8 interesting facts about Dubai you didn’t know

Dubai, the futuristic metropolis nestled in the United Arab Emirates, is a city brimming with fascinating experiences. This land of towering skyscrapers, magnificent shopping malls, and expansive deserts holds within its depths a treasure trove of intriguing facts that mesmerize travelers and residents alike.?

According to a 2023 report by Dubai Statistics Center , the city's population is estimated to be over 3.5 million, with a staggering 90% being expatriates. This multicultural tapestry fuels Dubai's vibrant energy and constantly evolving character. Let's explore some of the most remarkable aspects of this iconic city:

Landmarks that Defy Imagination:

1. Burj Khalifa:?

According to the official website of Burj Khalifa, the Burj Khalifa stands tall at a staggering 2,717 feet (828 meters), holding the title of the world's tallest building. This architectural marvel boasts 163 floors and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Here are some additional statistics that solidify Burj Khalifa's place as a record-breaking megastructure, according to the Guinness World Records :

• Tallest structure to top of spire:?2,722 ft (829.8 m)?
• Highest occupied floor:?1,823 ft (555.7 m)?
• Tallest elevator in a building:?1,654 ft (504 m)?
• Most floors in a building:?163?

1. Palm Jumeirah:?

This iconic palm-shaped artificial island,?stretching 5 miles into the Arabian Sea,?is a testament to human engineering ingenuity.?Palm West Beach presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the man-made marvel and is one of the most accessible beaches for Palm Jumeirah visitors. It’s striking 1.6 kms of pristine shoreline, luxury hotels,?and world class entertainment options makes Palm Jumeirah a playground for the rich and famous. Include relevant stats along with their sources.? Here are some Palm Jumeirah Stats:

• Size:Length: 5 miles (8 kilometers)?Area: Created 1,380 acres (560 hectares) of new land?
• Construction:Material: A whopping 120 million cubic meters of sand brought from the seabed?No steel or concrete was used for the base
• Population:?Over 18,189

With its pristine beaches, luxurious hotels, and world-class entertainment, Palm Jumeirah truly is a playground for the rich and famous.

1. The Dubai Fountain:?

This engineering marvel boasts the title of the world's largest choreographed fountain system.?Situated at the foot of Burj Khalifa,?this spectacle attracts millions of visitors every year. This engineering marvel is complemented by the title of the world's largest choreographed fountain system, the Dubai Fountain. Situated at the foot of Burj Khalifa, this dazzling spectacle attracts millions of visitors every year.

Dubai Fountain Stats:

• Length: 275 meters (902 feet) long?
• Water Height: Shoots water up to 150 meters (490 feet) in the air, equivalent to a 50-story building!?
• Capacity: Can spray 22,000 gallons (83,000 liters) of water in the air at any given moment?
• Light Show: Illuminated by a staggering 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors?
• These impressive stats paint a more vivid picture of the Dubai Fountain's grandeur and showcase the engineering marvel that complements the Palm Jumeirah.

1. The Dubai Aquarium:

The Dubai Aquarium is the world's largest suspended aquarium, boasting a massive 10 million liters of water. This incredible feat of engineering houses over 33,000 aquatic creatures from over 140 species. The aquarium is home to a stunning array of marine life, including sharks, rays, piranhas, seahorses, and giant groupers. One of the highlights of the Dubai Aquarium is the walk-through tunnel. Imagine yourself surrounded by marine life as sharks and stingrays gracefully glide overhead. It's an unforgettable experience that provides a panoramic underwater view. It's worth noting that the Dubai Aquarium is conveniently located within the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. So visitors can combine their underwater adventures with a day of shopping and entertainment.

Intriguing Quirks and Customs:

1. Gold for Weight Loss:?In a unique initiative a few years ago,?Dubai once offered two grams of gold to residents for every 2 kilograms of weight they lost,?highlighting the importance of health and fitness in the city.
2. Robot Jockeys:?Camel racing,?a traditional sport in the region,?takes a futuristic twist in Dubai where robot jockeys control the camels,?ensuring fair competition and animal welfare.?
3. Tax-Free Haven:?The UAE, and by extension Dubai, has the lowest corporate tax in the world. The city also does not have personal income tax, one of the only 14 countries in the world that do not levy this form of taxation.?

Looking to the Future:

1. Mars 2117:?In a groundbreaking project,?Dubai aims to build the first inhabitable human settlement in Mars by the year 2117 and has already put a 100-year plan in motion, pushing the boundaries of human settlements and technological innovation.

Conclusion:

These are just a glimpse into the many fascinating facets of Dubai. From its record-breaking structures to its unique cultural quirks, this city continues to surprise and enthrall visitors and residents alike. As Dubai marches towards the future with ambitious projects and innovative ideas, it remains a land of contradictions. But one thing is certain, there’s simply no other city like Dubai in the world and people who come here as visitors or to settle down can vouch for that.