Dubai is renowned for its unique and dynamic lifestyle. Strategically positioned on the world map, it serves as a major travel hub for visitors worldwide seeking holidays or short-term stays. In 2019, Dubai welcomed over 16.7 million tourists, marking a 5% increase from the previous year and reflecting the city's consistent tourism growth. While the coronavirus pandemic impacted visitor numbers in 2020, we are witnessing a strong resurgence in 2022. Here are a few reasons why Dubai is a perfect vacation destination.
Cosmopolitan Population
Over 85% of Dubai’s population is composed of expatriates divided across more than 200 nationalities. As a result, the city has a truly vibrant atmosphere where every major holiday is celebrated, from Chinese New Year to St. Patrick’s Day, from Christmas to Eid al Fitr. You can also enjoy every variety of cuisine in the world here if you know just where to look. Whether you are looking for a spicy Thai curry, a crisp plate of fish and chips or a bowl of Ethiopian fuul, you will find it all.
Incredible Architecture
One of Dubai’s biggest claims to fame is its awe-inspiring and seemingly impossible architectural marvels. The city is quite literally picture perfect, with plenty of options for a great vacation selfie. There is the sailboat-shaped Burj Al Arab, which has become one of the city’s defining icons, or the magnificent Palm Jumeirah, best viewed from the air during a helicopter ride or skydive. You have two of the newest additions to the city’s skyline - the giant picture frame-shaped Dubai Frame and Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel. And of course, there is the tallest tower in the world - the Burj Khalifa. But really, wherever you go in the city, you are bound to find a wholly unique piece of architecture or design that you will want to capture as a memory.
Cultural Attractions
Most people tend to focus on the glitz and glamour of Dubai, but if you take a deeper dive into the city’s culture, there are several enriching experiences to enjoy. At the heart of the historic Bur Dubai district, you will find the Dubai Museum, which provides a snapshot of Emirati history. Close to it is the Al Bastakiya district, which still contains several traditional buildings and sits along the banks of the historic Dubai Creek. You can also take a tour of Union House, the building where the United Arab Emirates was officially founded as a nation.
Unique Experiences
Dubai offers you lifestyle experiences that you can find in most major global cities - world-class shopping featuring well-known brands; gourmet dining with restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Jose Andres and Nobu Matsuhisa; high-profile events and concerts. However, there are some vacation experiences that are unique to this incredible city - skiing on the world’s longest indoor ski slope, watching a camel race, skydiving over one of the largest man-made islands in the world, watching the sunset from the world’s tallest tower, enjoying a meal where your food is fully coated in edible gold, playing a few rounds on multiple championship golf courses that are located less than a 15-minute drive from each other, and the list goes on.
Safety and Security
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, and invests a lot of time, money and effort into ensuring that all of its residents feel secure. The police force is incredibly efficient in tackling misdemeanours, and the crime rate is minimal. During the pandemic, Dubai’s reputation as a safe haven has only been enhanced, thanks to the UAE government’s swift and decisive response in controlling infections, with one of the highest testing rates per capita in the world. After a brief lockdown period, the city is open for business at a time when countries around Europe are closing up again. There has also been a strong vaccine drive across the country, and the UAE has administered more than 1 million vaccines till date.