What Makes Dubai One of the World’s Most Unique Cities?

Development

The rate of development in Dubai is quite spectacular, and it ensures that it ranks among the world’s most modern cities. Almost science fiction-like skyscrapers adorn the city skyline, with iconic buildings such as Burj Al-Arab and the Emirates Towers. The Mall of the Emirates is one of the world’s largest shopping malls outside of the US (interestingly, the Dubai Mall holds that title), and here can be found the most sophisticated ski slopes on the planet. The city also boasts a lit 18-hole golf course, one of only a small number in the world.

Theme Parks and Resorts

PlanetWare.com describes Dubai’s Parks and Resorts in a way that embraces both Eastern and Western culture like no other entertainment complex. The theme parks really do offer something for all ages. Bollywood Park is the Disneyland of the Indian movie industry, with rides based on some of the more popular movies. Motiongate takes a leaf out of Universal Studio’s playbook with rides based on Tinsletown’s major blockbusters. Legoland Dubai caters for the really young visitors, with interactive rides to entertain the little ones. While the area is a must-visit for tourists, they also have annual passes available for locals.

Shopping

The number one reason why tourists flock to Dubai is undoubtedly its reputation for world-class shopping. The city’s malls and marketplaces carry an impressive range of goods and attract millions of visitors year-on-year. They come from Europe, the Middle East, and even North America and India. Those who really look to experience the culture while shopping love to visit Dubai’s souks. The Gold Souk and the Spice Souks are two of the more frequented of the souks and offer tourists a chance to try out their bargaining skills in the traditional style of the Middle East. It’s the perfect way to experience the souk shopping experience.

Eastern culture

Tourists from all over the globe will meet with Gulf Arabs in their abayas and dishdash, and, by prayer time, be greeted by sounds of the mosques. Although this could come as a culture shock for some, many tourists are fascinated by the way the locals live, the taste of the food, and the impressive dominance of the buildings. The gorgeous detailed writing, the aroma of Arabian shish, and the Arabic conversation all around is all part of the rich daily life here.

Diversity

What makes Dubai stand out globally is the city’s diversity. While there are other highly diverse cities in the world, such as London and New York, Dubai is different. Most expats living here are first-generation and have gifted the city with various cultural traditions. Dubai ranks among the world’s most cosmopolitan cities and the diversity here is second to none. Close to 200 nationalities reside in Dubai, with 90 percent of its population having been born in other countries.

Museums

In comparison to other major cities, there aren’t as many museums here in Dubai – however, that does not diminish the city’s cultural significance. What’s attractive to both locals and tourists, however, is the fact that they are either free or very inexpensive. There are numerous museums that offer a rewarding education in the architecture and history of this great city. Statista reveals that the number of those walking through the doors of Dubai museums has fallen from 2014 to 2016. However, the statistic remains high at 1.7 million in 2016. There were 1.9 million visitors in 2014, and 1.85 million visitors in 2015.

7-star accommodation

Dubai features some of the world’s most lavish hotels, with the 7-star rated Burj Al Arab considered the best of a very impressive bunch. The hotel, which opened its doors in 1999, has evolved into a truly iconic symbol of Dubai. Visitors flock here, while locals admire a truly remarkable building that they can be proud of. It’s located on its very own artificial island, with a private bridge connecting it to the mainland. The hotel features a self-owned fleet of Rolls Royce cars for visitors, as well as a private helipad for helicopter owners.

When to visit

Dubai is a city with beautiful weather that welcomes its visitors all throughout the year. For those who prefer to visit during the milder months, January and February are the best times to book for. The temperatures soar from June to September, at upwards of 40C. However, the city provides numerous temptations during the warmer months, including wonderful offers, indoor attractions, and air-conditioned malls. Either way, visitors will be getting a taste of all of the above to experience one of the world’s most unique cities, while the locals rejoice in the fact that they are never at a loss for something to truly behold.

Tourism performance

In a report revealed by TheFirstGroup.com, it was revealed last year that Dubai is progressing slowly but surely with its tourism targets. Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing reported that, in 2016, the city saw 14.9 million overnight visitors. That number was five percent stronger than in the previous year and eight percent since 2012. The growth rate for the travel industry as a whole was four percent in that same timeframe, making the increase even more impressive. Dubai is looking to attract 20 million visitors by the year 2020.