20 interesting facts about Dubai – discover amazing facts!

1.Burj Khalifa – a symbol of boundless ambition

If you want to learn fascinating facts about architecture, Dubai is the place to go. And the best example of this is Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters. Construction lasted from 2004 to 2010 and cost around $1.5 billion. Inside, there are apartments, offices, a luxury hotel designed by Giorgio Armani, and observation decks from which you can admire the panorama of the city and the desert.

Interestingly, the building was originally supposed to be called Burj Dubai, or "Dubai Tower". However, for the opening in 2010, the name was changed to Burj Khalifa, in honor of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – the president of the United Arab Emirates and the emir of Abu Dhabi. It was his financial help during the economic crisis in 2009 that helped to complete the construction of the skyscraper. It is not only a nod to the sheikh, but also a symbol of unity between the emirates.

2.Palm Jumeirah – an artificial island visible from space

Did you know that Dubai has man-made islands that can be seen from space? Palm Jumeirah is one of them – built between 2001 and 2006, it cost around $12 billion. Thanks to it, the coastline of the Emirates was extended by over 120 kilometers. The island houses luxury villas, hotels (including the famous Atlantis), beaches and restaurants.

3.Dubai Mall – a mall that is a city

Dubai Mall, opened in 2008, is the largest shopping mall in the world in terms of area. It covers over 1.1 million m² and houses over 1,200 stores. You will also find one of the largest aquariums in the world, an Olympic ice rink, a huge waterfall and fountain, and a VR Park – it is the perfect place for a day of adventure, not just shopping.

4.Luxury police

In Dubai, some of the police use amazing supercars such as Lamborghini Aventador, Bugatti Veyron, Ferrari FF or Aston Martin One-77. This does not mean that the entire corps drives luxury cars - these are rather special units used mainly for promoting tourism and shows, but they are impressive!

5. Dubai... makes it rain

Rain in Dubai is rare, so the UAE government implemented a program called "cloud seeding" - techniques for causing precipitation by dropping special substances into the clouds. Thanks to this, residents have more moisture in the air and lower temperatures in the hottest months.

6. No income tax

One of the main reasons why people move to Dubai is the lack of income tax. This means that the money earned goes directly into the resident's pocket. This is a huge magnet for specialists from all over the world.

7. From a desert village to a metropolis

Before oil was discovered, the Emirates – including Dubai – were mainly known for pearling and fishing. Back in the 1950s, it was a small, poor town, whose development accelerated only after 1966, when oil deposits began to be exploited.

8. Can you buy gold from a vending machine?

Yes – only in Dubai can you buy gold as easily as a drink from a vending machine. “Gold to Go” are vending machines available in selected hotels and at the airport. Gold bars and coins are updated with prices every few minutes, and the machines have ATM-like security.

9. Burj Al Arab – a hotel full of gold and luxury

Burj Al Arab is probably the most luxurious hotel in the world. Although it officially has 5 stars, it is often referred to as a 7-star hotel. It is located on an artificial island and is shaped like a sail. Inside, you'll find gold decorations, toilets lined with 24-karat gold, and marble from the same mine used by Michelangelo. The apartments cover an area of ​​over 700 m², and each guest has a 24/7 butler at their disposal.

10. Dubai Frame – a frame of time

The Dubai Frame is a huge frame 150 meters high, located in Zabeel Park. It is a symbol of the combination of the past and the future – on one side you can see the old part of Dubai, and on the other the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai. Inside, there is a museum and a glass floor for the brave.

11. Ciel Tower – a record-breaking hotel in Dubai Marina

Ciel Tower is under construction in the Dubai Marina district, which will be the tallest hotel in the world (over 360 meters) when completed. The hotel will have over 1,000 rooms, and there will be a bar and an infinity pool with a panoramic view on the roof.

12. Air-conditioned bus stops

In Dubai, the heat reaches 50°C, so passenger comfort is taken seriously – bus stops are air-conditioned, closed and have ventilation systems, which makes using public transport much easier.

13. Robots instead of jockeys

Camel racing is a popular tradition in the Emirates, but today, camels are no longer ridden by people, but by... robots! Remotely controlled by owners riding alongside in SUVs, they are safer for animals and look futuristic.

14. Automated metro

The Dubai Metro has been operating since 2009 and is fully automated – there are no drivers. Trains run on elevated and underground railways, and the lines connect the city's most important districts. The metro is fast, air-conditioned and punctual – ideal for tourists.

15. One of the world's largest airports

Dubai International Airport (DXB) serves over 80 million passengers a year and is one of the world's largest hubs. Emirates offers flights to almost every continent, and the airport operates almost non-stop.

16. A shopping festival like no other

The Dubai Shopping Festival has been held every year since 1996. For several weeks, there are huge sales, lotteries and cultural events. You can win a car, gold or a luxury holiday – it's a real celebration for shopaholics.

17. One of the safest cities

The crime rate in Dubai is one of the lowest in the world. Strict laws, monitoring and a high quality of life make even night walks around the city completely safe.

18. Skiing in a shopping mall

In the middle of the desert you can... go skiing! Ski Dubai, located in the Mall of the Emirates (the city's second largest shopping mall), offers a real ski slope, a lift, penguins and sub-zero temperatures. This is one of the strangest and most original places in Dubai.

19. City of the future

Dubai is investing in smart cities, AI, renewable energy and digital technologies. The plans include autonomous vehicles, smart homes and even more ecological solutions. The vision? Dubai as the most innovative city in the world.

20. Underwater residences

On the island of The Heart of Europe, in the "Floating Seahorse" project, luxury villa apartments are being built, the bedrooms of which are located... under the surface of the water! Panoramic windows overlook coral reefs and marine life – the definition of Dubai luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the most interesting facts about Dubai?

They include, among others, the world’s tallest building, man-made islands, luxury police vehicles, gold vending machines, and an indoor ski slope in a shopping mall.

2. What should I know about Dubai before traveling there?

Dubai is a modern city with a deeply rooted culture. There are many rules regarding dress code, behavior, and interpersonal relations. It is also important to be aware of the hot climate and the high prices of some attractions.

3. What amazing facts about Dubai should I know?

It’s worth knowing that Dubai constantly pushes the boundaries of possibility – from architecture, to technology, to innovative tourism ideas. It is one of the most futuristic cities in the world.