40 Of The Most Bizarre Things You Would Only Ever Find In The Emirate Of Dubai
Dubai, the largest United Arab Emirates city, is well-known for its luxurious shopping centers, modern architecture, and exuberant night scene. It is no secret that the locals live extravagant lifestyles, with their supercars and exotic animals as domestic pets.
There are currently 26,000 millionaires living in Dubai, the second-largest number in the Middle East after Turkey. The amount of wealth swimming in the UAE has spawned many bizarre inventions, and that is why we are diving into the weird and wonderful things that you may find in this beautiful city.
Exotic Pets
Owning an exotic pet in Dubai has long been a status symbol for wealth in the Middle East. This dates back to when Egyptian and Persian royalties owned big cats as a sign of power. Many well-off folks flaunted possessing a baby leopard or a cheetah in their car or boat, even letting them run free on the beach.
In 2017 the United Arab Emirates put up a law banning people from owning these wild animals. Officials were concerned about the dangers of these animals running wild. Anyone involved with the ownership and sale of these exotic animals could face jail time or a $136k fine.
Gold ATM
Where would the first-ever gold ATM hail from? Dubai, of course! The vending machine is not made of this dense metal, but it dispenses small golden bars as an ATM does with cash. The machine was unveiled at a hotel in Abu Dhabi in May 2010, attracting many visitors within the first few minutes of opening.
The ATM is German-created and displays a live display of the rates. It has been placed in one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious hotels, “Emirates Palace Hotel,” which distributes one, five, and ten grams worth of bars.
Camel Parking
Since Dubai is in a desert, sights of domesticated camels would not be out of the ordinary there. So even if this camel may look out of place in a parking lot, they don’t seem to mind being there while their owners run errands.
In a wealthy place like Dubai, you may find luxury cars like a Ferrari or a Bentley parked in the middle of the city. Yet, it is not unusual to just buy a camel and park it once you do not need its service. Of course, it is still a funny sight to see.
Luxury Bathrooms
Dubai is well-known for its large grand, designed hotels, and with that comes beautifully laid out opulent bathrooms. The size of your usual bathroom is possibly a tenth of the size in Dubai because they are more like apartments over there.
Most people envy the life of the moneyed and are interested to see how the other half lives. One of the world’s most expensive bathrooms hails from the XXII Carat Club Villas in Dubai. It ticks all the high-end boxes boasting a lavish marble interior and a $1-million Amazonian rock crystal tub.
Golden Cell Phones
It is not unheard of to see a lot of golden items in a wealthy city like Dubai; it screams power and wealth. A rare sight to see in your daily life would be a solid golden cellular device. We wonder how heavy this would feel to carry in your pocket.
In April 2019, the brand “Caviar” released a Tsar range that celebrates founders of nations and dynasties. Only seven of these “Gold Sheikh” gizmos which start at a price of $37k, have been manufactured to represent the seven emirates of the UAE.
Wide Cars
The wealthy are partial to customizing their valuables, and this includes their vehicles, too, usually a paint job or modifying the engine. However, here we have a rare view of what seems like two jeeps stuck together side by side.
This crazy SUV requires a lane and a half to cruise down the road, which seems impractical, although it can carry four passengers in the front and four in the back row. Whether it is realistic to own a car like this, it is certainly a talking point when you have guests.
Walking Your Camel
You may find a lot of sand in the United Arab Emirates since 80% of the land is made up of desert. A usual way to travel in the desert would be on your pet camel if you own one. Camel trekking is also a popular pastime for locals as well as vacationers.
This hilarious view of a man walking his domesticated camel certainly caught our eye because he did it in his Mercedes-Benz SUV. We suppose since the desert is so hot, regularly walking your camel can be exhausting.
Souped Up Police Cars
Dubai is well-known for being a haven for motor enthusiasts and their supercars, and the Dubai law enforcement is no exception. Police motorcars need to be fast but do they need to be at supercar speed? Apparently, so.
Officers get their pick of the bunch with some cruising around in an “Aston Martin One-77” and a “Lamborghini Aventador.” The most impressive in their garage is the “Bugatti Veyron,” which has a top speed of 253 miles per hour. In February 2020, they added a bulletproof SUV to its impressive fleet of rides built by Dubai-based company W Motors.
Fancy Horse Stalls
One of the United Arab Emirates’ most popular sports is horse riding due to it being deeply rooted in its country’s heritage. The animals themselves also live in luxe living quarters, like this marvelous pen which resembles a 5-star hotel.
When you think of a horse barn, glamorous chandeliers and marble floors might not be what springs to your mind. However, it is not unusual to see pens like these in Dubai. One visitor announced on Reddit that despite it looking grand and expensive, the stable still smelt like a farm.
Free Food
In 2013, the Ansar Mall in Dubai had placed a fantastic honor system where people who have no cash or are unemployed can pick up food for free. They offer a range of various food items from fresh yogurt to Arabic bread to help the less fortunate during Ramadan.
Though the mall does not restrict anyone from taking advantage of this scheme, people who drive up in their Mercedes and BMWs also take advantage of this opportunity. However, we think this is an excellent plan of action to help the less fortunate.
Grooms Wanted
Arranged marriages may be strange to the Western culture, as they are viewed as a form of oppression or cruelty. However, for many people in the United Arab Emirates, it is a sign of a reliable merging of families and everlasting love.
It is not out of the ordinary that fathers would post advertisements in the newspapers so they can marry off their children to wealthy families. All different types of marriages are either successful or do not pan out, but the rate for arranged marriages in the UAE is higher than the norm.
Extravagant Hotel Rooms
If you are vacationing in Dubai, you may get the opportunity to stay in many of the city’s grand hotel rooms. Although it won’t be at a low cost, Dubai has one of the most luxurious interior designs when it comes to hotels.
Burj Al Arab, the 7th tallest hotel in the world, is one of the most extravagant ones you can stay at. While it is officially rated a 5-star, many refer to it as a 7-star resort because of its 24-carat golden leafed walls and Rolls-Royce chauffeur service.
Unique Motorcycles
Many wealthy locals who live in Dubai can afford the luxury of modifying their vehicles. It holds a special kind of power status to others, from gold-plating your auto to doubling up the size of an SUV, as seen previously.
This gentleman decided to take his custom horse-themed motorcycle out for a spin. He has opted for a unique design and even wore a matching outfit. It isn’t unusual to see bizarre vehicles out in this city, though we think this one may have gathered quite a bit of attention.
Public Limos
Many people would normally ride a bus to get around for public transit, but in Dubai, you have the option to get around in a limo. Dubai is popularly known for the way they travel, whether it be a supercar or a horse-themed motorcycle!
The world’s first super bus was manufactured in 2011 by an astronaut in Holland and was flown over to the United Arab Emirates for a sheikh. It can harbor 23 passengers and reach a speed of 250 kilometers per hour. They say riding in one of these is equal to riding in your own private jet.
Luxury Vehicle Traffic Jams
Traffic jams are the norm in highly populated cities around the world. However, Dubai’s traffic jams are set apart from the others because it looks like a supercar show. Back to back expensive motors that are sure to thrill any auto enthusiast.
It seems vehicles here are not just used for practicality; they are used to show off their social statuses. Despite this photo looking like a bunch of people attending an extravagant motorcar show, it is more likely that it is a typical lunch hour rush in the middle of the day.
No Fish Allowed
One peculiar sign you may find on the metro if you’re traveling by train is a fish with a big red slashed circle over it. You can find this before entering the Palm Deira station, which is next door to the Dubai fish market.
Many folks were left pondering whether this sign was real, as it states, “no carrying of fish on the metro.” It seems it falls under the Dubai Metro’s by-laws that it does not allow any animals of any kind to travel by rails besides guide dogs.
Massive Skyscrapers
Dubai is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers globally and boasts the most towering skyline in the Middle East. Its impressive architecture has a futuristic feel and may make you feel like you have stepped into the modern world.
One of the most famous and tallest structures is the Burj Khalifa, with a total height of 828 meters. It surpassed the Taiwan building Taipei 101 as the tallest in the world in 2010. The government decided to build this tower to switch it from its oil-based economy to tourism instead.
The Most Ornate Starbucks
Many people may be familiar with the American coffee company Starbucks, as it is currently the world’s largest coffee chain. As of November 2021, the coffee business has almost 34,000 branches in over 80 countries. That is a lot of coffee.
When you visit the Starbucks inside the Battuta Mall in Dubai, you may be stunned. The classic aesthetics you will find at their standard stores are very different. Its over-the-top design resembles something of a palace with beautiful domed ceilings, and its intricate design makes it worth a visit!
Police Boats
We have shown you the incredible vehicles the Dubai police like to travel in, but what about a police boat? While they are not unheard of, what makes this one stand out is the fact it is a $400k super boat. It was gifted by the Dubai Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan.
The sleek design of these boats is similar to that of a Lamborghini on water. It has 700 horsepower and is built using the same light carbon fiber materials as racing cars. This speedster is currently the fastest police boat in the world.
Mile Up Tennis
Many enjoy a game of tennis, but what about upping the stakes and playing the sport in the sky? We have shown you previously the city of Dubai’s passion for skyscrapers and intricate architecture. They have managed to combine the two and set up a tennis court over 1,000 feet from the ground.
Originally a helipad, it was transformed on the top of the Burj Al Arab hotel. In 2005, tennis stars Roger Federer and Andre Agassi were invited to play a friendly game. We hope neither of them has a fear of heights and got to enjoy their time playing in this heavenly spot.
Surfboard Kayaking
The people of Dubai always honor their traditions regarding their religious beliefs, even when taking part in recreational activities like water sports. Despite living in the middle of the desert, the locals are always fully clothed. This is merely out of respect for their Muslim culture.
Surfboard kayaking has become a popular pastime for tourists as well as the locals. This picture catches our eye because it seems like something you would expect to see decades ago before modern technology helped them make their own beaches and islands! Oh, well, that’s Dubai!
Skiing In The Desert
The two words’ skiing’ and ‘desert’ are not usually paired together in one sentence. However, it is not unheard of in Dubai, where you can ski in the desert. This resort was developed by the creative minds of Majid Al Futtaim Group, which is also behind the Mall of Emirates.
We introduce to you The Ski Dubai, which spans 22,500 square meters and consists of five runs. It is incredible how they achieved this construction to resemble a typical ski lodge. The best part about this one-of-a-kind experience is it is available all year round.
Full-Moon Drum Circle
You may run into drum circles on the beaches of Dubai. They are usually full of people banging their drums to re-energize and feel Mother Earth’s energy. This special event happens at every full moon, and you can prearrange these experiences if you are vacationing there.
Many people who participate encourage others to join as they say it is stress-relieving. The loud beating sounds might not sound relaxing, but banging on the drums might be. If you do choose to engage in these festivities, you might even see fire dancers!
An Aquarium In The Mall
Dubai is known for its impressive malls as home to thirty-five of them. The Dubai Mall is considered one of the biggest in the world. It is so big that it houses many fascinating things, such as a dinosaur skeleton and one of those gold ATMs, too.
One attraction at the mall you must not miss is the aquarium, filled with unique fish. This huge underwater zoo holds all kinds of sea creatures, from sharks to octopi. They also offer an opportunity to swim with these creatures if you ever feel adventurous.
The Underwater Zoo
Right next to the aquarium in The Dubai Mall, you will find a stunning underwater zoo. It features jellyfish, piranhas, and even crocodiles. The layout of it is similar to that of a rainforest. It’s a weird and wonderful concept that makes you forget you are actually in a shopping mall.
There is also an opportunity to encounter sharks in a cage if you are feeling brave. You can treat yourself to some luxury items in the mall after your adrenaline rush. We definitely would not want to miss out on this chance of a lifetime!
Camel Racing
One sporting event that may intrigue tourists is camel racing, although it is not unheard of in the United Arab Emirates. Prepping the animal for the sport takes a lot of time and effort. And similar to horses, a lot of attention is given to the training and nutrition of these four-legged animals.
The largest racing track is the Al Marmoom in Dubai, where you will find small robotic jockeys mounted upon these animals. Advanced technology has allowed trainers to add features like walkie-talkies and a GPS onto the robots. The racing season runs during the cooler seasons between October and April.
Gold Motorcycle
In 2013, Danish manufacturer Lauge Jensen amassed a massive crowd upon launching the first-ever golden motorcycle in Dubai. They displayed the creation during the opening week of Gulf of Motorcycles. There is no other appropriate place to unveil this bike that screams all the finer things in life.
It is fascinating to know what the wealthy like to spend their finances on, as the intricately designed motor was sold at $850k. It is thought to be the world’s most expensive bike ever built, boasting crocodile-skin upholstery and 250 small diamonds that total over seven carats.
Limousine Ambulance Service In Dubai
It is known that ambulances all over the world look different from each other but have you ever seen a limousine ambulance? You can find these in Dubai. The idea behind the concept was launched to give more comfort and hold more facilities in the vehicle.
However, they are limited to patients in certain medical facilities and cannot be accessed by pedestrians daily. This service is called “Awnak,” and while we hope you may never find a need for this aid, it does give us solace, knowing you can fit all your loved ones in the limousine.
Gold Cupcake
We have dived into many golden items you may find in Dubai, from a motorcycle to cell phones. So it is only a matter of time before they start wrapping their food in it, too. Dubai does not hold back when they are trying to make a statement.
Here we have a $1k Golden Phoenix cupcake made with Italian cocoa and wrapped in a 23-carat sheet. It was launched at The Dubai Mall in 2004, and you can order these to be made 48 hours in advance. What else would the wealthy people of Dubai be eating?
Miracle Garden In Dubai
The Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the most extensive flower gardens in the world. Launched on Valentine’s Day in 2013, it stretches over 75,000 square meters. And with over fifty million flowers, it is a treat to the eye for locals and tourists alike.
The garden is open to the public during its cooler season between October and April. Unfortunately, its little rainfall and intense climate make it difficult to cultivate plants in Dubai. So it is breathtaking to see the colorful arrangements combined with excellent designs, making it a must-see spot in the extravagant city.
Burj Khalifa
Dubai is known for its stunning tall architecture and well-designed with modern technology. The higher, the better is the notion when it comes to buildings here. One of the tallest buildings in the world is the Burj Khalifa. The tower broke numerous records when it was inaugurated in January 2010.
The $2-billion construction was built as an acquisition to gain more international recognition putting Dubai on the map. As well as being aesthetically appealing, the ‘Y’ shape of the tower was designed to withstand strong winds for its incredible 828-meter height.
Air-conditioned bus stops Dubai
Do not panic if you are not part of the wealthy elite in Dubai, who cannot afford to drive around in Lamborghinis. The city has air-conditioned bus stops to help keep you cool down in the intense desert heat. The metropolis introduced them in 2007 and gained quite a lot of media attention.
These clever inventions are a brilliant idea, especially for tourists who may not be used to the hot climate. It has been designed to fit a good number of commuters, and some even have vending machines and ATMs.
Iced Out Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz rides are already head turners for their luxurious designs and high price tags. However, in Dubai, you must go the extra mile to customize your vehicle. We have already seen a lot of golden stuff on this list, but what about diamonds?
Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal is one of the wealthiest people in the world. Forbes even reported he was in the top ten with an estimated $20-billion fortune. To show off his power status, he had his Mercedes covered in over 300,000 pieces of these gems, which cost him $4.8 million.
Tower Of Turtles
We go back to Dubai’s fascination for collecting endangered animals, and this man is no exception. We have seen the rich people of this city collect big cats as pets to boost their social standing. However, this is a new one.
Turtles are used for what is called ‘stacking,’ where they climb upon each other to gather more warmth to reach the sun’s rays. Although, we reckon this gentleman stacked this pile himself. Nonetheless, these reptiles are critically extinct, so we hope the few we have left are not being used as domestic pets.
High End UBER
Many may be familiar with the car service company Uber. In other parts of the world, Uber is just a resource to get you from A to B, but in Dubai, you even have the option of traveling by helicopter! It may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the rest of us.
With Dubai being notorious for its expensive vehicles, it is not surprising that a “Bugatti Veyron” may show up when organizing a lift. This happened when YouTube prankster Coby Persin showed up on unsuspecting customers when they ordered a ride on the app.
Driving On Water
We don’t know about you, but this photo certainly caught our eye! It looks like a scene from an action movie rather than a real-life moment captured in Dubai. We are familiar with superyachts and boats owned by the rich and famous, but what about a water automobile?
These amphibious rides act like jet skis as soon as they hit the water. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current owner of six of these, with a collection worth roughly $800k. We won’t lie; these do look super fun.
Escaping Traffic
Dubai can get congested like any other developed city around the world. Surprisingly, though, it may not be a rare sight to see motors flying in the air by chopper. People who live high up in the skyscrapers have witnessed this a few times.
Although in places like New York or Paris, they probably do not have the resources to have helicopters lift you out of traffic in your vehicle. It is most likely that multiple millionaires who reside in Dubai value their precious time, so they don’t waste it sitting in traffic.
24K Magic
The wealthy habitants of Dubai do not play around when it comes to customizing their assets. One of the most popular is pimping out their rides, albeit wrapped in gold or covered in gems. Remember the Mercedes-Benz we saw earlier?
A “Jeep Grand Cherokee” wouldn’t sit in line with Ferraris and Lamborghinis. So to make it stand out, one owner decided to get a 24-karat paint job. Just make sure you wear your sunglasses out in Dubai, as these gold-wrapped motors are sure to reflect a lot of sun in your eyes.
Putting Louboutin’s To Shame
French powerhouse designer brand Christian Louboutin is well-known for its red bottoms. The famous heel is regularly referred to in the music industry as a luxury item. Many celebrities are fans of these trademarked pairs, from singer Rihanna to actress Angelina Jolie.
Still, red bottoms are not enough for the gold-obsessed locals of Dubai. These golden cassette heels are very on-brand for any woman who can afford them. As it screams an extravagant social standing, you would definitely notice these. We can only imagine the click-clack sound of these high-priced stilettos on a marble floor.
Birds On A Plane
The United Arab Emirates’ national bird is the falcon, a symbol of courage and force. This photo shows falcons flying in their seats over the Persian Gulf. Falconry has long been a sport that dates back hundreds of centuries in the Middle Eastern culture.
Being the national symbol for the country, it comes with special privileges. In fact, these birds are allowed to fly on commercial plans with their own passports! We wonder what television series they would watch to pass the time, possibly “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?”
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