Many people associate the United Arab Emirates with sheikhs, white beaches, and luxurious hotels. But not all that glitters is gold. Sometimes, it’s so much more interesting to see the hidden side of the country that isn’t described in the tourist guide books.

At Bright Side, we love traveling, even if it’s virtual. Have a look at this collection of photos directly from the United Arab Emirates that will show you what is often hidden from outsiders.

“They installed a street sign in the desert at an intersection of 2 sand lanes.”

Wait about 5 years and you might get some high-rises along those streets. 

Do you want a luxurious taxi? Say no more, here’s your McLaren.

McLaren is a racing supercar of a premium class. They are believed to be one of the most prestigious and expensive cars in the world.

“Let me back in! I forgot it’s Dubai, and it’s 10 a.m. and 104°F outside.”

Nothing unusual, just a sandstorm in Dubai…

“I’m not like the others, I like exotic places. So my hotel is located in a non-tourist area of Dubai.”

“I was passing by a street café and one of its employees began to merrily invite me. He said they had the best prices.”

Alas, sometimes the UAE isn’t all about clean beaches and white sand.

Stations at Dubai beaches that distribute sunscreen

“There are a lot of places without pedestrian walkways, just sand and soil. You just have to walk on a separate lane off of the main road. It’s a bit scary.”

And this bird is politely waiting to enter the metro.

A regular day at a local beach with the biggest observation wheel in the background

This Starbucks in Dubai is quite an exotic-looking place.

Meeting a hen or a rooster in the street? Why not?

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“My cousin, the kayaker, took the best photo of Dubai that I have ever seen.”

“I had a 24-hour layover and $40 for a room. This is why everyone should try Airbnb.”

“I was about to get mad until…”

The note says: “I’m so sorry, I’m really bad at parking.”

Walking trips around Dubai are so different but always picturesque.

“She just brought me a trash bag full of what she called ’cheap incense someone left in a house; just throw out what you don’t want.’ It was 8 jars/bags full of Arabic/Iranian/Dubai oud woods plus a burner!” (This is one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the world. — Note by Bright Side)

The city view from a bird’s perspective — see you soon, beautiful Dubai!

Would you ever want to visit the United Arab Emirates? Or maybe you’ve been lucky enough to visit it already! Tell us in the comments below.