History
- Dubai’s history dates back over 4,000 years, with evidence of settlement from the Bronze Age.
- In the 7th century, Dubai was a fishing village known as “Al Wasl” and traded with neighboring settlements.
- Dubai’s strategic location on the trade routes between Asia and Europe made it a key player in the pearl trade in the 19th century.
- Dubai officially became a British protectorate in 1892, although British influence had been present in the region for centuries.
- In the 1930s, oil was discovered in Dubai, transforming the region from a small port town into a modern city.
- Dubai gained independence from Britain in 1971 and became part of the United Arab Emirates.
- Dubai has invested heavily in infrastructure, including the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island.
- Dubai is home to the Dubai Museum, which is housed in the oldest building in Dubai and showcases the city’s history and culture.
- Dubai has a rich Islamic heritage, with many historic mosques and religious sites, such as the Jumeirah Mosque and the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque.
- Dubai is a cosmopolitan city that celebrates diversity, with many cultural events and festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival.
Modern
- The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, is located in Dubai and stands at 828 meters (2,716 feet) tall.
- Dubai has an indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, which is located in the Mall of the Emirates and features real snow and a ski lift.
- The world’s largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, is located in Dubai and houses over 1,200 shops and restaurants.
- Dubai is home to the world’s largest man-made island, the Palm Jumeirah, which is shaped like a palm tree and features luxury hotels and villas.
- The Dubai Fountain, located in front of the Burj Khalifa, is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
- Dubai is known for its luxury cars, with some of the most expensive and rarest models regularly seen on the streets.
- Dubai is home to the world’s first 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, which is shaped like a sailboat and stands at 321 meters (1,053 feet) tall.
- Dubai is a hub for international business, with many multinational companies choosing to have their regional headquarters in the city.
- The Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest flower garden, featuring over 45 million flowers and 60 different flower species.
- Dubai’s airport, Dubai International Airport, is one of the busiest in the world, with over 86 million passengers passing through in 2019.
Food
- Dubai is home to the world’s largest indoor themed restaurant, the Rainforest Cafe, which is located in the Dubai Mall.
- Camel milk is a popular drink in Dubai, and is even sold in supermarkets.
- The world’s tallest hotel, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, has 14 restaurants and bars.
- Dubai has a street food scene, with popular options including shawarma, falafel, and manakish.
- Friday brunch is a popular tradition in Dubai, with many restaurants offering extensive buffets and free-flowing drinks.
- The Dubai Food Festival is an annual event that showcases the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
- The Dubai Miracle Garden features a flower display in the shape of a tea set, made entirely of edible flowers and herbs.
- The Dubai Fountain, one of the city’s top attractions, is synchronized with music and lights and features a show called “Baba Yetu” that celebrates African cuisine.
- The Burj Al Arab hotel is home to the underwater Al Mahara restaurant, which features a large aquarium as its centerpiece.
- Dubai is known for its luxurious dining experiences, with Michelin-starred chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, and Gary Rhodes opening restaurants in the city.
