Dubai is a city of the future and home to some of the most extraordinary records. A visit here is a must to see how our cities might look in 10–15 years. Many tourists visiting the UAE mistakenly assume that Dubai is the capital of the country. This is not surprising, as Dubai is the most famous of the seven emirates that formed the UAE in 1971. However, it is not the wealthiest emirate. Dubai’s global image has long overshadowed the actual capital, Abu Dhabi.
The World’s Tallest Building – Burj Khalifa
Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, standing at 828 meters. To put that into perspective, imagine stacking three Eiffel Towers on top of each other. Though many have tried, no one has yet managed to build something taller. The skyscraper was completed in just six years, despite the 2008 global financial crisis, which nearly led to the project’s cancellation. However, Dubai’s ruler found the necessary funds, and the project was completed.
The Burj Khalifa impresses not only with its height but also with its unique architecture. It holds multiple world records: 163 floors and 58 elevators – The elevators travel at a speed of about 10 meters per second, making you feel like an astronaut. Atmosphere Restaurant on the 122nd floor – The highest restaurant in the world. It seats 200 guests, but reservations need to be made at least a week in advance. An observation deck on the 124th floor – Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, with tickets priced at around €47 on weekdays and €67 on weekends.
One hidden marvel of the Burj Khalifa is its maintenance system. The building has 26,000 glass panels, which must be kept clean despite the frequent desert dust storms. Special cleaning machines travel along rails on the skyscraper’s exterior, washing the windows every 10 days.
The Museum of the Future
The Burj Khalifa impresses not only with its height but also with its unique architecture. It holds multiple world records: 163 floors and 58 elevators – The elevators travel at a speed of about 10 meters per second, making you feel like an astronaut. Atmosphere Restaurant on the 122nd floor – The highest restaurant in the world. It seats 200 guests, but reservations need to be made at least a week in advance. An observation deck on the 124th floor – Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, with tickets priced at around €47 on weekdays and €67 on weekends.
One hidden marvel of the Burj Khalifa is its maintenance system. The building has 26,000 glass panels, which must be kept clean despite the frequent desert dust storms. Special cleaning machines travel along rails on the skyscraper’s exterior, washing the windows every 10 days.
The Museum of the Future
One of Dubai’s newest attractions, the Museum of the Future, opened just three years ago. This interactive museum offers a glimpse into life 50 years from now. It is built from stainless steel, stands 77 meters tall, and features a unique elliptical design inscribed with Arabic calligraphy. Due to its futuristic architecture, National Geographic has listed it among the 14 most beautiful museums in the world.
The museum is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the future. One section showcases what Dubai will look like in 2071. Another takes visitors on a virtual space journey 600 km above Earth. There are interactive displays, sensory devices, and AI-powered exhibits, demonstrating cutting-edge scientific advancements. A special area is dedicated to children’s interactive learning experiences, featuring artificial intelligence.
Ticket price: 159 AED ($43.50).
Dubai Miracle Garden – The World’s Largest Flower Park
The museum is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the future. One section showcases what Dubai will look like in 2071. Another takes visitors on a virtual space journey 600 km above Earth. There are interactive displays, sensory devices, and AI-powered exhibits, demonstrating cutting-edge scientific advancements. A special area is dedicated to children’s interactive learning experiences, featuring artificial intelligence.
Ticket price: 159 AED ($43.50).
Dubai Miracle Garden – The World’s Largest Flower Park
Dubai is home to the world’s largest flower garden, covering an area equivalent to several football fields and featuring over 500,000 flowers and plants from all continents. Dubai Miracle Garden holds a Guinness World Record as the largest vertical flower garden, boasting incredible floral installations.
The park’s main attractions includelife-sized floral replicas of famous landmarks and the world’s largest floral model of an Airbus A380 plane. The heart-shaped flower arches near the entrance are the most popular attraction for visitors. The garden is open year-round, except for the hottest summer months.
Ticket price: $15.
The Dubai Fountain – The World’s Tallest Dancing Fountain
The park’s main attractions includelife-sized floral replicas of famous landmarks and the world’s largest floral model of an Airbus A380 plane. The heart-shaped flower arches near the entrance are the most popular attraction for visitors. The garden is open year-round, except for the hottest summer months.
Ticket price: $15.
The Dubai Fountain – The World’s Tallest Dancing Fountain
Next to the Burj Khalifa, on an artificial lake, you’ll find the world’s tallest dancing fountain. Every evening from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, a spectacular light and music show takes place every 30 minutes. The fountain jets water up to 140 meters high. The show covers an area the size of two football fields. For $20, visitors can take a traditional Arabic abra boat ride close to the fountain for an unforgettable view. For those who prefer a free experience, simply find a good viewing spot along the waterfront and enjoy the breathtaking show, which lasts about 10 minutes.
Burj Al Arab – The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel
Burj Al Arab – The World’s Most Luxurious Hotel
The Burj Al Arab is Dubai’s most famous and one of the most expensive luxury hotels. Often referred to as a “seven-star hotel”, it has been a symbol of Dubai since its completion in 1999. Souvenirs featuring the iconic sail-shaped hotel sell like hotcakes. The Burj Al Arab is built on a man-made island and took five years to construct. Its official cost remains undisclosed, but it is one of the most expensive construction projects in Dubai’s history.
Key features of the Burj Al Arab: 321 meters tall, with a helipad on the roof. It remains one of the most prestigious hotels, despite Dubai’s growing number of luxury accommodations. The hotel’s legendary service and commitment to privacy make it a favorite among celebrities and royalty. The only way inside is to book a table at the hotel’s restaurant on the 27th floor.
Key features of the Burj Al Arab: 321 meters tall, with a helipad on the roof. It remains one of the most prestigious hotels, despite Dubai’s growing number of luxury accommodations. The hotel’s legendary service and commitment to privacy make it a favorite among celebrities and royalty. The only way inside is to book a table at the hotel’s restaurant on the 27th floor.
Dubai is a city that pushes the limits of what is possible. Whether you’re interested in record-breaking skyscrapers, futuristic museums, floral wonders, spectacular fountains, or world-class luxury, Dubai has something extraordinary to offer every visitor.