Joanna James
Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates, is located in the southern Persian Gulf, bordered by the stunning Western Hajar Mountains and is one of the leading cities in the world. If you're planning a trip to Dubai, you can be ensured that it'll be one of the best times you've had. However, before stepping into Dubai, let's look into some fun facts about the city everyone raves about.
Dubai is located in what you call a stable zone, that has a minimal risk of natural hazards like earthquakes! In addition, the Gulf waters are not deep enough to incur a tsunami. That's a relief!
Dubai has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Growth rate of about 6.1% was seen in 2014, and the projected GNP was about $107.1 billion USD. Tourism is a primary sector that brings an inflow of foreign cash into the Emirates.
Soaring to a height of 2,722 feet, there lies the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building that could be witnessed from most parts of the city. The tower was designed by Adrian Smith working at the time for Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in Chicago. The building was named in the honour of the president of the United Arab Emirates, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Kissing your partner in public is a big no in Dubai. Zero PDA tolerance. Kissing in a public place can actually get one deported and is strictly illegal. So if you're visiting Dubai soon, you know what to do now. Kissing is strictly behind closed doors.
When packing for a trip to Dubai, you need to know a few things about what to wear. Visitors are not allowed to wear clothing that might be deemed 'indecent' in public places. What's considered indecent? Something that reveals too much skin. There are anti-indecency prohibitions in public places, but these aren't applicable to the beaches, clubs and bars, and you can choose to wear clothing that is fit for these outings.
Muslims are not allowed to consume alcohol and is restricted to places like hotels having a license or at home. Typically, private restaurants that aren't connected to hotels are not allowed to sell alcohol.
Out of the first ten tallest hotels in the world, seven of them are located in, want to take a guess?? Of course, in Dubai. The third tallest being the Burj al Arab, where a British travel writer named it the only 7 Star hotel in the hotel. Should be that impressive, right? Around, 15 minutes ride from the Burj al Arab, is the DUKES DUBAI providing rooms and apartment styled accommodation and is a part of the Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai, which you should also definitely check out!
Now, apart from the tallest building in the world, the city is also famous for a couple of other structures that hold world records. The largest flower garden in the world was opened in 2013 on Valentine's day.
Dubai is home to more than 70 shopping malls and is aptly titled the "shopping capital of the Middle East", with around 1,200 shops. What more! The city proudly boasts of the world's largest shopping mall that is based on the area of land it occupies. Put on some comfy walking shoes when exploring the Dubai Mall, you'll thank me later!
Dubai is not only titled the "shopping capital of the Middle East", it also holds another title- The City of Gold. And it does live true to its name, showcasing around 300 retail shops selling gold. At any given time, the souk holds 10 tonnes of gold! Around 40% of the gold of the globe is traded in Dubai.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
