This article was originally published on Travlerz
Gold Vending machines
Nowadays, cities are coming up with ridiculous ideas to put in vending machines. But Dubai has certainly upped all the other designs by introducing a 'gold' vending machine. If anyone needs some additional spending money or perhaps a gold bar while on vacation in the UAE, there is nothing to worry about; ATMs are accessible for exactly such occasions. While it's unlikely that the machine is made of gold, it dispenses the precious metal like an ATM would dispense cash.
Either cash or a credit card can easily buy the 24-carat-gold. Since the price of gold is always fluctuating, hence the computer updates the prices after every other 10 minutes. The machine is so popular; it has to be reloaded twice a week.
Focal Point For Fashion
Dubai is definitely growing, but not only in population. It's unquestionably rising in the world of fashion and quickly catching up with the fashion capitals of the world, such as Paris, Milan, and New York City. All of the biggest and most expensive brands can be found all over Dubai, and most people walk around head to toe, rocking designer clothes. It's almost weird if your outfit doesn't cost you thousands!
Dubai may be stepping into fashion, but they still haven’t forgotten what they stand for. The fashion shows help discover talented local designers that design modest clothes for conservative people. After all, fashion is for everyone.
Camel Racing With Robot Jockeys
The ancient sport of camel racing took a new turn in Dubai back in 2004. Robots, of all things, were used to replace human jockeys. In modern camel racing, camels are controlled by remote-controlled robots. What stands behind this change are accusations of human rights violations since many Gulf countries used children as camel jockeys. Therefore, they came up with robot jockeys, and hopefully, children won't be involved in this anymore.
Both Qatar and the UAE, of which Dubai is a member, have forbidden the use of human jockeys for the sake of robots. The UAE was the first country to execute the prohibition in an attempt to stop child slavery and abuse aimed to reduce the phenomenon of child jockeys as possible. Even after this modern shift, camel racing is still a prevalent, multi-million dollar industry.
Mall Of The World
Dubai again has stepped up its game to boost the tourism industry. It plans on building ‘The Mall of the World,’ which will cover an area of 50 million square feet and will have a temperature-controlled environment. If you love shopping or walking around malls, getting lost for hours, and spending all your money, then come here. This would be the ultimate destination for you, and Dubai will probably only expand its malls as the years go by.
The mall will include 20,000 hotel rooms, a parking area for over 50,000 vehicles, and would be a shopaholics dream!
Migrants Make Up 83% Of Dubai’s Population
Dubai is a multi-ethnic city where people come from all backgrounds. Surprisingly, only 17% of Dubai's residents are its actual Emirati citizens. That can be because its workers mostly consist of immigrants. About 83% of people are immigrants who come from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. A considerable wealth gap is also present among the people. The poor immigrants live in bad conditions, whereas the upper-class foreigners and Dubai citizens enjoy all the benefits and lavish salaries.
We suppose this isn't that surprising because most places around the world follow this unfortunate pattern, but since Dubai boasts wealth, maybe some tourists wouldn't expect there even to be a poorer population.
Massive Cooling Required
Dubai, primarily a desert, experiences searing temperatures exceeding 120 degrees during the day and regular sandstorms. It's impressive that residents aren't sweltering inside their buildings, all thanks to the city's effective air conditioning systems. These cooling marvels make life bearable in this extreme climate, providing comfort and relief from the intense heat and allowing the city to thrive even in the harshest conditions. Almost everywhere you go will have intense air conditioning.
To prevent issues, the construction engineers install vertical cooling beforehand which helps in cooling the buildings down.
Zero Debt Acceptance
Dubai is one of the few cities where people try to incur as little debt as possible! It follows a 'zero debt tolerance' policy that encourages its residents to steer clear of accumulating debt whenever possible. Falling behind on debt payments can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment or deportation. This strict policy emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility. It shapes a culture where people try to stay debt-free to secure their place in the city, ensuring they don't face these severe penalties.
Dubai has many attractions, especially for foreigners, but when they start living beyond their means, then they either flee or are deported.
Fastest Growing City
Dubai's remarkable pace of development has economists expressing concerns about a looming financial crisis. The city's rapid expansion, while impressive, has led to worries about potential economic challenges. Some fear that the breakneck growth may not be sustainable and could lead to financial instability in the future. However, it's important to note that Dubai's authorities are actively managing this growth to ensure its long-term stability and prosperity, but the concerns persist nonetheless.
Building Dubai’s Metro system in 2009, consisting of 42 stations, took only an astonishing 18 months. Plus, the trade and tourism industry helps Dubai to flourish.
An Astonishing Crime Rate Of 0%
Dubai's commitment to Islamic law has resulted in an extremely low crime rate, as it reports virtually no criminal activity. This applies to both the local and foreign populations, as people understand the severe consequences of any unlawful behavior. The city's strict adherence to these laws helps maintain a reputation for safety and order, making Dubai a place where people are well aware that breaking the law comes with serious repercussions.
Not only this, but Dubai seriously loves its police force and makes sure the world knows that they are well taken care of. This is displayed by the police cars, which use only the top car models such as Ashton Martin, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis, which are priced at $1.7 million.
Highest Tennis Court In The World
The world's highest tennis court is an adrenaline-inducing spectacle that thrills spectators simply by its existence. Perched atop a towering skyscraper, this remarkable court offers a unique blend of sports and vertigo. Situated at a dizzying height of 1,000 feet, it presents a constant challenge for players who must contend not only with their opponents but also with the looming threat of falling off the edge. It's a testament to human innovation!
The tennis court is situated at the top of the Burj Al-Arab Hotel and truly combines the game's beauty with the excitement of defying gravity.
Always Stay Cool
Dubai makes sure that with the massive amount of cash inflow, its citizens are facilitated as well. They don’t have boring bus stops like other countries. Instead, they have mini buildings at every stop that are fully air-conditioned so that people are always protected from the blazing sun.
This was certainly the most useful solution Dubai has ever come up with. For being situated in a desert, people might quickly get drenched in sweat as soon as they step out.
Luxury Cars Abandoned In Thousands
In some cities, people hardly see luxury cars. Whereas in Dubai, you see luxury cars from high-end brands, including Ferrari, BMWs, and Mercedes abandoned in thousands. What a pity.
The main reason that leads to this is the Sharia law that states that if anyone doesn’t pay the car payments, then they will be sent to prison. Hence people prefer to flee than to serve jail time.
Premarital Sex Is Forbidden
It’s often great to research about the destination you want to visit. Dubai has listed premarital sex as a crime that can get you either imprisoned or deported. Not only is this, but PDA and even holding hands with your spouse are frowned upon.
Even foreigners find themselves in trouble after their intimate activities are discovered. However, in some cases, women are often jailed too after reporting that they were raped since men are more influential in comparison.
The World Islands
The World Islands are a series of 300 small islands constructed in the rough shape of a world map, where each island represents a country, landmark, or region.
The islands are located 4.0 kilometers (2.5 mi) off the coast of Dubai and are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters.
Tourist Harbour
Dubai has undoubtedly become famous and caught the eyes of many celebrities. Its unusual attractions bring tourists towards it as a bee would come towards honey. One of the biggest celebrities to visit Dubai happens to be Kim Kardashian herself.
She visited along with other cast members of KUWTK to host a masterclass on makeup. She visited the desert too, shopped in various malls, and also went to a center for children with special needs.
Glittering Gold
You don’t get labeled as being one of the most luxurious places in the world for anything. Dubai also has the world’s largest gold market. The area is practically a minefield of gold.
The local people have become masters in playing with the metal having it for so long. Anything can be plated in gold, but it comes with a hefty price. Dubai may have gold, but it’s also the most expensive city.
Female Police Force
Dubai also wants to make sure that gender issues are also solved. Hence, it has a women police force that deals with problems related to that as well as fraud and theft in the city.
The selection takes place from the population of already working female officers who have experience working in police stations, watching criminals, and protecting essential people. The officers should also be fluent speakers of Arabic and English.
Cultural Clash
Dubai is a Muslim city where women are required to dress modestly, but it also tolerates foreign culture. The picture below describes the cultural clash perfectly with one woman sunbathing in a bikini while another sunbathes in a traditional abaya.
The city has a diverse mix of conservative Muslim and Western beliefs. Dressing modestly is still recommended, though, to honor the culture of the place you are visiting, but some people still choose to embrace their own culture instead.
Best At Everything
Dubai wants to be better than all the other cities in the world and aims at being the best at everything.
May it be Burj Al-Arab: the best hotel in the world, Burj Khalifa: the tallest building, biggest aquarium, or the grandest ski park. Dubai wants to achieve it all.
Keeping Exotic Animals As Pets Is A Trend
Buying and keeping exotic wild animals is not only dangerous but illegal as well. But do buyers care in Dubai? No, instead, they have shown a growing interest in owning them as pets.
These animals are costly, and after the poor beings are smuggled from their natural habitats, they are available online for purchase as well.
License Plates In Dubai Represent Prestige And Status
Dubai takes even the little things very seriously, yes this includes the licensed number plates as well. Some plates are bought and sold for $14 million or more with one-digit numbers being the most preferred, then two digits, and so on.
By now, you get the concept, higher the number of digits on a number plate, cheaper the price of the plate. Hence, people desire the fewer digits number plates as it symbolizes their status and wealth.
Dubai Holds A Quarter Of World’s Cranes
Out of a total 125,000 of the world’s cranes, about 30,000 operate only in Dubai. The budget for infrastructural spending in 2017 was $12.88 billion, which was the highest in the world.
Both the construction and real estate are at the peak of their businesses, which have increased the demand for construction-related machinery, vehicles, and equipment.
A Gold Covered Cupcake
In Dubai, all that glitters really is gold, even when it comes to cupcakes. This cupcake costs over 1000$ and holds the record as the most expensive cupcake in the world.
This deliciously high-priced cupcake is named “The Golden Phoenix” and is consists of the finest Italian cocoa, Ugandan vanilla beans, and of course, 23 karat gold. You might want to think twice before indulging in this amazing cupcake because after eating it, cupcakes will all feel too simple.
Journalist Banished For Being Extremely Attractive
Omar Borkan Al Gala was representing Dubai in the annual Janadriyah Festival that takes place in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, he was asked to leave the country for being too handsome.
Omar was a model since age 18, and some girls recognized him at the festival and asked for autographs. But when the female admirers grew, authorities interfered and had him deported immediately.
Massive Oil Production
Dubai was able to flourish in such a short time. Ever wondered why? Because it’s one of the few countries that produce oil in enormous amounts, which range from 50,000 to 70,000 barrels per day. This much oil can fill 4 Olympic pools easily.
Surprisingly, Dubai produced 400,000 barrels per day in 1991. Now there isn’t much burden on the oil industry as trade and tourism are present to share the load.
No Proper Postal System
Dubai does not follow a specific address system thanks to its increasing growth. Instead, a particular place is left on the mailing label, where residents can either draw a map or write instructions.
If you plan to visit the city, do have a map on you to get proper guidance.
Muslims Are Forbidden To Consume Alcohol
Non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol, especially tourists. But only in the vicinity of licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Other than this, it’s highly unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places, even at beaches.
Even though the alcohol served in Dubai is some of the best in the world, both residents and tourists require a license to buy liquor at a store.
Game Of Skyscrapers
Dubai used to have only one skyscraper in 1991, but now it has over 400. The World Trade Center was the only skyscraper in Dubai, but now it is surrounded by so many other buildings that increase the beauty of it.
Skyscraper Avenue or the Sheikh Zayad Road is now populated with imposing buildings, including The Burj Khalifa- the tallest building in the world.
Dubai Imported Sand To Fill Its Palm Islands
One of the most outlandish megaprojects of Dubai includes its offshore islands. Palm Jumeirah itself is claimed to be the eighth wonder of the world by the city.
Palm Jumeirah has almost 30 hotels and resorts. Yachts and speedboats can be rented too by private touring companies. Jebel Ali and Deira are two more islands currently in development.
Biggest Indoor Ski Park
The indoor ski park is situated in the Dubai mall and covers an area of 22,500 square meters.
The Park is like an indoor resort, which features many attractions. It has an 85-meter-high indoor mountain with five varying slopes, including a 400-meter-long run, also known as the black diamond run.
Airport Contributes 33% To Dubai’s GDP
Dubai's airport is a wonder in itself and contributes about $22 billion to GDP, whereas oil only contributes about 2% to Dubai’s GDP.
The airport plays a huge role in Dubai’s economy, as it supports over 400,000 jobs, and has above 90,000 employees.
Too Many Cars
Dubai is growing at a very fast pace. In 1968 there were only 13 cars, now there is no space left on the roads of Dubai.
The roads are so congested that Dubai had to build double-decker roads to fix this issue.
Building The World’s Largest Theme Park
Remember, when we mentioned that Dubai wants to be the best at everything? Well, now it plans to build Dubailand, an amusement park that will be twice the size of Disney World.
It expects to have 20,000 visitors daily with the attractions it contains.
46,265 Mona Lisa Paintings Honored By Gold Coverage
Burj Al-Arab is the best hotel in the world with 1,790 square meters of pure gold leaf just for covering 46,265 Mona Lisa paintings.
39% of the hotel is uninhabitable, it’s just for showcasing the massive grandeur of the hotel. Only the Royal Suite is available starting at $20,000 per night.
Largest Aquarium In The World
The world’s largest aquarium is situated in the world’s largest mall. The mall covers a total area of 1,124,000 square meters, and its entire basement is home to Dubai Aquarium.
The famous attraction offers a ride on a glass-bottom boat so that you can view over 33,000 aquatic animals, including going cage diving with sharks!
Long Lost Flourishing Pearl Industry
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Dubai didn’t have any of the trade or tourism it has today, the only industry that supported Dubai was pearl farming.
The industry was later destroyed due to many factors, including the First World War, the Great Depression, and the invention of cultured pearls by Japanese.
Luxurious Police
If Dubai is known to be one of the most luxurious places on earth, then why make an exception when it comes to cops? The police force in Dubai has cars from high-end brands, including Ferrari and Aston Martin.
However, since every car costs equal to a student’s university tuition in the US, the city follows strict laws. If anyone breaks the law, they find themselves facing prison time or immediate deportation.
Camels In Abundance
Being a part of the Middle East, Dubai has quite a lot of camels, for different purposes. These impressive animals are an integral part of daily life in Dubai. You can find racing camels and even foods made of camel milk and/or meat. You won't find many restaurants that serve camel meat though.
You might also want to replace the "regular" chocolate for a camel milk chocolate, as a souvenir for your friends and family. For real adventurers, a special experience might be the camel desert safari just outside of the city. There, you can see and experience the Bedouins life out in the desert.
A Growing Mark
The way Dubai has grown is worth mentioning. From being a mere desert with some buildings in 2005 to becoming a thriving city.
Dubai today is unbelievable. The city is thriving with its unusual attractions, skyscrapers, fountains, man-made islands, and so much more!
Infrastructural Growth
Dubai is a city that doesn't want to stop its growth anytime soon. It now houses so many cranes for construction that it's difficult to count, but it approximately adds up to 25% of the world's cranes.
Dubai is then followed by Sydney, Australia, on the list. Then Seattle, NYC, and LA.
Free Food To The Poor
Charity food is one of Dubai's cultural symbols. During the holy month of Ramadan, it's common to see sights like the one below in malls around the city. The poor and unemployed people in Dubai are provided with free food. Unfortunately, this is not something you can find in many cities around the world.
“We keep everything from Labane Up to fresh yogurt. Then there are juices and water besides Arabic bread and ready-to-eat tuna meat or pre-cooked macaroni for anyone to come and take it for free,” a mall manager says.
Owning Exotic Animals
With a GDP above $105 billion in 2015, people of Dubai certainly know how to flaunt their wealth. One of the ways to do this is by owning wild exotic animals such as baboons, monkeys, and lions.
Owning the most expensive exotic wild animals is a symbol of wealth in Dubai. But now the government has banned it due to the animals being smuggled from their natural habitats. Now people get 6-months of jail time or $136,000 fine.
Luxurious Scenes
With its growing population, Dubai suffers from increasing traffic jams. Even though being stuck in a traffic jam might be frustrating, in Dubai, you can enjoy the sight of many luxurious cars, as seen in this picture.
The size of the city and its continued growth means the traffic is inevitable. The government attempts to reduce traffic by building double-decker roads as well as working on the already made Metro in 2009.
Anything Is Possible
Anything can be plated in gold in Dubai. And yes, that includes your car too. If your giant house, yachts, and collection of exotic wild animals aren't enough to capture attention, then your goldplated car will do it.
Sure, the shining car may throw off the other drivers to the side of the road and cause mild blindness, but all you need to worry about is flaunting your wealth.
Super Luxurious Public Bathrooms
When using public bathrooms, you would usually try to spend as little time as possible in there. Even if they look nice, we get this icky feeling and try to get in and out as fast as we can. Well, that's not the case in Dubai.
This public bathroom in Dubai is more beautiful than we could ever imagine. We’d happily chill in here for the rest of the day, especially if we could to use this fantastic rainfall shower and jacuzzi!
Special Beaches For Women And Families Only
While family beaches are a common thing around the world, tourists in Dubai might be surprised to find that there are beaches designated for families and women only. Single men are not allowed to enter those areas and people who do must wear "respectful" beach clothes.
Women at these beaches are required to be fully covered by clothes. Locals say that it's comfortable for women to have exclusive beaches where they can feel free to walk around without being disturbed or disturbing others. It's also helpful for them to have beaches that are more respectful of their religious and cultural beliefs. It ensures that anyone can avoid things like smoking and loud music, especially families with children.
No PDA
Unlike the UAE, Dubai does somewhat bear the Western culture, but when it comes to displaying affection, even Dubai draws a certain line.
Only married couples are allowed to hold hands in public, and that is where the love ends. Any other physical contact is frowned upon, and there is no need to shake the hand of a woman unless she does so first.
Desert Tortoises
These rare desert tortoises are challenging to spot, an endangered species, and not friendly to humans. But as we learned by now, the people of Dubai love exotic pets, whether they are wild cats like tigers and cheetahs, or more tamed animals like these turtles.
Look at this guy, showing off his wealth. He has an impressive total of eight desert tortoises. The poor hard-shelled creatures even got stacked in order for him to get the perfect picture.
The Bigger, The Better
This phrase was made for Dubai as the city that basically plays in gold has no issues building giant skyscrapers with each project it takes on.
The city usually has the biggest of everything. Burj Khalifa: the biggest building, which is 2,722 feet tall. The city also boasts the biggest indoor ski facility and the biggest mall in the world.
Hottest Places On The Planet
January happens to be the coldest month in Dubai, with the average temperature being 75°F at daytime and 57° F at night.
Whereas summers in Dubai are almost unbearable, with the highest average temperature being 106°F at day and 86°F at night.