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You think you know Dubai, but do you really know its full story? You have seen the skyline, the malls, and the beaches in every travel brochure, but the city will surprise you with its record numbers and smart fixes that actually work. More than two hundred nationalities call it home, yet it still honours its creek and trading roots. Here, the metro drives itself, seawater becomes drinking water, and a whole island takes the shape of a palm. You will also see a tower that rises 828 metres and snow inside a mall during midsummer.
This guide will share clear and factual highlights that show how Dubai mixes tradition with bold ideas. Keep this handy when you plan your list of places to visit in Dubai.
1. Burj Khalifa Remains the Tallest Building on Earth
Burj Khalifa stands 828 metres high with more than 160 floors and is the largest building in the world. It has lifts that move at about 10 metres per second, and it can reach the 124th floor in under a minute.
The design of the tower is inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis with a three-lobed base. On a clear day, the spire can be seen from many kilometres away, making it an unmistakable landmark of Dubai’s skyline.
2. Palm Jumeirah Added Hundreds of Kilometres of New Shoreline
Palm Jumeirah was built from millions of cubic metres of sand and rock, arranged into the shape of a palm tree. The project expanded Dubai’s coastline by about 520 kilometres, creating new space for waterfront living, hotels, and leisure.
Its outline is best seen from above, where the palm design stands out clearly against the sea. It is here that man-made islands turned open water into prime waterfront neighbourhoods, making it a must-see highlight often included in Dubai packages.
3. The Dubai Metro Runs Without Drivers Across Most of the Network
Dubai Metro was opened in 2009 and uses full automation on its Red and Green lines, with trains adjusting their speed and spacing by computer for steady service. Stations are air-conditioned and are clearly signed in Arabic and English for ease.
Travellers can even opt for a Gold Class cabin with wider seats while riding one of the world’s longest driverless metro systems.
4. Dubai Mall is a Full Day Out, Not Only a Shopping Stop
Dubai Mall is home to more than 1,200 stores and major attractions under one roof. Inside, you will find an Olympic-size ice rink and a vast aquarium tank of about 10 million litres, and outside, the fountain shows light up the evenings with music and movement.
Plan your route beforehand, as the site covers several million square feet and you can shop, skate, watch fish, and catch the fountain in one visit, making it a perfect stop on a family trip to Dubai.
5. Ski Dubai Keeps Real Snow in a Desert City
Inside Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai spans about 22,500 square metres with five slopes, including a main run of 400 metres and a 60-metre drop. The indoor climate stays below freezing while summer heat roars outside.
You can book lessons, try snow activities, or meet penguins up close at the resort. Experiences like this show why Ski Dubai is counted among the most fun things to do in Dubai. When planning a visit, make sure to pack gloves for a ski session in the Gulf.
6. Camel Racing Now Uses Small Robot Jockeys
Camel racing remains a key Gulf tradition, drawing large crowds to tracks outside the city. To improve safety, child riders have been replaced with lightweight robot jockeys controlled remotely from vehicles.
Trainers adjust whips and voice commands during the race, blending heritage with modern technology to protect young riders.
7. Falcons Hold Passports and Fly in Aircraft Cabins
Falconry sits deep in local culture across the Emirates, where valuable birds receive official passports and health checks for travel. Regional airlines also allow falcons in the cabin under set rules.
Visitors can explore falcon hospitals and heritage centres to learn more, and on rare occasions, even share a flight with these majestic birds.
8. Nearly All Drinking Water Comes From the Sea
Dubai sources most of its tap water from massive desalination plants along the Gulf. Facilities use reverse osmosis and thermal methods to strip salt from seawater. New projects link desalination with solar power to cut energy use.
Tap water in hotels and malls of Dubai is safe to drink. Here fresh water begins in the sea.
9. Gold is Serious Business, Not Just Holiday Sparkle
Dubai’s Gold Souk brings hundreds of retailers into one historic market area where you can buy by weight with clear carat markings under strict regulation.
Some malls host gold vending machines that sell small bars and coins. Prices track global benchmarks, so you can compare rates before you buy.
10. Dubai Police Patrol in Supercars You Know From Posters
Dubai’s Police patrol fleet includes models from Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley and more. Officers use these cars for high-profile patrols in tourist areas and on main roads.
Beyond enforcement, they act as outreach tools and symbols of deterrence. You are most likely to see them cruising Downtown or around the Marina.
11. The Historic Creek Sits on The UNESCO Tentative List
Dubai Creek was the city’s original lifeline, driving pearl diving and trade. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood along its banks preserves wind towers and winding lanes.
For just a few dirhams, wooden abra ferries can take you across in minutes. Its cultural landscape is under proposal for future World Heritage recognition.
12. Terminal 3 Ranks Among the Largest Airport Terminals on Earth
Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 handles huge flows of long-haul traffic and Concourse A caters specifically to the Airbus A380 with wide gates and bridges.
You will find transit hotels, quiet zones, showers, gyms and fast airport Wi-Fi here. Also, clear signs and frequent trains link concourses quickly.
Conclusion
Dubai is bold, inventive and luxurious, and it keeps pushing what is possible. You will spot supercar police patrols, ride a driverless metro, and step onto snow inside a mall in midsummer. Whether you are drawn to rapid growth, a rich mix of cultures, or record-breaking landmarks, the city will keep you curious and busy all day. You will leave with more stories than you expected and a strong urge to return.
Did any of these facts surprise you today and spark new curiosity? If you visit, you will find even more details and experiences that add to the story of this dynamic city.