We all are well versed with the story of a small fishing village on the edge of the desert, being transformed into one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Dubai!. Having crowned ‘the city of superlatives’, Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, holding the most number of world records in its name. But there are several other Dubai stories, people are unaware of. Here are a few fun facts about Dubai, which will surely leave you engrossed.
Shake Hands with Someone Who Says, “You name it, Dubai has it!’’
1. UAE led the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission
A spacecraft from the United Arab Emirates swung into orbit around Mars, the first time by any Arab nation. The craft, called Amal (Arabic for Hope), had begun circling the red planet, where it will gather data on Mars’ atmosphere.
2. Income tax? You don’t have it in Dubai
One of the significant benefits of living in Dubai is the zero tax policy on its residents.
3. A birder’s paradise
Pack your binoculars! Over 320 bird species migrate between Europe, Asia, and Africa via Dubai. During the spring and fall, birds such as spotted eagles, broad-billed sandpipers, and greater herons pass through the city.
4. Burj Khalifa, out of spider lily
No one would need an introduction to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, with its staggering at 2,716 feet. But, less popular is the fact that the design of the building is based on a local desert flower, hymenocallis, also known as the spider lily. There are three feet or lobes which form the architectural base of the Burj Khalifa which echo the shape of this flower.
5. Coffee museum
It has a museum dedicated entirely to coffee, to learn about the history of this beloved beverage and see coffee artifacts from around the world.
6. Literally, the young city
Don’t get surprised when you hear, only 15% of Dubai’s population is over 45! A substantial share of Dubai’s society is aged between 25-34, so it’s a youthful city that is geared very much towards those in this age bracket.
7. Only 13 cars, 50 years ago
As per records, there were only 13 cars registered in 1968, in Dubai. Today, there are almost 3 million cars registered across the UAE.
8. The Palm Jumeirah can be seen from space
At least some of us might have seen Russian space engineer Oleg Artemyev’s Instagram post of an image of the Palm Jumeirah from space. This world’s largest manmade island, Palm Jumeirah is home to lavish luxury villas, pristine private stretches of white sand, and luxury hotels.
9. Minister for Happiness
Introduced in 2016, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now a dedicated Minister for Happiness, who’s in charge of promoting happiness among residents in Dubai and the other six emirates that make up the UAE.
10. Fuel or water – Pay the same
In Dubai, fuel and water are roughly the same prices. As of August 2020, the price of a liter of fuel in Dubai is AED 1.80 for Special 95 and AED 1.91 for Super 98. A 1.5-liter bottle of water is roughly AED 1.65 – AED 2.
11. Robot jockeys are used in camel racing
Since the early 2000s, robot jockeys have replaced human jockeys in camel racing, one of the Emirates’ traditional sporting pursuits, which has been around for hundreds of years.
12. There are no permanent rivers in Dubai
Throughout the UAE, there are no permanent rivers.
13. Food tour in the world’s longest automated metro line
The longest driverless metro line in the world is in Dubai. Combine the red line (32.37 miles) and the green line (13.98 miles), you’ve got a Guinness World Record. You’ll ride this metro that gets you from one delicious tasting stop to the next.
14. The cosmopolitan cuisine
Food from all over the world has influenced Dubai cuisine. Along with traditional Arabic food, you’ll find spices from India, ingredients from Persia, and eastern Mediterranean influences.
15. Arabian oryx – The national animal
The national animal of the entire United Arab Emirates is the Arabian oryx. It’s kind of like a mid-sized antelope.
How many of these Dubai facts did you know before reading this? Which of these made you excited? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Now, Pack your bags and book your flight tickets to explore this luxurious city and see how extravagant Dubai life is.