What comes to your mind when you think of Dubai? Shopping? Glittering Skyscrapers? Desert Safari? Dubai is all that and more. A multi cultural city where something interesting is ALWAYS happening, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country known as the United Arab Emirates or simply the “Emirates” or the “UAE.”
Established in December, 1971, the seven emirates of UAE are Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Each emirate is governed by an absolute monarch; together the monarchs make up the Federal Supreme Council. One of the seven monarchs is selected as the President of the United Arab Emirates.
Here are facts about this truly fascinating place:
THERE IS NO INCOME TAX IN DUBAI
One of the major attractions of Dubai is the zero-tax policy which its residents enjoy, this has drawn some of the richest people in the world here to do business and also attracted a large expatriate community.
THE MIRACLE GARDEN IS THE LARGEST FLOWER GARDEN IN THE WORLD
Do you like flowers? Then a visit to the Miracle Gardens is a must. This is one of Dubai’s major tourist attractions and it features more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. It’s open from November to April during the cooler months.
THE LOCAL EMIRATIS ONLY MAKE UP 15% OF THE POPULATION:
This is certainly one of the most interesting facts about Dubai. 85% of its total population are foreigners which mostly comprise of Asians.
ISLAM IS THE OFFICIAL RELIGION
Unlike some other places that have Islam as their major religion, Dubai is more relaxed, especially towards foreigners.
For example, non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol (Though with the possession of a alcohol license), eat pork, and they don’t have to wear a hijab. However, there are still some cultural aspects that are influenced by Islam that visitors must know before going.
Visitors are expected to dress modestly at all times, and public affection is generally illegal and can lead to fines.
HOME TO THE LARGEST SHOPPING MALL IN THE WORLD
Dubai is home to a large number of record breaking buildings and places, one of which is the Dubai mall located in the downtown area of town.
This shopping mall has more than 1200 shops, 4 floors, and a total retail area of 502,000 square meters (5,400,000 sq ft).
HOME TO THE WORLD’S TALLEST BUILDING
Another record-breaking building is the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and it’s for sure the most impressive part of the skyline here. In total it’s 828 meters tall, and visitors can go as high as the 125th floor.
HOME TO THE WORLD’S ONLY 7-STAR HOTEL
The world records of Dubai are endless, and they continue to strive for more luxury, excellence, and mind-blowing projects.
Another point in case is the Burj al Arab as an example, this is the world’s only 7-star hotel, and it’s considered to be the most luxurious hotel in the world! Their cheapest room goes for about 1000 euro (N403,000) per night. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t afford that, there are also many other affordable hotels 🙂
