Interesting Fun Facts about Dubai and UAE

Dubai conjures up images of lofty towers, incredible glitz, and a city full of warmth and energy. It is where ambitions become tangible, promises unforgettable impressions and offers the highest standard of leisure. Underneath the shiny chrome and blinding lights is a huge transformation a lot of people do not know about, and many details are usually missed. Here is a detailed account of the most incredible fun facts about Dubai that will make you realize how marvelous this city truly is.

Where is Dubai? Basic Information and Key Facts

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Before delving into the truly unbelievable, it's important to cover the basics. This information about Dubai will help in understanding exactly where it is in the world and learning more about Dubai itself.

On Which Continent is Dubai Located?

Dubai is located on the continent of Asia. It is situated on the Arabian Desert on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is part of the Middle East, a region with a rich history and modern, eventful days.

Dubai vs. UAE: What's the Difference?

Although this is a frequent point of confusion, the distinction is simple. The UAE is a country and also a federation of seven separate emirates (or states). One of those seven emirates is Dubai, the main city of the emirate which also shares the same name. A good analogy is the United States and New York: the UAE is the country, and Dubai is its most famous city, similar to how New York City lies within the USA.

Population, Language, and Currency: Dubai at a Glance

Here are a few key figures that reveal much about modern day life in the city:

• Recent estimates indicate that over 3.6 million people live in the Emirate of Dubai.
• The official language is Arabic. Nonetheless, because of its highly diverse international population, English is the most spoken language, especially in business and tourism. You can learn more about the Dubai language landscape in our detailed guide.
• The currency of the UAE is the Dirham (AED). It is fixed to the US dollar at a current exchange rate of about 3.67 to 1. If you're planning a trip, it's useful to know where to exchange money.

This Dubai information enables one to get a picture of what the city is.

Dubai Unbelievable and Fun Facts

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Dubai is a city that seems to defy logic, a place where the impossible is made possible. Here are some interesting facts about Dubai that reveal how ambitious and creative it really is.

The City of World Records

Dubai doesn't just participate; it dominates. The city has a knack for breaking world records, and the list seems to never stop growing.

Here are just a few:

• Tallest Building: The Burj Khalifa stands at an incredible 828 meters.
• Largest Shopping Mall: The Dubai Mall by total area.
• Longest Driverless Metro: The Dubai Metro holds the world record for the longest driverless metro network.
• Highest Infinity Pool: The Address Beach Resort boasts an unbelievable infinity pool at 294 meters high.

If there is a record to be broken, then Dubai will be the one to break it.

Luxury and Innovation

Although the city is a playground for the rich, it is also a center of great innovation.

• Robotic Jockeys: To humanize the traditional sport of camel racing, lightweight robots are now used instead of human jockeys.
• Gold Vending Machines: In certain places, you will find ATMs that dispense not cash but 24-karat gold in the form of bars and coins.
• Supercar Police Fleet: It’s no surprise to see the Dubai Police patrolling in a Bugatti, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. It's part of the city's high-end image.

This mixture of traditional and futuristic technology is a defining fact about Dubai and one of the key features of Dubai that sets it apart.

From Desert to Metropolis

Perhaps the most surprising of all is how quickly it changed.

• In the 1960s, Dubai was a small trading post surrounded by desert. In 1968, there were supposedly only 13 registered cars in the whole city.
• Now it is a shining global city. Moreover, it boasts of world-class infrastructure, a sprawling skyline, and millions of vehicles.

One of the most interesting Dubai history facts is its accelerated development.

The History of Dubai's Transformation

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Dubai was once a humble fishing village and has grown into a global powerhouse. Learning all about Dubai involves understanding its history, a story revolving around great skills and visionary management to build the largest desert city of the future.

Before the Oil: Dubai's Roots as a Pearl Diving and Trading Center

Before oil was discovered, Dubai’s economy relied on the sea. For several centuries, pearl diving played an important role in the economy. For months at sea, divers risked their lives for the gleaming gems that were valued across the globe. The place was also a key trading port where merchants were busy trading.

The Discovery of Oil and the Visionary Leadership

The discovery of oil in 1966 was the catalyst that changed everything. However, Dubai has less oil reserves than its neighboring countries. The leader at the time, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, had a vision that oil wealth would not last long. He is famous for having said, “My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.”

The Strategic Decision to Diversify into Tourism and Business

This foresight led to a bold decision: using oil revenue to create an economy that would stand firm long after oil runs out. Heavy investment was made by Sheikh Rashid in infrastructure—a deep-water port, an international airport, and a trade center. This is how Dubai decided to shift its identity to become a world-class tourism, finance, and logistics center, which turned out to be quite successful.

A Guide to Dubai's Mind-Blowing Architecture and Engineering

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The skyline of Dubai is a result of its ambitious architectural designs that show the mettle of the city in this regard. Each building speaks of novelty and an urge to do the extraordinary.

Burj Khalifa: Facts and Figures of the World's Tallest Building

The Burj Khalifa isn't just tall; it's a vertical city. This structure stands 828 meters tall and boasts many records, including the highest observation deck and the longest-distance elevator. The Hymenocallis flower inspired the design of the Burj Khalifa, and its construction required the most advanced techniques to handle the difficulties of wind and gravity at this height. It is truly an icon of modern engineering.

Dubai Mall: More Than Just Shopping - An Entertainment Empire

The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping center; it is much more. Occupying an area equivalent to 50 football fields, the mall is one of the largest in the world. More than 1,200 retail outlets are there, plus a huge aquarium and underwater zoo, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and a big cinema complex. The entertainment is so massive and diverse that it makes it a destination in itself. These facts about Dubai Mall are astonishingly unique.

Culture and Traditions: Facts About Life, Laws, and Customs in the UAE

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The city of Dubai is quite modern and tolerant, but still strongly based on Islamic culture and traditions. If you are planning a trip, you must know the customs of the country.

Local Customs and Traditions

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Emirati culture. Greetings are significant, and it is conventional to accept offers of coffee or dates. While the city is modern, modesty is still valued. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Also, be considerate of local customs during Ramadan and avoid eating and drinking in public during fasting hours.

The Demographic Makeup

One of the most interesting facts about UAE is its demography. Only 10-15% of the total population is made up of local Emiratis. The vast majority, more than 85%, are expatriates from all over the world, with large Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and Western communities. This is what makes Dubai one of the most cosmopolitan cities on Earth.

Religion and Language

In the UAE, Islam is the official religion. All aspects of life, from the call to prayer heard five times a day to national holidays, are based on the principles of Islam. The legal system is also influenced by Islamic (Sharia) law, which is why there are strict laws and rules regarding behavior and alcohol consumption. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken in everyday life and business.

Fun Facts About Dubai and the UAE for Kids and Curious Minds

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Here are some fun facts about UAE that will surely raise a chuckle in your little ones.

Camels, Falcons, and Oryxes

Camels aren’t just for exploring the desert; camel racing is a multi-million dollar sport, and they use robot jockeys! The falcon is the country’s national bird and a symbol of the people’s rich heritage, with a historic tradition of falconry. The Arabian Oryx, a snow-white antelope with long, straight horns, was once extinct in the wild but has been successfully repopulated through conservation efforts.

From Sand Dunes to Ski Slopes

Can you ski in the desert? In Dubai, you can! Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates. It features an indoor snow park, chairlifts, and even a penguin encounter. To go from the hot desert to a place with snow in just a couple of minutes is quite an experience.

Money and Economy

The UAE is a very wealthy country due to oil but also from tourism, real estate, and finance businesses. Because there is no income tax, many people from all over the world choose to live and work in the country.

Beyond Dubai: Intriguing Facts About Other Emirates

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Though Dubai gets most of the attention, the other six emirates of the UAE each have their own unique character and interesting facts.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the largest emirate by area. It holds most of the country's oil reserves. It is home to the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s biggest mosques, and the world-class Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.

Fun Facts about all Other Emirates

• Sharjah is seen as the UAE's cultural capital, with countless museums. The sale of alcohol is completely prohibited as it is a "dry" emirate.
• Ras Al Khaimah is well known for adventure tourism, featuring Jebel Jais, which is the UAE’s highest mountain, and home to the world’s longest zipline.
• Fujairah is the only emirate on the Gulf of Oman, with beautiful beaches as well as excellent snorkeling and diving.
• The smallest among the seven emirates is Ajman.
• Umm Al Quwain is probably best known for its archaeological sites and tranquil mangroves.

While Dubai is widely known, other places in the UAE can also be explored. Here are a few short sentences about UAE's other emirates.