DUBAI DREAMS

There’s a lot to learn about this exciting city. Here are a few fun facts about Dubai to kickstart your journey…

1) As of 2018, the population of Dubai had just surpassed 3 million. And only around 15% of this population are Emirati! Dubai is a magnet for nationalities from across the globe and foreigners make up the majority of the population. 

2) Dubai is one of the 7 “Emirates” that come together to make the United Arab Emirates. It’s closest neighbor is Abu Dhabi, which is the capital Emirate and another popular tourist destination.  

3) Each Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi etc) has its own king, otherwise known as a Sheikh. 

4) Arabic is the official language of Dubai, with English being spoken by many as well. 

5) Dubai’s main airport is Dubai International Airport, which is the main hub airport of major airline Emirates. Visitors can enter Dubai through this main airport, or by flying into nearby Abu Dhabi or Sharjah and driving in. 

6) Dubai’s food is delicious, and shawarma is the most popular local dish. It is much like a kebab or souvlaki, with meat, vegetables and dressings wrapped in pita bread. 

7) Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most progressive cities. Its population is growing rapidly, as is its infrastructure. It’s now one of the most popular destinations in the world for a holiday. 

8) On average, 14 million tourists a year visit Dubai. 

9) If you like a rainy, cozy day, Dubai may not be the place for you. After all, they only receive around 3.7 inches of rainfall per year. To compare, the rainy city of Seattle, Washington in the United States averages almost 40 inches per year. 

IMPORTANT DUBAI VISITOR FACTS 

Rules and laws in Dubai are stricter than many other countries, and it’s important to do your own research before jetting off. These facts for visitors to Dubai are just a few you must know… 

1) Certain nationality passport holders are required to organize their visa for Dubai in advance, while others are granted a visitor visa upon arrival. Be sure to do your research when booking your trip.  

2) Dubai is not a LGBQTI friendly location and homosexuality (or anything outside of the “normal” male/female partnership) can be punishable by the law.

3) While Dubai is a rapidly growing cosmopolitan city with a booming nightlife scene, it does have strict rules regarding alcohol. Alcohol can only be consumed at licensed premises by non-Muslims 21 and over, is illegal to drink in public spaces and cannot be sold on religious holidays. Being obviously intoxicated or affected by alcohol can mean jail time or deportation, so keep yourself in check! 

4) While Dubai is embracing liberal views on many issues, it’s still socially expected that you will cover up when out and about. Forget your vacation tank tops and short shorts combo. Opt for long flowing clothes that cover your skin. Follow how the locals behave and dress and you’ll have a great trip. 

5) Dubai doesn’t have the relaxed attitude that allows smoking almost anywhere that other Asian countries are famous for. Their approach to smoking is much like the rest of the Western world. You can smoke in designated smoking areas, but that’s it. 

6) While Dubai has beautiful beaches and epic luxury hotel pools, you should stick to wearing your swimwear only at the beach or at your hotel pool. Topless sunbaking or swimming is a big no no, no matter where you are. 

7) If you’re a loved-up couple that’s fine – just avoid showing public displays of affection in public in Dubai. It’s not culturally acceptable in Dubai and penalties can apply. That even goes for holding hands, so keep it minimal. The law in Dubai states that only married couples can have sex – and that goes for visitors even though they aren’t really checking for that. Within the privacy of your hotel room you’ll be fine, but chill out beyond the confines of your accommodation.

8) Don’t get snap happy in Dubai. Taking photos of government buildings or locals without consent is warned against. That should go without saying no matter where you travel, but in Dubai it’s set in stone. 

9) During the month of Ramadan, be vigilant about following local customs and laws. Keep noise to a minimum (especially music), do not consume food, drink or smoke in public from dawn until dusk. If you are hungry, you can eat at your hotel or in your home no problem. Swearing is also warned against year-round, so no cussing ever. 

10) It is illegal to bring any prescription or illicit drugs into Dubai. Harsh jail sentences can apply for travelling with things as simple as common antidepressants. Most people even warn against traveling with even the most basic painkillers. If you are reliant on medications like these, Dubai isn’t the best place to plan your next trip to. 

11) Dubai is actually one of the safest cities in the world. It’s crime rate is next to nothing, mostly due to the harsh penalties that apply for even small offences.