Below is a list of interesting facts you probably never knew about Dubai.

Dubai was a desert 20 years ago

Once a small fishing village in the 18th century, Dubai was a desert with a handful of people living within the city. The United Arab Emirates were founded in 1971. When oil was discovered in 1966, the country prospered within a few years. Businessmen flocked to Dubai to launch firms once oil was discovered. Although the Gulf War drove many businessmen away, they returned as oil prices increased. They began making investments in Dubai’s development in the 2000s which led to a change in the performance of the country.

Around 83% of Dubai’s population is foreign-born

Dubai has an estimated population of 3.5 million according to recent figures. Over the years, the country has flourished rapidly, and it’s became home to about 3.2 million foreigners while the remaining population are locals.

The first skyscraper in Dubai was built in 1979

Erected in 1979, the Dubai World Trade Centre marked history as the first skyscraper in Dubai with a height of 184m. Today the city has 241 skyscrapers.

Dubai holds 425 Guinness World Records

Dubai has achieved 425 Guinness World Record titles. Some of them include: The World’s tallest tower, the World’s Highest Infinity Pool, the World’s Fastest Rollercoaster, the World’s Deepest swimming pool.

It has the World’s Tallest Building

To no surprise, Burj Khalifa is the World’s Tallest Building at 828m high piercing the sky. It has restaurants serving world-class dining, the tallest lounge, and world’s highest deck on the 148th floor, The building also has the choreographed musical Dubai Fountains outdoors.

It is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries

UAE has the greatest water consumption in the world, at 550 litres per person per day. It is around 80% greater than the average for the world. Due to its climate, population, and wealth, the UAE has one of the highest water usage rates in the world.

Alcohol consumption is illegal under the age of 21 years

UAE bears a zero tolerance policy for consuming, selling or possessing alcohol under the age of 21 years. Heavy fines can be incurred upon not obeying the law and suspects can face imprisonment.

It is one of the hottest cities in the world

Dubai recorded an eye-sweating temperature of 52.1ºC back in July 2002.

The tallest four- and five-star hotels in the world stand in Dubai

The tallest four-star hotel in the world is Gevora, which stands at 356 meters; the tallest five-star hotel in the world is JW Marriott Marquis, which stands at 355 meters.

Exotic patrol cars are among the vehicles in the Dubai Police fleet

Some of the luxury cars included in the fleet are the 254 mph Bugatti Veyron, the fastest police vehicle in the world, a Lamborghini Aventador, a Bentley Continental GT, a Ferrari FF, and an Aston Martin One-77.

Dubai has the only 7th star in the world

The Burj Al Arab has gained worldwide recognition as a prestigious “7-star hotel” due to its outclass service, luxurious guestrooms, gold plated interiors and decor, and exquisite restaurants.

Male population in Dubai is twice as that of females

The most recent official population statistics show that there are two times more men than women in Dubai. This is usually because males from across the world come over to Dubai for work leaving behind their families back home.

The UAE has appointed a Minister of Happiness

The Minister of Happiness in the United Arab Emirates is responsible for encouraging happiness among citizens of Dubai and all the other six emirates. Since February 2016, it has been held by Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi.

Dubai has a long weekend

Previously, weekends in Dubai was only Fridays and Saturdays. To match international standards, the city has recently changed its weekend days to Saturdays and Sundays with Friday being a half day since markets are closed after Friday prayers. This makes the weekend 2.5 days long.

Dubai experiences 3.7 inches of rainfall per year

A minimal 95 millimetres (3.7 inches) of precipitation falls annually, with the most rainfall between December and March or April. The highest annual rainfall, at 0.6 inches, occurs in February.

Kissing in public is forbidden in the Emirate

Dubai says a big no when it comes to kissing in public. If caught, you could end up paying a heavy fine. Holding hands with your partner is a safe gesture of love in public and is legal.

There is no income tax in Dubai

One of the popular reasons why expats come to Dubai is because the city charges no income tax. For all those who are planning to work in Dubai, it is recommended to definitely try your luck since you will benefit from some good savings!

It is the fourth most-visited city in the world

After London, Paris and Bangkok, Dubai has climbed up the list bagging the spot of the fourth most-visited city in the world.

Dubai has an endless list of interesting and fun facts the world doesn’t know. Going back thousands of years, no one could anticipate that this city would turn out to be a hidden gem. Its architectural splendour has taken the world by storm and boosted tourism drastically over the years. From luxury to leisure, the city has a heavy list of activities to do beyond it can hold. There is a long list of interesting facts about Dubai because of the history that has shaped the city into what it is now.

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