Top 20 Facts about Dubai

Photo by Darcey Beau on Unsplash

Top 20 Facts about Dubai

Dubai is a capital city and one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arabs Emirates (U.A.E). Each of the Emirate has its own king  also referred to as a Sheikh.

This emirate was founded in 1833 and its main economic activity was fishing. In 1966, oil was first discovered at the offshore Fateh field, soon after they started exporting oil.

It rose from being a desert city 50 years ago to a cosmopolitan destination that attracts people from all over the world for both business and pleasure.

The city is now home to over 3 million people, most of them are from foreign nationalities while 15% of the population being native Emiratis. 

It is one of the wealthiest emirates in U.A.E and is regarded as the Middle East’s entrepôt. Weekend in Dubai is on Friday and Saturday.

Dubai is famous for its majestic skyscrapers, beaches, dessert and lavish lifestyle.  Here are some facts about the city.

1. From Oil to Tourism

Dubai has been an oil-rich country for centuries. Resources from oil exports helped in building the city.

With its oil reserve running low, Dubai chose to focus on tourism and has since been a world-class tourist destination.

Tourism is the biggest earner for Dubai, other economic resources in the city are fishing, pearl diving, fishing and oil. 

2. Dubai is a one-stop-luxury City 

Dubai is famed for its luxurious lifestyle. This has also been one of the tourist attraction to the city.

Luxury shopping, exciting nightlife, architecture and hiring of luxurious cars can be accessed in Dubai.

The city also offers facilities that host lavish parties such as the all-white yacht party held annually. 

There are luxurious SUVs for hire on a daily rate such as Lamborghini, Roll-Royce, Ferrari, are available in the city.

3. Artificial Island in Dubai

By Richard Schneider wikimedia

The Palm Islands are three artificial islands that were created in 2001 in Dubai. The three are Palm Jumeira, Palm Jebel Ali, and Deira Island. 

An estimated 24 billion gallons of sand was used in the construction of the palm islands.

The Island’s architecture has been designed like a palm tree which can be clearly seen from an aerial view of the archipelago.

4. Expensive patrol cars on Dubai streets

By Peter Dowley wikimedia

The police force in Dubai has a fleet of high-end luxury cars that are used to patrol the streets of Dubai.

The Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Tesla Cybertruck, are just a few of the cars used by the Dubai Police Force. 

These expensive cars are used in patrolling touristy areas only.

5. Dubai’s economy is driven by foreigners

15% of the population in Dubai are the Emiratis. The other 85% of the population is made up of expatriates.

43% of the population is from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They are the drivers of the economy in Dubai working in the construction, oil and tourism industry. 

6. Camel racing a favorite tradition among many in Dubai

Camels in Dubai start racing at the age of 3. It is a very popular spot in Dubai just like football and basketball are in the USA.  

It is a two-hour race held at the Dubai camel racing club. There is more fun activities held at the club showcasing the Arabian culture and heritage.

7. 10-digit code address system

Dubai is using a unique system for their building location, this system is called Makani, an Arabic term meaning my location. 

The Makani number can be used to locate a building on an online map and can be downloaded as an app. 

Dubai is the first city in the world to use this number system to give exact building locations and entrances.

8. Tax-free income in Dubai

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

When working in Dubai, one can get their salaries without any tax deduction. This is because there is no income tax on any income. 

This obviously attracts many expats who work and live there. Although the cost of living is high in the city.

9. Spice market in old Dubai

There is a section in old Dubai town whose speciality is spices, herbs and oils. This traditional market is also known as the old souk in Deira east of Dubai. 

Among the spices available at the stalls in the market are frankincense, saffron, herbal tea and many other spices used in Arabian cuisine.

10. Dubai International Airport

The Dubai International airport is the main airport serving the seven emirates in U.A.E.

This airport is the fifth busiest in the world with passenger traffic, 63% of the passengers at the airport had connecting flights.

It has also provided jobs for at least 90,000 people in Dubai another huge contributor to the economy in Dubai.

11. It’s Go big or go home in Dubai

By giggel, wikimedia

From the architecture, cars and malls, the city of Dubai lives by going big. It has perfectly worked for the city because it always leaves its visitors in awe.

The Burj Khalifa which is the tallest building in the world, massive aquariums in shopping malls and indoor ski slopes. 

There is also a cultural village in the outskirts of the city with all the nations of the world represented. 

12. Zip lining across the City

For a quick tour of downtown Dubai from up above, the city has an XLine ride at the Dubai marina. 

It is 170M above the ground letting one weave through the tall skyscrapers, it is quite an exhilarating daredevil experience.

13. Culture and currency in Dubai

Arabic is the official language, their currency is UAE dirham (AED). The main religion in Dubai is Islam. 

There are religions in Dubai such as the Hindus, and Christians.

Public display of affection is illegal in Dubai, and some code of dressing is not permitted in certain public places, they encourage full coverage for women.

Muslims are not allowed to buy or consume alcohol and pork.  Alcohol is only sold at designated places.

14. A popular delicacy in Dubai

Every city and culture has a popular dish that one cannot miss while visiting the place.

In Dubai, shawarma is a popular dish sold in both restaurants and in the streets.

It is slow-roasted rotisserie meat that is thinly sliced and is wrapped in pita bread. Another favorite is the Karak, tea made from cardamoms.  

15. Afternoon naps in Dubai City

Dubai is a hot city such that in the past employers would let their employees to go back home for lunch and an afternoon siesta, then get back to work in the evening once its cooler.

While that may not be the case now, malls in Dubai have sleeping pods for shoppers to hire. 

Tired shoppers can hire the pod on an hourly rate to rest and rejuvenate for their next spree.   

16. Dubai’s national animal

Dubai together with the other six emirates that make up the U.A.E, has a national animal, the Oryx.    

The animal similar to an antelope was saved from extinction in the 70s in private conservancies in Dubai and later released into the wild in the 80s. 

17. Hot summers and sand storms

The weather in Dubai is hot and humid, Its average temperature is between a high of  40 °C and a low of 28 °C during the day. 

Its coldest month is January with temperatures ranging between 19°C to 20°C, which may seem warm for those from subzero winter regions. 

18. The Indians make up most of the population in Dubai

The Indians have been in Dubai for more than a century. 

They constitute 25% of the population in Dubai and are part of the driving force of the Dubai economy.

They major in the petroleum, finance, manufacturing and transport industry.

19. Diving for Pearls in Dubai

Pearl diving has been practiced in Dubai since the 1700s. 

It was one of the most lucrative professions until oil was discovered then the Japanese introduced cultured pearls and the industry has been on a decline since. 

The diving is still done the traditional way, the diver only wears a nose pin and hold their breath while under water.

20. Modern transport system

By Ashim D’Silva wikimedia

 From only 13 cars in 1968 to an ultra-modern transport system with the longest automated train network, Dubai offers convenient means of transport across the region.

There are also boats that one can use to explore the city at its massive canal through luxury hotels and the city’s landmarks.