Dubai is the crème de la crème of metropolis living. What started as a fishing village has drastically transformed into one of the most sought-after cities to live in. But did you know that fuel and water cost around the same? Or that there are ATMs that dispense gold? There are so many interesting yet strange Dubai facts that are guaranteed to blow your mind. So, without further ado, discover the most bizarre and wonderful facts about Dubai in GRAZIA’s guide below.
1. Dubai was founded in 1833
Dubai was formed in June 1833 and started as a small fishing village. this was until the 1970s when it started to evolve into the modern desert city that it is today. When Dubai was first established, about 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe came to the Dubai Creek. By the 1930s, the population had grown to over 20,000. Dubai’s population topped three million in 2020.
2. There are 7 times more foreigners than locals in THE UAE
The ratio of foreigners in the United Arab Emirates is over 88%, according to recent statistics. In Dubai, this number is most likely far higher.
3. There are 2 times more men than women in the UAE
In Dubai, the ratio of men to women is 7 to 3. This is primarily due to the fact that foreign workers do not move with their families. In the United Arab Emirates, 31% of residents are women and 69% of residents are men.
4. only 13 cars were registered in 1968
When you watch six lanes of traffic going in each direction, it’s difficult to imagine that there were only 13 registered automobiles in the emirate a little over 50 years ago. Currently, the UAE has over 3 million registered cars.
5. There are ATMs in Dubai that dispense gold
Only in Dubai would you find an ATM that dispenses gold. The Dubai Mall is home to the first-ever gold vending machine, called Gold to Go. The sparkling ATM, manned by armored guards, spits out 24-karat gold in 320 distinct forms, ranging in weight from wearable jewelry to gold bars and coins.
6. Those on the higher floors of Burj Khalifa don’t break their Ramadan fast with the rest of Dubai
As a result of the skyscraper being so enormous, residents on the higher floors break their fasts two minutes later during Ramadan because they receive an additional two minutes of sunshine at dusk.
7. The Palm Jumeirah is visible from Space
The largest artificial island in the world, the Palm Jumeirah, is visible from space. It’s home to opulent mansions, immaculate private beaches with fine sand and upscale hotels. 10.5 million dump trucks’ worth of sand were needed to make it.
8. The inside of the burj al arab is covered in about 1,790 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, regarded as the first seven-star hotel in the world, is situated on a private island that can only be reached by a private bridge. One of its most striking characteristics is the approximately 1790 square metres of interiors covered in gold leaf.
9. More than a third of the Burj Al Arab is uninhabitable
39% to be exact.
10. there are Exotic and unusual police cars
The collection includes the 254-mph Bugatti Veyron, which is the fastest police vehicle in the world. Alongside the Mercedes AMG GT 63 S, the Lamborghini Aventador, the Aston Martin One-77, the Bentley Continental GT, the Ferrari FF and the Mercedes-Benz Brabus G-Wagon.
11. Robot jockeys are used for camel races
Camel racing is one of the oldest sports in the emirates, dating back hundreds of years. Robot jockeys have replaced human jockeys since the early 2000s.
12. Dubai holds more than 300 world records
Dubai leads the way when it comes to extraordinary feats. More than 300 world records are held by this thriving metropolis, from the highest structure in the world, the Burj Khalifa, to the largest frame in the world, The Dubai Frame. Not to mention the world’s tallest in-suite hotel at the Burj Al Arab and the world’s biggest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall. Plus, the fastest police car, of course.
13. The UAE has a minister for happiness
The task of promoting happiness among residents of Dubai and the other six emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates falls to a special Minister for Happiness. Since its introduction in 2016, Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi has been in that role.
14. Fuel and Water are roughly the same price
More facts about Dubai to remember for your next pub quiz? How about the fact that in Dubai, a litre of fuel costs Dhs1.80 for Special 95 and Dhs1.91 for Super 98 as of August 2020. A 1.5-litre water bottle costs between Dhs1.65 and Dhs2.
15. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Dubai was in July 2002
In July 2002, during an exceptionally hot season, Dubai reached a scorching 52.1 degrees Celsius.
Watch this space for more interesting facts about Dubai…
