25 Interesting Facts about Dubai

Want to know more about Dubai? Here are 25 Interesting Facts about Dubai that you probably didn’t know before reading this!

To make this even more fun, I want to challenge you as well. How many of these Dubai facts did you know before reading this? Share your result in the comment section!

Dubai’s police cars are not ordinary police cars

Ever seen a Ferrari police car? Seeing supercars as police cars are not uncommon here, so don’t be surprised if you see a brand new Mercedes, Ferrari, Bugatti, Lamborghini or some other luxury cars with the police emblem on it.

Photo: Stanislav71 / Shutterstock.com

There is no income tax in Dubai

Some of the richest people in the world do business here, and many foreigners come here as well. The zero tax policy on its residents is one of the major benefits of living in Dubai!

Home to the world’s tallest building

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, and it’s for sure the most impressive part of the skyline here.

In total it’s 828 meters tall, and visitors can go as high as the 125th floor. During Ramadan, the people living in the upper part of the building need to wait up til 2 more minutes until the sun sets!

Dubai is one of two emirates with a veto in the UAE

Along with Abu Dhabi, Dubai can claim its veto rights in political situations and decisions in the United Arab Emirates.

There were only 13 cars registered in 1968

Today, however, there are almost 2 million cars. Quite an increase from 1968, when only 13 cars where registered.

Photo: Shutterstock

The sun is shining almost year round

Dubai has become one of the most visited destinations during the winter months. The shining sun is definitely one of the reasons, and the climate is quite pleasing year round with only a few days of rain.

However, it can get really hot during the summer. Luckily, 99.9% of buildings, hotels, malls etc have air condition to cool you down.

Home to the world’s only 7-star hotel

The world records of Dubai never seem to end, and they continue to strive for more luxury and mindblowing projects.

Just take the Burj al Arab as an example, this is the world’s only 7-star hotel, and it’s considered to be the most luxurious hotel in the world! Their cheapest room goes for about 1000 euro per night.

Photo: LongJon / Shutterstock.com

The local Emiratis only make up 15% of the population

This is certainly one of the most interesting facts about Dubai. 85% of its total population are foreigners!

Home to the largest shopping mall in the world

Another record-breaking place, the Dubai Mall, also known as the world’s largest shopping mall in the world.

This shopping mall has more than 1200 shops, 4 floors, and a total retail area of 502,000 square meters (5,400,000 sq ft).

Photo: Gordon Bell / Shutterstock.com

It’s in the middle of the desert, but you can still go skiing

You might know that this Emirate is situated in the middle of the Arabian desert, and I will also tell you that there are no mountains in sight.

The tallest points here are either sand dunes or skyscrapers. But, you can still go skiing, inside the shopping mall!

Dubai has the Longest Automated Metro

They also have the longest automated transportation network. The Metro covers a distance of 74.6 km (46.4 mi).

Photo: Shutterstock

Islam is the official religion

Some countries where Islam is a major religion has strict laws that are enforced on all visitors as well, Dubai is more relaxed, especially towards foreigners.

For example, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol, eat pork, and they don’t have to wear a hijab. However, there are still some cultural aspects that are influenced by Islam that visitors must know before going.

Visitors are expected to dress modestly at all times, and public affection is generally illegal and can lead to fines and deportation.

The Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world

Do you like flowers? Then a visit to the Miracle Gardens is a must. This is one of Dubai’s major tourist attractions and it features more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants.

The Miracle Garden is huge, and it covers an area of 72,000 square meters (780,000 sq ft). One of the most fascinating facts about Dubai for flower lovers!

Photo: S-F / Shutterstock.com

There are ATMs dispensing gold bars

While there are lots of regular ATMs that dispense real money in the form of Dirhams, there are also ATMs here that dispense gold bars, and yes by that I mean real gold.

Palms Jumeirah is the world’s largest man-made island

The Palms Jumeirah Island is so large that you can even see it from space, and it is the largest man-made island in the entire world.

Photo: Shutterstock

5 x Cultural Facts about Dubai

Only non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol
Kissing or holding hands in public in Dubai is strictly illegal and can result in fines or deportation
The sale and consumption of pork is legal only for non-Muslims
Weekend in Dubai is from Friday to Saturday
Visitors should dress modestly, both men and women. Women shouldn’t wear anything that is shorter than knee-length