plan your stay at lavish hotels like Burj Al Arab or Atlantis, The Palm.

According to this source, Dubai’s real estate prices soared 89% in 2022 as many wealthy people invested in second homes.

33. Dubai Is One of the Most Visited Cities in the World

Did you know that Dubai is one of the top destinations for visitors? If not, here are some travel-related facts about Dubai.

Dubai stands fourth on the list of the world’s most visited cities right after Bangkok, Paris, and London.

In 2022 itself, the country received around 14.36 million visitors! The number is only set to increase as Dubai continues to improve its infrastructure and promote tourism.

34. Weekend in Dubai Is Now 2.5 Days

This is one of the facts about Dubai that will make you want to move there!

Unlike some countries which have two days for the weekend or sometimes only one, Dubai offers 2.5 days.

Dubai offers holidays on Saturday and Sunday. Along with that, Fridays are considered half days as most offices and businesses close around 12 PM.

35. Dubai Has the World’s Largest Flower Garden

These facts about Dubai are must-know for flora lovers!

The Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the whole world. It’s spread across an area of 72,000 square metres and features more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants!

The cutest fact about this garden is that it was first opened to public on the Valentine’s Day in 2013.

Apart from just the plants, you’ll also find miniature castles and houses made up of flowers.

If you want to explore the park in its full glory, the best time to visit it is between November and May.

35 Fascinating Facts About Dubai