12. Debt Issues
Dubai is the city of big dreams and even bigger skyscrapers, but it’s also a place where debt can turn into a nightmare. Believe it or not, bouncing a check or defaulting on a loan can lead to jail time, thanks to the emirate’s strict financial laws. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of expats who’ve had to abandon their luxury cars at the airport to flee debt collectors and potential arrest.
But things are starting to change. The government is trying to make laws that are less harsh on people who owe money. Plus, some grocery stores in Dubai are now giving free food to people who need it, particularly following a dip in tourism during 2020-2021 that left stores with excess food. So, if you’re thinking of going to Dubai, make sure you know the rules about money to avoid any problems.
13. Diamond Nokia Phones
Dubai is known for its love of luxury, and even cell phones are no exception. Take the Nokia Supreme, for example. It’s not just any old phone—it’s covered in 12.5 carats of pink diamonds! These diamonds aren’t just stuck on; they’re carefully placed by hand all around the phone’s frame. So, while the rest of the world is busy talking about the latest smartphones, people in Dubai are bringing back the classic Nokia in the fanciest way possible.
And if you’re wondering about the cost, hold onto your hats. This diamond-covered phone comes with a hefty price tag of $170,000. Yes, you read that right. In a city where you can find gold ATMs and underwater homes, a super-expensive, diamond-covered phone fits right in. It’s not just a phone; it’s a status symbol that says, “I’ve made it!”
14. Designer Trash Bins
Ever thought a trash bin could make a fashion statement? Welcome to Dubai, where even garbage has a touch of glam! Picture this: bins covered with designer brand logos like Louis Vuitton. Yes, you heard that right—people are actually taking the time to paint their trash and recycling bins with designer insignias!
In a city where appearance is everything and brand names are king, why should trash be any different? Let’s face it, if you’re going to live the luxe life in Dubai, your trash might as well do it in style too!
15. Uber For Yachts
Think Uber is just for car rides? Not in Dubai, where the ride-sharing company offers a luxe twist: Uber for Yachts. For about $82 per ride, you can be whisked away to an Uber yacht moored at Marine Pier 7. But this isn’t just any yacht experience—it comes complete with DJ music from Nikki Beach, a well-known global clubbing brand.
Booking is as simple as reserving your spot through the Uber app, which also keeps tabs on when exclusive yacht parties are available. Chriss Free, the general manager of Uber UAE, says the service is all about “constantly innovating” to provide unique experiences at the push of a button. So, if you’re in Dubai and feeling nautical, your yacht experience is just an app tap away.
16. Extremely high tennis courts
Soaring more than a thousand feet above the ground, the rooftop tennis court at Dubai’s Burj al Arab hotel serves up luxury with a view. In a spectacular publicity stunt back in 2005, tennis legends Roger Federer and Andre Agassi volleyed to inaugurate what is now the world’s loftiest tennis court. This happened just before the kick-off of the Dubai Duty-Free Open, turning both the sport and the venue into immediate icons.
Staying at the Burj al Arab will set you back anywhere from $1,000 to $28,000 a night, but if you’re a guest, you get the exclusive chance to play on this sky-high court. Tempting, isn’t it? But beware, if you overshoot a serve, the tennis ball could take a perilous plunge from a great height. Thankfully, the court extends over the water, making the risk to pedestrians below quite minimal. So, game, set, and match to unparalleled luxury!
17. Gold ATMs
Did you know you can actually withdraw gold bars from an ATM! That’s right, the Gold To Go ATM, first introduced in the Emirates in 2010, is your one-stop-shop for all things shiny and valuable. Produced by TG Gold-Super-Markt, these unique machines are stocked with an astonishing 320 different gold items, from custom coins to weighted, 24-carat gold bars sealed in plastic. The bars alone are worth around a staggering $1.46 million! Whether you have an urgent need to diversify your investments or just want to impress someone with a golden souvenir, these ATMs are a testament to the emirate’s penchant for luxury and convenience.
If you’re concerned about the safety and pricing of such an extravagant endeavor, worry not. These gold-dispensing ATMs are as secure as Fort Knox. The prices of the golden goods are updated every single minute via an encrypted internet connection, ensuring you get the most bang—or in this case, bling—for your buck. As for security, these machines are practically impenetrable. Equipped with surveillance cameras that record every transaction, they’re also built like armored vehicles and have even been tested against explosives. So next time you’re in Dubai and feel like making a withdrawal that’s a little more glittering than usual, you know where to go!
18. Boxing On A Rooftop
If you thought boxing was all about sweaty gyms and dingy basements, think again. In Dubai, you can throw punches in style. The Sofitel The Palms Dubai hotel offers a boxing gym experience like no other—on a rooftop, no less! For $80, you get a one-hour session with a pro trainer, and the backdrop for your jabs and uppercuts is the Dubai skyline. Now that’s what you call a knockout setting.
Of course, if you’re just after the prestige of saying you’ve boxed on a rooftop overlooking one of the world’s most glamorous cities, you can simply rent the ring for $15 an hour. Just a heads-up—this gym is a hot ticket. People usually book months in advance to secure a spot. So if you want to train or just show off in this high-altitude ring, better plan ahead.
19. Sky-High Dinner
Forget rooftop dining. That’s so last year. In Dubai, you eat in the sky! Imagine floating 165 feet above the ground, munching on gourmet bites while dangling your feet in the air. Yes, it’s real, and it’s called Dinner in the Sky Dubai. You’re not just in a high chair; you’re in the highest chair!
Strap in, folks. We mean it—there are actual seat belts. Safety first, right? The whole dining table rotates, so you’re getting 360-degree views of glittering Dubai. No need to fight for the seat with the best view; every seat is the best seat! Is it pricey? Yep. Dinner will set you back $191. But hey, where else can you eat, float, and feel like Aladdin on a magic carpet ride, all at the same time?
20. Elite Ambulances
Even the ambulances in Dubai are over the top! Unlike any emergency medical service you’ve seen, these ambulances are essentially high-speed supercars. Designed to reach patients as rapidly as possible, Dubai’s fleet includes ambulances that are actually modified sports cars—think Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and even a Lotus! They even use limousines as ambulances to offer a luxurious medical transport experience. Covered by standard medical plans, these limo ambulances aren’t for life-or-death emergencies but provide a lavish transport option for less urgent medical needs. And guess what? You can even bring a friend along for the swanky ride!
Imagine the surprise when, in the midst of a medical emergency, what pulls up isn’t a van with sirens, but a sleek supercar capable of speeds most vehicles can only dream of. These high-speed vehicles are equipped with all the necessary first-aid equipment and staffed by highly-trained medical professionals, ensuring that quality of care is not sacrificed for speed. While the sight of a Lamborghini or Ferrari serving as an ambulance might elicit raised eyebrows in most parts of the world, it somehow feels right at home in Dubai.
21. Ferrari Pizza Delivery
Ever ordered a pizza and thought, “This would be so much better if it showed up in a Ferrari?” Well, you’re in luck—at least if you’re in Dubai! You can have your cheesy slice delivered straight to your doorstep in a Ferrari worth a staggering $276,550! Talk about living the fast and the flavorful life!
This isn’t just about making an entrance; it’s also about guaranteeing your dinner arrives hot and fresh. When your delivery driver’s in a car that can hit over 200 mph, Domino’s old 30-minute delivery promise starts to seem a little, well, slow. So the next time you’re in Dubai, skip the traditional delivery method and go for the most Dubai thing ever—a pizza brought to you by the horsepower of a Ferrari!
22. Marble Horse Stables
When it comes to luxury, Dubai doesn’t horse around—quite literally. The city is home to the Godolphin Stables, a horse lover’s dream complete with marble floors and elegantly painted walls. Owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, these are no ordinary barns. They house some of the world’s top racehorses, and the stables are as high-end as you can get, featuring temperature-controlled environments to ensure the horses’ utmost comfort.
In Dubai, where over-the-top luxury is just another Tuesday, it’s not just humans who get to live the high life. Even the horses experience unparalleled pampering. After all, in a place where people don’t blink an eye at buying diamond-covered phones or indulging in golden desserts, making sure their elite racehorses also enjoy some spoils is simply par for the course. If you’re among Dubai’s well-heeled residents, having a marble stable for your prized equine isn’t extravagance—it’s almost expected.
23. Gold Supercars
In Dubai, luxury cars are as common as palm trees, but some folks take “luxury” to the next level by driving gold-plated cars! Imagine cruising down the highway in a car that’s not just shiny, but actually coated in 24-karat gold. These aren’t just cars; they’re like moving pieces of art. Bright under the desert sun, these golden beauties are real head-turners. They make even the fanciest of cars look plain as they glide down the roads, gleaming like treasures you’d find in an ancient king’s vault.
But it’s not just the outside of these cars that’s jaw-dropping. Step inside, and you might find seats made of fine leather, diamond accents on the dashboard, and even mini bars. They’re the epitome of comfort and style mixed into one. However, you won’t see them everywhere; they’re often reserved for special events or occasions where they’re sure to be the star of the show. Driving one of these isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about making a statement that you’ve arrived—in the most glamorous way possible.