United Arab Emirates – interesting facts that surprise tourists

Abu Dhabi – the capital of the UAE

Abu Dhabi is the political and administrative centre of the country, setting the direction for the development of the entire region. As the most important decision-making centre in the Middle East, the city is home to key state institutions. Although Dubai remains the largest city in terms of population, it is here that the highest authorities of the UAE reside, governing the federation of seven emirates. The entire UAE is based on the stability of the capital, where Islam is the official religion and Emirati culture is carefully nurtured. It is worth noting that the official language of the UAE is Arabic, and modern standard Arabic dominates in state administration and official documents.

Abu Dhabi operates a development model based on creating high-quality living spaces. The city is one of the fastest-growing metropolises, offering residents and visitors a highly developed road and air infrastructure. The architecture of the capital, although full of luxury hotels, harmoniously blends in with the blue of the Persian Gulf. The location of the metropolis on numerous islands surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Persian Gulf means that the climate here differs from the dense development and character of the Dubai coastline. The capital, Abu Dhabi, focuses on cultural and scientific projects, making it a unique point on the map of the peninsula, combining traditional values with global ambitions.

Dubai's world records and technological visions

The United Arab Emirates is famous for its constant desire to be the first in every field. Dubai breaks records almost wholesale, but some of them are particularly specific. Did you know that this country is home to the world's largest vertical farm, which produces over a thousand tonnes of leafy vegetables a year without the use of pesticides and almost without sunlight? This is part of the food security strategy in the desert. The UAE's modernity also includes cloud seeding systems – the country has a fleet of aircraft that ‘produce’ rain to combat drought.

Why is Dubai so modern? The answer lies in bold management. The city was one of the first in the world to introduce a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, and its government structures include a Ministry of Tolerance and a Ministry of Happiness. When choosing public transport, it is worth paying attention to the metro system, which is the world's longest fully autonomous railway network, operating without drivers.

Check out what attractions Dubai has in store for you in the city of the future.

The tallest building in the world – interesting facts and secrets

Construction in this region is a series of engineering successes that make it a fascinating country for any architecture lover. The focal point of the skyline is, of course, the Burj Khalifa – this monumental structure is equipped with the world's fastest lifts, allowing millions of people from all over the world to admire the city from above. The fact that such a large number of nationalities live in the UAE has influenced the architecture in Dubai, combining global trends with local heritage. Analysing the architecture, you can discover a wealth of amazing facts, and the tallest skyscraper is at the top of the list of records:

• Burj Khalifa is the heart of the city, whose design draws on the richly decorated architecture of Islam, as seen in its spiral shape reminiscent of minarets.
• At the foot of the skyscraper is the Dubai Mall, the king of global shopping centres, proving that the emirate has created a thriving economy not solely dependent on oil.
• The UAE waterfront is also home to Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel, which offers spectacular views of the palm islands.

Since the country officially became a global power, every new investment has attracted worldwide attention, and Burj Khalifa remains the undisputed symbol of this transformation.

Be sure to check out: The Complete Guide to Record-Breaking Skyscrapers.

Surprising facts about the UAE: society and economy

There are surprising facts about the United Arab Emirates that change the perception of the local economy. The question is often asked: is there really no income tax in the United Arab Emirates? Yes, residents do not pay tax on their salaries, but the cost of living is regulated by numerous administrative fees and the ‘Knowledge Fee’ system, which is added to almost every official transaction. It is a specific model that finances the dynamic life in the Emirates.

Another interesting fact about the United Arab Emirates concerns demographics. It is a country with one of the highest gender disparities in the world – statistically, there are more than two men for every woman, which is due to the huge number of foreign workers. These cultural contrasts in the Emirates mean that over 100 languages can be heard on the streets, and local Arab traditions intermingle with the cultures of India, the Philippines and Europe.

What is Dubai really famous for? The whole story is presented in the guide: Key facts and attractions

UAE interesting facts for tourists: etiquette and rules

For visitors, it is extremely important to know what laws and customs govern public spaces in the UAE. What unusual regulations are in force in the UAE? Few people know that swearing in instant messengers (such as WhatsApp) or making offensive gestures towards other drivers can result in deportation or imprisonment. What is more, the UAE also prohibits the possession of poppy seeds, which are treated as prohibited substances.

There is also the question of recreation: can you drink alcohol in the United Arab Emirates? Yes, you can, but the rules are strict. In the emirate of Sharjah, there is a total ban on alcohol, while in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, alcohol is available at designated outlets, but appearing intoxicated in a public place is a serious offence. Understanding what you need to know about the United Arab Emirates makes it easier to avoid fines for things that are considered trivial in Europe, such as eating or drinking on the underground.

Interesting facts about the United Arab Emirates – summary

The address system best illustrates what everyday life in the UAE looks like. For years, Dubai did not use postcodes or street names in the same way as in the West – it relied on distinctive landmarks. Although the Makani system (unique numbers for each building) has been introduced, many couriers still ask for a description of the colour of the gate or the neighbourhood of the mosque.

When planning your trip, visit our Two Continents website to explore these less obvious aspects of local culture. As the country is a magnet for tourists, it is worth booking accommodation in Dubai in advance, choosing neighbourhoods that best reflect this unique mix of tradition and technology. All the surprising facts about the UAE will make your trip a much more informed experience.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• What interesting facts surprise tourists in the UAE?

Among other things, they are surprised by air-conditioned bus stops, Lamborghini police cars, falcons travelling on planes with their own passports, and ATMs that dispense gold bars.

• What is everyday life like in the UAE?

It is life in a multicultural melting pot, where modernity mixes with religious tradition, and most activities (due to the climate) take place inside air-conditioned buildings.

• What is the United Arab Emirates famous for?

The country is famous for the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), artificial islands, Guinness World Records, and the fact that over 85% of its inhabitants are foreigners.