10 Interesting Fun Facts About Dubai
Dubai, one of the largest cities in the United Arab Emirates, is a place where you can do anything. It is often called the city of endless possibilities and will amaze you! Dubai has become a favourite spot for people all over the globe thanks to its amazing attractions, luxury hotels, family-friendly theme parks, top-notch shopping malls, and many activities. There are lots of fascinating fun facts about Dubai to explore!
The growing number of tourists in Dubai shows how popular this city has become as a travel spot, both in the Middle East and around the globe. Guess what? TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award has named Dubai the best travel destination in the world for 2022 and 2023! Let’s explore incredible fun facts about Dubai.
1. Dubai Police Drive Ferrari FFs and Lamborghinis Aventadors
Indeed, Dubai Police patrol their city remarkably, incorporating supercars like the Ferrari FF and Lamborghini Aventador into their fleet. This special fleet of cop cars showcases the city’s opulence and extravagance and helps establish it as the world’s top tourist destination.
The Dubai police will have a lot of time to cruise around in their Ferraris, especially since Dubai ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. In 2023, the Dubai police shared that there were just 24.6 major crimes for every 100,000 people. Now, if you look at the violent crime rate in Los Angeles, it’s 732 per 100,000 people. It’s probably just the absence of Lamborghinis, right?
2. Dubai Built the Longest Gold Chain For a Festival
In 2015, Dubai made a splash by creating the longest gold chain in the world, the Dubai Celebration Chain. A hundred craftsmen worked hard for 45 days, using four million 24-carat gold links to make this stunning chain for the Dubai Shopping Festival. The chain weighed an impressive 530 pounds (240 kilograms) and spanned over 3 miles (5 kilometres).
If you’re searching for a fancy souvenir, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group covers you. They’ve split up and sold small pieces of 24-carat gold links, ranging from eight to 26 grams. With 24-carat gold at $87.76 per gram, spending over $700 for even the tiniest piece feels steep for your usual magnets and key chains souvenirs.
3. The City is a Birder’s Paradise
Dubai is a fantastic spot for bird watchers, as hundreds of species migrate from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Watch for those stunning spotted eagles gliding above, broad-billed sandpipers darting around the wetlands, and elegant great herons standing in the shallow waters in spring and fall.
If you want a lively bird-watching adventure, watch the colourful Miracle Garden! You can glimpse some migratory birds hanging out among the beautiful flowers. If you’re into birds of prey, you should check out a tour of Dubai’s Falcon Museum! You’ll see the incredible power and beauty of falcons, hawks, eagles, and owls right up close while discovering their importance in Emirati culture.
4. Robots Are Taking on the Role of Jockeys
Dubai has taken traditional camel racing and added a cool twist by introducing robot jockeys. Kids were frequently used as jockeys for camel races across the Middle East because they were lighter. In 2002, the UAE decided to ban jockeys under 15 years old, and before long, other countries like Qatar jumped on board with the same rule.
In 2003, a Qatari engineer invented the first robot jockey for camel racing. Handlers put robot jockeys on camels and control them from SUVs as they drive alongside.
5. A Whole Museum Dedicated to Coffee to Keep their Favorite Sport Going Strong
Every coffee lover should visit this coffee museum to experience the incredible coffee culture of the Arab world. This Museum cheerfully retells the history of this beloved beverage. The halls are lined with artefacts related to the beverage from around the world, allowing visitors to explore its cultural significance and long-standing traditions in the Arab world.
If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, take a walking tour to explore Emirati culture and coffee. Revel in the luscious aromas and tastes of traditional Arabic coffee and tea, prepared in age-old methods handed down through generations. You will explore the intriguing ceremonies and social codes guiding Emirati coffee drinking. Indeed, this cultural experience is a treat for the senses, instilling curiosity about the art of coffee making.
6. Dubai Has Underwater Homes
Dubai is known for its over-the-top architecture and luxurious lifestyle, but did you know they have underwater homes? It’s true! One of Dubai’s most amazing fun facts is that you can live in these incredible underwater villas beneath the sea. It’s fantastic to wake up and see colourful fish swimming right after your bedroom window! These are not your typical underwater homes. We’re discussing impressive multi-million dollar properties with cutting-edge technology and stunning ocean views. Some of them even have their private coral reefs! It feels just like being in your aquarium.
Dubai continues to push the boundaries of innovation and luxury, and these underwater homes are just another example of their ambition. If you want a unique and unforgettable experience, Dubai’s underwater homes are worth checking out.
7. The World’s Longest Driverless Metro Line is Right Here!
Hop on the Dubai Metro! One of the incredible fun facts about Dubai is that it boasts the longest single-driverless metro line in the world. That’s right, no driver! Imagine cruising through the city in a fully automated train.
The combined length of the Red and Green lines offers a whopping 46 miles of track to explore. In 2020, a 19-mile extension built for the Dubai Expo made it even easier to get around. Dubai Metro connects over 40 stations across the city to various attractions in Dubai.
Visit that informal, cost-effective way of travelling and experience the thrill of seeing the place from a completely different view- the way it should be. Don’t take a cab next time in beautiful Dubai- take this fabulous, record-breaking metro instead. Find your unnoticed attractions along the way!
8. Only 15 percent of the population is Emirati
Did you know that about 85 percent of the people living in Dubai are expatriates? That means just 15 percent of the population comes from the UAE. Just a couple of years ago, that number was even lower, at about 8 percent. Many people decide to move to Dubai because of the great business and economic opportunities there, thanks to its impressive innovation and growth.
Over half of the people living in Dubai are of Indian origin. It’s interesting to see such diverse communities there, including large groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, the Philippines, and even Western countries. Dubai is a fantastic place to experience a mix of cultures, traditions, and delicious cuisines all in one place! One fun way to explore the city’s diverse must-visit spots is by taking a hop-on, hop-off bus.
9. The City’s Got a Ton of Cranes
There was a time when Dubai earned the title of the crane capital of the world, with about 25 percent of all the construction cranes in the world adding to its skyline. Check out some incredible buildings and iconic architecture that define Dubai today on a tour that takes you to some of the city’s most famous spots.
If you want something awe-inspiring, check out the Dubai Frame! It’s a massive 150-meter-tall structure that looks like a picture frame. You can see Dubai’s old and new parts from its glass bridge. It’s worth a visit!
10. Emirates Mall Offers Indoor Skiing
Will you believe that Dubai has some pretty wild surprises? One of the most incredible fun facts about Dubai is that you can go skiing indoors, right in the heart of the desert! Oh, for sure! Inside the Emirates Mall, there’s Ski Dubai, this vast indoor ski resort. It’s just incredible!
It’s another case of Dubai’s “go big or go home” vibe. Isn’t it amazing to think about where you can check out designer items in the morning and then hit the slopes in the afternoon, all in one spot? It showcases what Dubai can do; you won’t see anything like it anywhere else. If you’re in Dubai and looking for winter fun, you know the perfect spot!
