Dubai, the sparkling jewel of the United Arab Emirates, is a city that seems to constantly push the limits of innovation, luxury, and sheer audacity. From towering skyscrapers to man-made islands, Dubai has become synonymous with record-breaking feats, futuristic architecture, and luxurious living. But behind its glitzy facade, there’s a whole world of quirky, surprising, and downright fascinating facts that many people might not know. Here are 22 fun facts about Dubai that will make you look at this city in a whole new light.
1. The Tallest Building in the World: Burj Khalifa
At 830 meters (2,717 feet) and with more than 160 stories, the Burj Khalifa isn’t just Dubai’s pride and joy—it’s the tallest skyscraper in the world. Standing tall against the skyline, it holds seven world records, including the highest observation deck, the longest elevator ride, and the highest outdoor observation deck. It’s truly a testament to human ambition and engineering prowess.
2. Palm Jumeirah: A Manmade Marvel
Palm Jumeirah, one of the most iconic features of Dubai’s skyline, is a manmade island that covers 600 hectares of land. Constructed using all-natural materials, it required 94 million cubic meters of sand—about 10.5 million dump trucks worth. It’s an incredible feat of engineering and has become one of the world’s most exclusive locations for luxury residences and hotels. If you’re planning a trip, you can find plenty of options for accommodation, like those at Dubai hotels.
3. Cranes, Cranes Everywhere!
Did you know that a quarter of the world’s cranes are located in Dubai? It’s true! The city is undergoing constant construction, with new buildings and projects rising faster than anywhere else. Whether it’s towering skyscrapers or luxury resorts, there’s always something being built in Dubai.
4. A Staff-to-Suite Ratio Like No Other
Burj Al Arab, the luxury hotel shaped like a sail, is a symbol of opulence. The hotel employs 1,600 workers, creating a staff-to-suite ratio of 8:1. That means for every eight guests, there’s one dedicated staff member to attend to their every need. Talk about impeccable service!
5. Drone Licenses for Tourists
In Dubai, tourists can apply for a license to fly drones around some of the city’s most famous landmarks. After completing an online registration process, visitors can have their skills validated in-house. It’s a cool way to get an aerial view of Dubai’s stunning skyline.
6. Camel Racing… with Robots
Camel racing is a popular sport in Dubai, but it has undergone a futuristic upgrade. Instead of human riders, camels now race with robots on their backs. These robots are controlled remotely and help ensure the safety of the camel and the rider. It’s a blend of tradition and modern technology.
7. Michelin-Worthy Dining Without the Guide
While Dubai doesn’t yet have an official Michelin Guide, it’s home to an abundance of Michelin-worthy restaurants. The city’s dining scene is world-renowned, offering everything from exquisite fine dining to casual yet extraordinary culinary experiences. Dubai’s chefs definitely know how to wow guests.
8. Supercars as Police Cars
Dubai’s police force has a fleet of supercars, including Ferrari FF, Lamborghini Aventador, and Aston Martin One-77. These exotic cars aren’t just for show—they help officers quickly reach emergency scenes and impress visitors. Talk about driving in style!
9. The Gevora Hotel: The World’s Tallest Hotel
At 356 meters (1,168 feet), the Gevora Hotel is the world’s tallest hotel. With 75 floors, it’s 50 meters taller than The Shard in London and 56 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The Gevora certainly lives up to its title, offering unparalleled views of Dubai.
10. Vending Machines That Are Anything but Ordinary
Dubai is home to some unique vending machines. These are not your typical snack dispensers—they sell everything from laptops to gold bars. There’s even one that offers false eyelashes. Whatever you need, you can likely find it in a Dubai vending machine!
11. Burj Khalifa and Ramadan: A Two-Minute Difference
Due to its immense height, residents of the Burj Khalifa experience a two-minute delay in sunset during Ramadan compared to those at ground level. This fascinating quirk happens because the building is so tall that the horizon appears to shift slightly for those up above.
12. A Melting Pot of Cultures
Dubai’s population stands at 9.89 million, and it’s incredibly diverse. People from at least 11 different nationalities call Dubai home, making it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity is reflected in everything from food to festivals.
13. Tourism is Huge
Dubai is the fourth most visited city in the world, after London, Paris, and Bangkok. With its luxurious shopping malls, vibrant nightlife, and incredible landmarks, it’s no wonder that tourists flock to this incredible city year after year.
14. Dubai Fountain: The World’s Largest Choreographed Fountain
Inspired by the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. It spans 275 meters in length and features water jets that shoot up to 150 meters in the air. Set to music, the fountain’s mesmerizing displays are one of Dubai’s most popular attractions.
15. The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Located at Atlantis, The Palm, the Lost Chambers Aquarium is home to over 65,000 marine animals. It’s a beautiful and educational experience, showcasing the rich diversity of underwater life in the region.
16. Burj Al Arab’s Gold Interior
The Burj Al Arab is known for its over-the-top luxury, and one of its standout features is its gold interior. The hotel boasts 1,790 square meters of 24-carat gold leaf, which is equivalent to seven tennis courts. It’s a truly dazzling display of wealth and extravagance.
17. The Tower: Dubai’s Next Skyscraper
Dubai is set to surpass itself once again with the construction of ‘The Tower,’ which will be taller than the Burj Khalifa. Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, this new skyscraper will push the boundaries of architecture and design even further.
18. A Shape-Shifting Skyscraper
Dubai has plans for a skyscraper that will rotate, with each of its 80 floors able to rotate independently. It’s designed to generate its own energy through 79 wind turbines, making it an eco-friendly marvel. This building is expected to be completed by 2020, and it’s already causing a stir in the architectural world.
19. Dubai’s 3D Printing Strategy
By 2030, Dubai aims to have 25% of its buildings constructed using 3D printing technology. This innovative approach will not only reduce the cost and time required to build but also position Dubai as a leader in sustainable construction.
20. Dubai Water Canal: A Modern Wonder
The Dubai Water Canal stretches 3.2 kilometers and connects Business Bay to the Dubai Creek. It features a mechanical waterfall and pedestrian bridges, making it one of the most scenic waterways in the world.
21. Dubai Fitness Challenge: A World Record-Breaking Event
The Dubai Fitness Challenge is a 30-day event that encourages people to stay active. It’s become famous for breaking numerous world records, including the fastest time to sort 30 colored balls with one hand and the largest wheelchair race.
22. Ain Dubai: The World’s Largest Observation Wheel
Once completed, the Ain Dubai observation wheel will become the largest and highest in the world, surpassing Las Vegas’ Highroller. Standing at a height of 250 meters, it promises incredible views of the city and beyond.
