Dubai: the city that turned the desert into a paradise

When we think of the best cities in the world, maybe Paris, London and New York come to mind; But Dubai, this amazing city in the United Arab Emirates, attracts millions of tourists every year and has attractions that you can’t see anywhere else. If you want to have an exciting trip to Dubai and enjoy this experience in the best way, it is better to get acquainted with important points about the history, culture and sights of Dubai.

What you need to know about Dubai:

1. Dubai; A modern city that was a desert 20 years ago

If you had traveled to Dubai 20 years ago, what you would have seen was a dry desert devoid of any modern infrastructure. In the not so distant past, Dubai was a small fishing village with a small population. The discovery of oil in the 1960s and 1970s made this region one of the richest places in the world; But Dubai did not rely only on oil and by focusing on the tourism industry, trade and massive constructions, it became a modern city with famous skyscrapers and major tourist attractions. This enormous change and development has happened in just a few decades.

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2. Dubai; city ​​or emirate?

The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates, each of which has unique characteristics. Dubai is one of these emirates and in addition to the famous city of Dubai, there are less known areas and small villages in this emirate. The city of Dubai is the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and it is where the most development and modern infrastructure is located. Although most people know Dubai with the Burj Khalifa and urban areas, there are still areas in other parts of the Emirate of Dubai that have not been affected by this rapid development and have preserved their pristine nature.

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3. Dubai’s diverse population

As one of the most international cities in the world, Dubai hosts a very diverse population. Emiratis make up less than 15% of Dubai’s population, and most of its population is expatriates. Especially immigrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and African countries who have migrated to this city due to economic and job opportunities. In addition, there is a large community of British and other Westerners living in Dubai. This cultural diversity has made Dubai a city with diverse customs and cuisines and a multicultural environment where anyone from anywhere in the world can feel comfortable.

4. Dubai climate: not rainy, but always hot

Despite its rapid development, Dubai is still affected by its dry and desert climate. Rainfall in this city is rare and it experiences only 25 rainy days during the year. Most of this rain occurs in February, when Dubai receives only 35 mm of rain. However, Dubai gets very hot during the summer months, with average temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. The heat is so hot that many people prefer to stay indoors even at night. The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler seasons such as autumn and winter.

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5. The best time to travel to Dubai

If you want to enjoy all the attractions of Dubai, you should visit the city during the seasons when the temperature is more moderate. Winter and autumn, especially from November to February, are the best times to visit Dubai. During this period, the air temperature is around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and you can easily enjoy the open air and the beautiful beaches of Dubai. In addition, many important festivals and events of Dubai are also held during these seasons.

6. Weekends in Dubai: an interesting difference

In Dubai, the working calendar and weekends are different from many Western countries. Until 2022, weekends in Dubai included Friday and Saturday; But with recent changes, the city’s official holidays have been changed to Friday and Saturday and Sunday. This change has been made in order to be more in sync with global markets. However, most businesses and government institutions are still closed on Fridays, and people worship and participate in Friday prayers.

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7. Dubai’s new addressing system

One of Dubai’s past challenges was the lack of an official addressing system. For a long time, residents used maps and route descriptions to send their letters and packages instead of writing exact addresses. With the rapid growth of the city and the development of infrastructure, Dubai Municipality has gradually established an official addressing system. Streets and buildings are now coded and you can send your letters and packages by writing the exact addresses. However, many older Dubai residents still use the old ways.

8. Languages ​​and communication in Dubai

Dubai is a multilingual city and different languages ​​are spoken in it. The official language of this country is Arabic; But English as a business and international language is widely used throughout the city. In addition, languages ​​such as Hindi, Urdu, and Chinese are also spoken due to the expatriate population, especially in different areas of Dubai. Although knowing a few Arabic words can be helpful, many public services and businesses are offered in English.

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9. Dubai luxury residences

As one of the world’s luxury destinations, Dubai hosts wonderful and luxurious hotels and accommodations. From five-star hotels with exceptional amenities to budget-friendly accommodations, there are plenty of options for travelers. As one of the most famous hotels in the world, Burj Al Arab offers unparalleled amenities such as free internet, spa services, and sumptuous breakfasts. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable hotel, you can check out other options like JW Marriott Dubai and Habtoor Grand Resort, which still offer a great experience.

10. Burj Khalifa: the unrivaled symbol of Dubai

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As the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa is a symbol of the splendor of Dubai’s modern architecture. With a height of 828 meters, this tower is known not only as a tourist attraction, but also as a multi-purpose center including offices, hotels, and luxury apartments. One of the most attractive parts of Burj Khalifa is its observation deck, which is located on the upper floors and offers a unique view of the city of Dubai. Also, the Atmosphere restaurant in this tower is the tallest restaurant in the world and provides a unique experience of dining at an impressive height.

11. Dubai Miracle Garden; The largest flower garden in the world

The Dubai Miracle Garden with an area of ​​780,000 square meters contains more than 50 million flowers. This amazing garden is not only the largest natural flower garden in the world, but some of its floral designs, such as the Emirates A380, are among the world’s largest flower structures. Visitors can relax in the shade of colorful flowers and enjoy seeing fountains and other beautiful sights.

12. Wildlife in Dubai

Despite the rapid urban development, Dubai is still home to many species of wild animals. In the deserts around Dubai, you can witness camel races or visit conservation centers for rare species such as falcons, wolves, leopards and mountain goats. Also, if you’d like to see wildlife in the city itself, The Green Planet Center showcases a tropical ecosystem in the heart of a bio-dome that includes various species of plants and animals.

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13. Shopping in Dubai

Shopping is one of the most popular tourist activities in Dubai. This city hosts some of the largest and most luxurious shopping centers in the world. The Dubai Mall, with more than five million square meters of floor space, is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring luxury stores, restaurants, and entertainment attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium and an ice rink. Also, traditional markets such as Souq Al-Dahaab (Gold Bazaar) and Souq Adavieh also offer visitors a different shopping experience.

14. New Year’s Eve in Dubai

Dubai is known as one of the top destinations for New Year celebrations. Every year, this city becomes one of the most attractive destinations to welcome the New Year with huge fireworks displays and live events. Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are known as the central point of these celebrations and thousands of locals and tourists gather in these places. Also, different restaurants plan to offer special New Year services on this night.

15. Security in Dubai

Dubai is known as one of the safest cities in the world. Despite the cultural diversity and large population, the crime rate in this city is very low. Dubai Police is very focused on public safety and can easily be seen on the streets. By following simple safety rules, you can travel around this city safely.

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16. Compliance with cultural rules

Dubai, as an Islamic city, has rules that must be respected. Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are not allowed in public places and may result in punishment. It is also very important to wear appropriate clothing in accordance with the local culture in public places. These things are very important for tourists and following them helps to have a better experience.

17. Restrictions on freedom of expression

In Dubai, criticizing the government or officials can have legal consequences. Although this city is known as a free tourist destination; But you should know that expressing negative opinions about the political or social system can have consequences. Observance of local laws and respect for UAE culture is essential for traveling to this city.

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18. Eating habits

Eating customs in Dubai are different from Western countries. In the UAE, food is usually eaten with the right hand, and placing personal items on the dining table is a sign of disrespect. Also, it is very important for guests not to forget to offer a small gift such as sweets or fruit when invited to someone’s home.

19. Observance of etiquette in the month of Ramadan

Ramadan in Dubai is a very important cultural and religious period. During this month, Muslims fast and must refrain from eating and drinking in public. For tourists, respecting this tradition and not consuming food and drinks in public places is one of the requirements. Also, many restaurants work privately during the day and offer their services to customers after breaking the fast.

Dubai, with its cultural and modern attractions, is a unique city, knowing these tips you can have a unique and enjoyable experience of traveling to this wonderful destination. By respecting the culture and customs of this city, you can benefit from its unique attractions and experience a memorable trip. If you have ever traveled to Dubai, share your experiences with us and other Kejaro companions.

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