Common Misconceptions About Dubai

Dubai, often mistaken as a city abundant with billionaires and locals keeping lions as pets, or an independent nation, debunking these misconceptions.

Common Misconceptions About Dubai

Here are some things few people think about when mentioning Dubai.

Dubai is not just a city of billionaires

Contrary to common belief, only about 20 billionaires live in Dubai out of a total of 5,000 billionaires worldwide. The true city of the wealthy is Beijing (China), ranking second is New York (USA).

No Poverty in Dubai

This is entirely a misconception as there are many people living in poverty in Dubai. The average salary of a worker here is $200, while the cost of living in Dubai is very high. A phone subscription package costs around $30. Many people have to live crowded in a small room due to the inability to afford rent.

Dubai is a City

In reality, Dubai is just a city in the UAE – the United Arab Emirates, not the capital (the capital is Abu Dhabi). There are 7 emirates in the UAE with different governments. Dubai belongs to the most populous and developed emirate.

No Alcohol Allowed in Dubai

Dubai is the residence of Muslims, and alcohol is prohibited for many. However, tourists and those not following Islam can still consume them. To buy alcohol, you need a special card or passport to prove you are a foreigner. You can enjoy wine, beer, cocktails in most hotels, nightclubs, and bars. Typically, these entertainment areas are located within hotels, and there are about 500 such places in Dubai.

Dubai's Unemployment Rate: Myth or Reality?

Contrary to popular belief, unemployment is virtually non-existent in Dubai. However, the catch is that foreign nationals without a work visa face deportation within 30 days. Locals, on the other hand, find job opportunities easily with a university degree.

Dubai Police: More than Luxury Cars

The misconception that Dubai police patrol in Lamborghinis and Bentleys is far from reality. In truth, they use more modest vehicles like BMW, Audi, and Toyota while carrying out their duties. Due to the widespread use of sports cars by locals, the police had to adapt to meet the demand for high-speed vehicles.

Automation Dominates Dubai

Technology permeates every aspect of the city, from automated buses and robot police officers to subway trains and airports. However, Dubai also has areas lacking basic amenities, such as a simple water supply system, similar to many places around the world.

Exotic Pets in Dubai: Lions and Tigers as House Companions

Contrary to the belief that wealthy Dubai residents commonly keep lions and tigers as pets, it is actually illegal to own wild animals without a proper license. Only a few are granted the permit, and walking a lion or tiger on Dubai's streets without a valid license could lead to a 6-month imprisonment and fines ranging from $2,700 to $138,000.

Dubai's Wealth Beyond Oil

The city's economic prosperity dates back to ancient times when locals thrived on pearl diving. Pearls from the Arabian Gulf were highly valued worldwide. While the initial economic foundation was based on pearls, Dubai later shifted to oil exploration and extraction.

Insider Insights

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour