It was in 1966 when oil was first discovered in Dubai. Before the discovery of oil, Dubai wasn’t as luxurious as now and was just a simple desert port town in the UAE where trading of pearls and spices took place. Now, Dubai is one of the richest countries in our globe. How rich? Well... you will have to see for yourself!
Cheetah Riding Shotgun
As we said, nowadays it is rare to see Dubai's residents flaunting their exotic animals in public due to the risk of copping a large fine, however, until recently seeing a cheetah ride shotgun in the Emirati city was an everyday sight.
Discover the secrets of what gives Dubai its unique appeal:
Get On Your High Horse
Owning a horse is a big responsibility given the costs associated with it such a housing, training, food, etc. Most opt for wooden, brick, stone, or stell stables such as a barn with individual stalls.
This won't do for the Emirati city though, as this Dubai stable owner decked out this huge stable with marble floors, in a hotel like building. Check out those lights!
The Life Of Pi
If you've read the book or watched the film, Life of Pi, you'll be familiar about the story of a teenage boy who survives a shipwreck by staying adrift on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.
The film was made with CGI, as working with a real tiger would prove to be too hazardous. However, Dubaians are known to willingly board boats with the real beasts. This lion seems to be enjoying itself.
Building Buildings
With construction in the Emirati city showing no signs of slowing down, seeing cranes building an increasing number of skyscrapers and high rise apartments continuous to be a constant fixture in Dubai.
With an evergrowing population of both residents and tourists, the demand for accommodation has never been higher. Due to the limited space, the only direction is up.
In 2006, it was reported that a quarter of the world's cranes were working in Dubai building site. However, after the 2008 global financial crisis, things have slowed down.
No Empty Stomachs
In Dubai, you will come across several "Kindness Fridges" all around the city. Its aim is to cater to laborers and those unemployed who require healthy food after a hard day's work but may not have the means to purchase it at local shops and restaurants.
The fridges are usually placed outside the restaurant which restocks the fridge with freshly prepared meal boxes, fresh fruit, protein drinks, and water.
The Gold Standard
In other places, people may opt for custom paint jobs to make their vehicle stand out. In Dubai, however, gold is the color (and material) of choice. That's certainly one way to easily spot your ride at a car park.
In terms of functionality and consideration to other driver's however, with Dubai's year-round sunshine, glaring and staring will be part and parcel of owning this Jeep Cherokee.
Beach Rules
Dubai is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches. It's crystal waters, golden sand and city skyline provide a beautiful backdrop for photos.
However, as we mentioned previously, this comes with a price of freedom as individuals must comply with the city's dress code, even at beaches such as this one. This one is dedicated to women and families, with single men prohibited.
No Fish On The Train
We can't imagine a sign like this being put up anywhere else in the world. Does it count if the fish is your pet? Does this apply to seafood? Apparently, the rule applies to all fish, dead or alive.
Inspectors give a fine of Dh100 (1 Dhirams = $0.25-$0.30 USD) to those guilty of breaching the rules. Shoppers at the market will have to find another to get their fish home.
Which One Shall I Drive Today?
Based on what you can see just looking around, you would think many of Dubai's residents have more money than they know what to do with it. Gold plated cars, diamond encrusted phones, exotic animals as pets, there really are no limits.
As such it shouldn't come as a surprise that many Dubaians possess a fleet of cars, one for every occasion probably.
Need A Lift?
When owning a fleet of luxury vehicles is as common as owning a car, you need to step your game up if you want to stand out from the crowd.
So when you're stuck in a traffic jam, get your helicopter to come to give you a lift. In Dubai, the question is not "can you afford it", but "how do you move it".
Sleeping Lion
The children's game "sleeping lion" involves one or two players are "lions" and lie down on the floor with their eyes closed as if they were sleeping, while the other players ("hunters") move about the room attempting to encourage the lions to move.
The hunters can't touch the lions, but may move close to them, tell things to them, etc. Anyone who moves must stand up and join the hunters.
The aim of the game is usually to calm the children down, however, this person seems to have the roles reversed. A lion playing with a man on a Ferrari, only in Dubai.
Cat Got Your Torque?
What is it with Dubai's citizens and their love for Big Cats? While most people around the world get excited to own a dog, cat, fish, or other traditionally domestic pet, Dubaians seem to have a love for all things feline and not the pussycat kind.
How the lion ended up on top of a Mercedes-Benz is one question, what this guy's doing next to the lion is another thing entirely.
Aquarium Inside A Mall
No, this isn't a picture that has been photoshopped. What you're looking at is one of the city's biggest attractions, The Dubai Aquarium which features over 300 species of marine animals including sharks and rays which all live together in this giant in a live fish tank.
Did we mention this is built within a mall?
Crazy Driving Stunts
"Skiing" (not the snowy kind) is an automotive driving stunt where the car is driven while balanced only on two wheels. The stunt is often performed by driving one pair of wheels up on a ramp to lift one side of the car.
It can also be done in a vehicle with a high center of gravity such as a 4x4 or SUV, like in this photo. This is achieved by turning sharply or at high speed.
We understand how you can do it, but the question is why? Do you really hate your life that much? Would you do it if your vehicle was gold plated? Didn't think so.
Gooooold!
Yes, when we said people in this city love to coat everything in gold, we really didn't lie. Many foosball tables feature a specific team or a unique design, but have you ever seen one coated in gold and silver and smothered in Swarovski crystals?
Yeah, neither have we. It almost makes you feel guilty for playing with it.
Pizza Delivery Via Ferrari
Dubai is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world but that doesn't mean you can't have a home-delivered pizza.
Seriously, who doesn't like pizza? When you order a pizza in Dubai expect the delivery guy to rock up in a Ferrari. Jerry must be cheery!
Caucasian Cuisine?
With restaurants catering to every taste, it's easy to find Indian restaurants, Chinese restaurants, Italian restaurants, Turkish restaurants, and in Dubai, even Caucasian restaurants!
Since Caucasian covers literally most of the western world, we'd love to see what's on the menu at this restaurant. There really is something for everyone in this sunny city.
Designer Trash
Why someone would want to cover their rubbish bin with a Louis Vuitton cover is anyone's guess but we'd have thought it wouldn't make the trash any more valuable.
Trash is trash everywhere, but in Dubai not the trash bins it seems.
Coffee For Royalty
In the United States and other places around the world, Starbucks has a unique look, feel, and design to it. Entering a Starbucks café makes you feel at home no matter which one you visit. That is unless you're in Dubai.
Here the stakes are higher and even Starbucks has joined the party. Enjoy your cup of coffee like a king or queen in this regally decorated café.
Cost To Get Married
The cost for a couple to have their wedding in Dubai is estimated to be between Dh300,000 and Dh500,000. A realistic budget according to wedding planners would be anywhere between Dh1,200 and Dh1,500 per guest in the Middle Eastern city.
The average couple invites approximately 250 guests to their reception. That's already over Dh300,000 for the reception alone. As at 2018: $1 (USD) = 3.67 د.إ (AED), or 1 د.إ (AED) = $0.27 (USD).
Dripping In White Gold
In Dubai, you're not rich unless you can flaunt your wealth. When your designer label clothes, million-dollar apartments, and yacht are not enough, just rock up to any event in your platinum covered vehicle.
We wonder if it also doubles as stopping cops and speeding cameras from seeing the license plate. Now, that would really impress us.
A/C Bus Stops
With the highest temperature ever recorded in Dubai reading 48.4 °C (119 °F), the city's humidity levels are extremely high in the summertime which makes it rather uncomfortable to people.
Therefore, the city of Dubai created these air-conditioned (A/C) Passenger Bus Shelters, or bus stops. This was done to encourage the use of public buses. Well, why not?
King Of The Road
With almost every resident trying their luck in customizing their cars to stand out from their peers, some have resorted to more unconventional means in order to be different.
This monster of Jeep would make for a great way to cruise through the city, but driving it will take another skill altogether. Good luck parking.
Only 15% Are Locals
This will come as a surprise but of the 2,789,000 population in the city, only about 15% of the population are UAE nationals. The remaining 85% is made up of expatriates, including many who have been in the country for generations or born in the UAE.
71% of the 85% are Asian, while a quarter of the entire population (both local and foreign) trace their origins to Iran.
There is also a population of 100,00 British expatriates in the city, by far the largest group from the West. While Arabic is the national and official language of the UAE, English is used as a second language.
Climate-Controlled Domed City
Dubai has announced plans to build the world's first-ever climate-controlled city.
The area will be constructed under a large glass dome and accommodate the world's largest shopping center, over 100 hotels, and a wellness district for medical tourists. It is being dubbed the "Mall of the World".
Limousine Ambulance
Dubai has the fastest ambulance fleet in the world with cars hitting a top speed of 300 kilometers per hour. Luxury ambulances are deployed in tourist areas as well as venues hosting conferences and big festivals.
The city has also introduced a service called "Awnak" which are limousines turned into ambulances for those in mild distress situations to go to or from a medical facility. The service is only available to patients involved with certain medical facilities and is not available to everyday civilians. The service can also be included in health insurance policies in the UAE.
Up, Up, And Away
With an increasing demand for housing and due to the high appeal of living close to the city, building contractors are building higher and higher. The tallest residential building in Dubai is the Princess Tower which stands at 414 meters (1,358 feet).
Furthermore, construction is currently underway to create the world's "moving skyscraper" in 2020 called the Dynamic Tower.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Dubai has a hot desert climate with summers being hot, windy and humid. Temperatures average a high of 41°C (106 °F), and overnight lows of 30 °C (86 °F) in the warmest month which is August.
Fortunately, the city is home to several beautiful beaches the locals have access to. A popular sport in the UAE is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) as these two gentlemen demonstrate.
Expensive Phone Call
You can tell this photo was taken some time ago as based on the type of phones on display. Still, some things are still the same, such as Dubai's love of all things glittery.
Decked out in diamonds are these vintage Nokia phones. If you don't have diamond-encrusted phones around here, you must be a tourist.
Rich Teens
This is what a 15-year-old kid got as a present - a US$250,000 Ferrari, which was yellow when bought.
In Dubai, if you have money, you don't want others to have the same thingas you do, so this kid's dad covered the car in a red Louis Vuitton/Supreme collaboration print.
Traveling Around
When you have enough money in Dubai (i.e., a very rich person in western standards) you don't even need a driving license since you can just get around with your personal limo.
You can still, however, keep a massive collection of expensive sports cars in your driveway, because, why not?
The World's Only "7-Star" Hotel
The Burj Al Arab (meaning "Tower of the Arabs") is a luxury hotel located in Dubai and is the third tallest hotel in the world. It stands on an artificial island 280 m (920 ft) from Jumeirah Beach.
The shape of the building is designed to resemble the sail of a ship. Although dubbed as "the world's only seven-star hotel", it is a five-star hotel as there is no higher official international ranking.
Snow In Dubai?
How is it possible to go skiing in Dubai? This is thanks to an indoor ski resort called Ski Dubai which measures 22,500 square meters. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, it features an 85-meter tall mountain with 5 slopes of varying steepness and difficulty and other various features.
Adjoining the slopes is a 3,000-square-metre Snow Park play area comprising of other attractions.
Ski Dubai also houses a number of penguins. These are let out of their enclosures several times a day. Visitors can book penguin encounters which allows them to interact directly with the penguins. All equipment at the resort is provided with the ticket, with the option to buy equipment in nearby stores.
Mercedes > Camel
Going to the Middle East means you can't miss the chance to ride on at least one camel ride in the picturesque desert. Anyone who's ridden on a camel before will attest that you're in for a bumpy ride.
From what we can see this person preferred the more modern mode of transport, a Mercedes-Benz SUV, no less.
The World's Tallest Building
Built in 2010, Dubai's Burj Khalifa, also known as the Burj Dubai, with "Burj" meaning "Tower" in Arabic, is currently the world's tallest building.
The building rises to 2,717 feet (828 meters) and was named in honor of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and president of the UAE, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Abu Dhabi and the UAE had previously lent the Emirate money to cover its debts.
The Dubai Fountain
Outside the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest choreographed fountain system. Set on the 30-acre (12-hectare) manmade Burj Khalifa Lake in the middle Downtown Dubai, it is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors.
The fountain is 902 feet (275 meters) long and shoots water as high as 500 feet (152.4 meters), that's equivalent to two football fields.
Male Dominated Population
Out of Dubai’s 2,500,000 population, 1,700,000 are male and 800,000 females according to the Emirate’s official census statistics. This means out every 100 people, 68 are male, and 32 are female.
The higher proportion of men can be attributed to the fact many of the city’s expats are males who have left their families back in their home countries to come work in Dubai.
Sprightly Populace
The residents of the city are also relatively young, with the median age being about 27 years old.
58% of the population is said to be between the ages of 25 to 44, with most people aged 30 to 34 years old. Just 15% of the population is over 45, making it a young person’s city.
The Meaning Of "Dubai"
Many theories exist as to the origin of the word “Dubai”. One theory suggests that the word was previously used to describe the souq (marketplace). Meanwhile, an Arabic proverb says “Daba Dubai” meaning “They came with a lot of money”.
Alternatively, Fedel Handhal, a scholar on UAE’s history and culture says the word “Dubai” may have originated from the word “daba”, which is a past tense of “yadub” which means “to creep”, a reference to the slow inflow of Dubai Creek.
Poet and scholar, Ahmad Mohammad Obaid meanwhile traced the name “Dubai” to the alternative meaning of the word “daba” which means “baby locust” due to the abundance of locusts in the area prior to settlement.
Alcohol Is Kind Of Banned
In Dubai, just like the rest of the UAE, only adult non-Muslims can consume alcohol, and even then, only in licensed venues such as hotels, or at home with possession of an alcohol license.
Typically speaking, restaurants outside of hotels are not permitted to sell alcohol.
0% Income Tax
Dubai does not tax individuals on their personal income.
This means if you’re considered a resident of the Emirate, then you won’t pay any tax to the Dubai authorities from your earnings or other income streams.
The World Was Not Their Oyster
Before the discovery of oil, Dubai was an important port of call for trading, particularly from Iran. Until the 1930s, Dubai was known for its pearl exports.
However, when the pearl trade was damaged by the Great Depression in the 1930s, as well as the invention of cultured pearls (through oyster farming), Dubai fell into a state of depression with many residents moving elsewhere.
For the next three decades, Dubai survived thanks to the patronage of its ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. When oil was discovered in 1966, the city's fortunes were set to change for the better, and Dubai would never be the same again.
Restroom Attendants?
If you have a fear of public restrooms, well, you're not alone. There are many of us who prefer using our thrones at home, instead of ones built for, well, everyone. In Dubai, however, some of the restrooms are not only spick and span but nicer than most homes.
At the Burj Al Arab for example, attendants are there to clean up after every person and on hand to offer a real towel to wipe your hands. However, before you get too ahead of yourselves, note that not all public toilets are as spectacular as this one.
Many are like ones you'll see in most western countries with the addition of a hose for a better cleaning experience if you catch our drift.
Stack Shelves Not Shells!
While we commend his achievement, we must also criticize the callousness of this act. We can't think of any scenario where stacking live animals on top of each other is an okay thing to do.
Let's hope the poor tortoises were gently placed back on the ground where they belong. Animals and jewelry seem like what people like to spend their loose change in Dubai.
Getting Picked Up In Style
Getting picked up by a cab in Dubai means you have the option of opting for a Ferrari, Bugatti, etc. - if you have the money.
There are five taxi operators in Dubai: Metro Taxis (orange roofs); Network Taxis (yellow roofs); Cars Taxis (blue roofs); Arabia Taxis (green roofs); and City Taxis (purple roof), as well as a Ladies Taxi service with pink roofs for female passengers driven by female drivers.
Riding A Lion?
Fortunately, images like this are a thing of the past due to Dubai's ban on private citizens owning exotic animals.
Lions are known as the kings of the jungle, yet this man has somehow been able to tame this wild beast - although his methods will most likely raise controversy.
The Eye Of The Driver
Many drivers tend to look over at their neighbor at traffic lights. However, your neighbor isn't typically an apex predator who stares you down with its claws out the window.
Something tells us the people in this city drive with their windows up for more than just the heat.
Not Your Average Pussy Cat
Until recently, wealthy locals would keep wild and exotic animals as status symbols. However, a 2017 law targeting the possession, trading, and breeding of exotic pets was passed in the UAE.
The penalty for owning a now illegal pet ranges from 10,000 dirhams (US $2,723) to 700,000, (US $190,574). These "only in Dubai" pet photos will now be a thing of the past.
Robot Jockeys
Many types of sports venues exist in Dubai such as golf, tennis, hockey, cricket, horse racing, rugby, motorsports, swimming, scuba diving, and ice rinks. Traditional sports in the Emirati city include falconry, traditional boat racing, and camel racing.
However, there's a twist in the latter - instead of human jockeys, robots are used instead to comply with human rights laws.
Two types of camels exist the Omani and Sudania which differ in color - the Omani being very light and the Sudania more of a tan color. The sport is extremely popular in the Emirates and was originally staged in informal settings such as weddings or special festivals.
However, nowadays customized tracks exist throughout the UAE with an annual camel race festival to boot.
Bring Nature To You
Dubai has so much money that it can do with nature as it wills.
If the city has no river rapids, then they build one - but they do it close to home so people won't need to drive too far in their expensive cars.
Street Cleaning
Because Dubai is actually a desert city, it has many sandstorms around the year, so even the city is full of sand. The reason you don't see sand in pictures of Dubai is because of its massive cleaning department.
And to make it easy on the eyes of the rich, the cleaning crew are all well dressed and have automated tools.
Underwater Hotel
There are several underwater hotel experiences around the world, but none come close to what you can get in Dubai.
The Atlantis Hotel has an underwater suite that will cut a hole in your pocket in the form of US$ 8,200 per night.
Too Much Money
Log onto Instagram and follow 'Rich Kids Of Dubai'. You really don't have to, but you will see how kids (and their parents) that have no value for money.
These kids love to show off their (parents') wealth, and they do it in many ways.
Plans With Money
Only in Dubai can you plan a highrise hotel with a rainforest in the middle of it.
And no, it's not some "crazy imaginary" idea. It's an actual plan that is on its way to be constructed.
I Left My Wallet At Home
With many wealthy residents, a night out can mean splashing money in the tens, or in this case hundreds, of thousands of cash.
With 1 Dhiram equalling between 25-30 cents in USD, this bill easily exceeds $100,000 USD! We don't know about you, but we'll pass on whatever they're having.
Crime Doesn't Pay But Being A Cop Does
If being a police officer means you get to drive one of these bad boys every day, where can we sign up? When many in the city ride around in some of the world's fastest vehicles, the cops need to bring their A-game to the table.
Fortunately, the city is able to provide its officers with vehicles more than capable of catching any offenders.
Driving On Water
Take a look at this photo more closely and you'll see that this isn't so much a car on water but a WaterCar.
The Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, loves these amphibious vehicles so much he owns six of these. Even James Bond would be jealous!
Edible Gold
As we said, gold is a huge industry. This obsession doesn't just end with gold plated sports cars and gold vending machines, there is now a Gold Souk. There is even a market for consuming old, literally. The Burj Al Arab uses up to 700 gram of gold year for its food and beverages.
These take the form of a gold leaf, flakes or dust, as opposed solid gold used in jewelry. Gold itself is biologically inert and safe to consume, even though it is tasteless.
Items on the menu include chocolate mixed with gold, a specially crafted pepper mill to grind "gold snow" on top of food or cocktails, gold sugar cubes for tea-inspired mocktails and a pure gold decorative spray.
A Traffic Jam Unlike Any Other
Nobody likes traffic jams. The constant tooting, the loud noises, people cutting in, moving an inch at a time. It makes one wonder why self-driving cars aren't a thing yet.
In Dubai, getting stuck in traffic gives people a chance to snap an Instagram worthy photo, because well, every car is an exotic sports car. Case in point, this photo. At least they're sitting in luxury because a jam is still a jam.
Covered In Gold
All Emiratis love gold. So in a city where the price is nothing but a number on a piece of paper, the locals need jewelry to match their high status.
Many decide to showcase their wealth by covering everything in gold, and we mean everything. Emiratis consume 25% of all gold trade globally. An unbelievable number no matter how you look at it.
Internet Access Is Regulated
In Dubai, all internet access is routed through a local proxy which prevents access to certain websites. The list of banned websites includes topics such as pornography, LGBT, critical of Islam or the UAE’s leaders, dating, gambling, drug-related, and all Israeli domains.
All internet content is thus regulated including sites which provide information on how to bypass the proxy. Some have gotten around this by setting up a virtual private network (VPN) outside the UAE to access blocked content.
So Rich They Leave Behind Bundles Of Cash
Dubai's residents are so rich that in 2015 a passenger left AED 146,000 in cash in a Dubai Airport toilet cubicle (it was evidently returned to her). In the first four months of 2016 alone a staggering 42,171 AED worth of cash was left in the airport's lost property.
Dubai Police also report that two diamond rings worth 150,000 AED were handed to the airport authorities, while in October 2016 a taxi driver handed in a gold ingot which was left behind in his cab. The item was worth 3.5 million AED and later reunited with the owner.
Game, Set, Match
At the Burj Al Arab, the world's only 7-star hotel lies the world's highest tennis court. The circle shaped tennis court also doubles as a helipad and hovers 211 meters above the Arabian Gulf.
In 2005 Tennis legends Andre Agassi and Roger Federer had a friendly promotional match here. The court covers a surface area of 415 square meters.
Camel Park Here?
Even though Ferraris and gold plated Lamborghinis are a common sight in the Emirati city, seeing a camel near a park is still the preferred photo for tourists from around the world.
Fortunately, this camel could easily be spotted thanks to its man-made ornaments. Many camels hide using, "camelflauge". Okay, okay, moving on...
Dubai's Crown Prince Is An Action Man
The crown prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, or Fazza as he is known to his friends, is a handsome, media-savvy poster boy for the royal family. He's respected by expats and locals alike.
He counts skydiving, falconry, fishing, and diving among his hobbies and also publishes poetry in the regions traditional vernacular Nabati style from centuries past.
His Instagram feed isn't the bling show you would expect from an Emirati royal, however, he enjoys flying helicopters, traveling in private jets, and playing sports. He also pets ponies and cuddles babies. This man can seemingly do it all.
No Address, Zipcode, Or Area Code Until Recently
Due to how quickly Dubai has grown, it never developed a standard address system. Instead of an address line, there was space where residents could draw a map or write out specific instructions like.
Only in 2015 did Dubai begin assigning a postcode which they call Makani numbers which is a unique 10-digit code to all buildings to help identify them.
Cover Up Or Get Locked Up
Emirati attire is typical of areas in the Arabian Peninsula, with women usually wearing the "abaya", a long black robe with a hijab (the head-scarf which covers the neck and part of the head). Some women instead add a niqab which covers the mouth and nose and only leaves the eyes exposed.
Men wear the "kandurah" also referred to as "dishdasha" or even "thawb" (long white robe) and the headscarf (ghotrah). The UAE's traditional ghotrah is white and held in place by an accessory called "egal" which looks like a black cord. Younger Emiratis commonly wear a red and white ghotrah and tie it like a turban instead.
Although, there is no compulsory dress code, as many people wear western and other eastern clothing, prohibitions do exist in regard to "indecent clothing" or revealing too much skin. These are aspects visitors to the city are expected to conform to, and are part of the city's criminal law. The law is enforced in most public places aside from waterparks, beaches, clubs, and bars.
Swimwear Is All About Location
As we said, exceptions to the city's dress code do exist in certain circumstances and locations such as private beaches. Recently, women/family only beaches in Dubai launched modest dress code rules with women asked to cover up bikinis with dresses, or shorts, and tops.
Generally, on public beaches, it is better to dress more modestly than at private beaches in Dubai.
In all beaches, nude or topless sunbathing is prohibited. Most of the more liberal beaches are operated by hotels and apartments open to residents or visitors who are required to pay a fee.
Interestingly, wearing swimwear at or near restaurants and shops even close to the beach is considered disrespectful to the local culture.
Even The Cops Drive Ferraris
When many of the city's residents drive some of the world's fastest cars, the police need up their game to keep up with any would-be lawbreakers.
The Dubai Police Force has acquired several luxury and high-performance vehicles from brands such as Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Dodge Viper, Ferrari, Hummer, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, and more.
Pimp My Ride 2.0
With many swimming in cash (sometimes literally), many of the city's rich men and women splash their cash on vehicles. Some purchase cars from famous films, such as James Bon. Others copy their favorite celebrities. There are even those who deck out their expensive cars with diamonds.
Pictured is the Mercedes-Benz SL600 with 300,000 diamonds and furnished with ink. It is valued at $4.8 million and was unveiled at a Dubai auto show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz SL550 in 2007.
Rich Wine
Dubai wants it all. It wants its own vineyard but being a desert city, it can't so - let's make a Dubai wine! And it's Dubai - put some gold in it.
This is a $150 bottle of ‘halal’ (non-alcoholic) sparkling white wine, with, and listen to this, flecks of 24-carat edible gold leaves!
First Class, As Usual
Living in Dubai, you can't be caught flying coach. Even Business class can hurt your image.
First class is standard in Dubai, and people have a hard time booking due to First Class getting full quite fast.
Grab Your Horse
If we asked you which you would prefer between horses or motorcycles, you would happily pick either one.
This man in Dubai though decided he wanted his motorbike to look like his horse, probably a white stallion. We're just glad to finally see a vehicle covered in neither gold nor diamonds, just saying.
Noah's (Modern) Ark
Dubai has an annual rainfall accumulation of 110.7mm (4.36 inches) per year, which makes you wonder why someone is building a giant ark?
Perhaps this is how Noah felt when he was instructed to build his famous Ark. The question is will this ark be decked out in gold or diamonds? Why not both?!
Ice Lounge
When you've had enough of the heat and are actually beginning to miss winter, step into the city's ice lounge, the Middle East's first.
Featuring ice sculptures, ice seating and tables and a uniquely illuminated interior, all at subzero temperatures, this spellbinding chillout will take help you cool down even in the midst of a heat wave.
World's Longest Driverless Metro Line?
The Dubai Metro is a rapid transit rail network spanning the city. Up until 2016, the Dubai Metro was the world's longest driverless metro network with a route length of 75 kilometers (47 mi), as recognized by Guinness World Records in 2012.
Nevertheless, the Redline on the network remains the world's longest driverless single metro line.
Be Unique
In Dubai, where many residents are considered rich, it's not as easy to stick out and be unique. In the US or Europe, you can just get a crazy supercar or an amazing Rolls Royce, and you instantly stand out on every street you drive on.
However, you can't do the same in Dubai. So what you do is get a "regular" expensive car, and give it a unique twist. Take this chrome blue wrapped Aventador for example. The owner flew it with him to London, to show off over there.
Palm Islands
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago on the Jumeirah coastal area of Dubai in the Persian Gulf. A 5.4 kilometer (3.4 miles) monorail connects the Atlantis Hotel to the Gateway Towers at the foot of the island and links the Palm Jumeirah to the mainland.
The Palm Jumeirah has a number of hotels, resorts, and hotel residences as well as retail and dining destinations.
Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden occupies over 72,000 square meters (780,000 sq ft), which makes it the world's largest natural flower garden featuring over 109 million flowers planted.
The flowers are maintained by reusing treated wastewater through drip irrigation. Forget miracle, it looks like a fairytale to us!
Just Getting Some Gold Out
Virtually every country has ATM machines these days. Getting cash out is as easy as putting in your pin number. Obviously, Dubai doesn't like to be like other places, so took their ATM machine to the next level by having it dispense gold. Yes, gold.
Aptly titled "Gold to Go", these machines can be seen around the UAE.
Even the exterior of the machine is coated in a thin layer of gold and has more than 320 products to choose from, ranging from gold bars to customized coins, weighing 1, 5, or 10-grams at 24-carats.
Prices are updated every ten minutes to match the current market rate. It takes both credit cards and local currency.
A Sea Of Oil
With the discovery of oil came a sea of immigration as the city's population grew by over 300% between 1968 and 1975. The first oil field named, "Fateh" meaning "good fortune" was a good omen for what was to come.
Infrastructure development plans resulted in a construction boom like few others in history.
With the British withdrawing completely in 1968, Dubai along with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah in the Act of Union to form the United Arab Emirates. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, would join later in 1972.
The city continued to grow from revenues generated from oil and trade in the following decades to what it has become today.
Simba Vs Jaws
When several of the city's residents lions, tigers, and cheetah's as pets, whether openly or secretly, it means feeding them enough meat can be a tricky proposition.
However, instead of throwing them a steak, this person decided to treat them with an entire shark instead. The hunter just became the hunted.