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Dubai, also spelled Dubayy, is the capital of the emirate of Dubai, one of the wealthiest of the seven emirates that constitute the federation of the United Arab Emirates, which was created in 1971 following independence from Great Britain. Over nine-tenths of the emirate's population lives in the capital and nearby built-up sections.

There are several theories about the origin of the name. Some associate it with the daba, a type of locust that infests the area, while others hold that it refers to a market that existed near the city.

In recent years, it has been compared to Singapore and Hong Kong and has been often regarded as the Middle East's premier entrepôt. What's more, in 2022, the Dubai tourism sector saw 14.36 million international overnight visitors. So we at Bored Panda decided to compile a collection of pictures that illustrate the many faces of this corner of the world. Enjoy!

#1

A Nurse In UAE Ordered Food From A Hospital And Got This Letter

A Nurse In UAE Ordered Food From A Hospital And Got This Letter

House_Troll Report

#2

This Taken Just After The Sunrise In The Empty Quarter, UAE

This Taken Just After The Sunrise In The Empty Quarter, UAE

joshuacrippsphotography Report

Dubai is a city of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, where big business takes place next to sun-seeking tourism. Because of its large expatriate population, it often feels like a Middle Eastern melting pot, and the atmosphere is generally tolerant.

Religious affiliations are not a prominent aspect of city life. While Islam is the majority religion, churches and Hindu temples coexist with Dubai’s mosques.

#3

This Sign I Spotted In Dubai

This Sign I Spotted In Dubai

abdamlcjmssnllds Report

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Libstak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For people of determination, that's a brilliant description. Stay determined, love to see you all out getting the best of life.

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#4

My Cousin The Kayaker Took The Best Picture Of Dubai That I Have Ever Seen

My Cousin The Kayaker Took The Best Picture Of Dubai That I Have Ever Seen

catloveroftheweek Report

Dubai’s population has grown steadily over the past two centuries, from just a few thousand local inhabitants to well over two million. 

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It is a relatively crime-free place where administrative efficiency and openness to business have encouraged astonishing growth. However, criticism of the local authoritarian government and the ruling elite is not tolerated.

#6

A Stroll Through The Old Dubai

A Stroll Through The Old Dubai

girlgoneabroad Report

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LexilovesLucky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Glad to see something real still exsist, in contrast to just a display of empty wealth

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#8

I Went To The Wetlands Of Dubai And Waited For 8 Hours To Get A Shot. I Knew No One Else Would. Happy New Year

I Went To The Wetlands Of Dubai And Waited For 8 Hours To Get A Shot. I Knew No One Else Would. Happy New Year

land_of_ice Report

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#9

A Spice Market In Dubai

A Spice Market In Dubai

dayman3456 Report

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UpupaEpops
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has incense as well. That wood boxy thing is an incensor. In the right lower corner, the off-white stuff is most likely frankincense.

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Like much of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai has year-round hot weather. Humidity is high in the summer months and moderate the rest of the year.

The coldest winter month is usually January, with lows of about 15°C (49°F), while the hottest summer month is July, with highs of more than 40°C (104°F).

#10

This Sign In Dubai That Restores The Faith In Humanity

This Sign In Dubai That Restores The Faith In Humanity

Stalins_Moustachio Report

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#11

A Miracle Garden Just Wouldn't Be Complete Without The Installation Of An Actual A380 Covered With 5m Flowers. Welcome To The World's Largest Botanical Garden In Dubai

A Miracle Garden Just Wouldn't Be Complete Without The Installation Of An Actual A380 Covered With 5m Flowers. Welcome To The World's Largest Botanical Garden In Dubai

the_bossing_charlie Report

#12

Business In Dubai Giving Free Food For The Poor

Business In Dubai Giving Free Food For The Poor

soupdogg8 Report

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rullyman
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Charity is one of the pillars of Islam. Sadly in Dubai it is needed because the city is built by trapped migrant workers paid poverty wages.

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#13

This Road, After A Sandstorm

This Road, After A Sandstorm

cee_explorer Report

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said the city received 4.67 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2023, up 17 percent year-on-year from 3.97 million in the same period in 2022.

“The tourism sector is not only the strongest pillar of our economy but also a key enabler of Dubai’s distinctive role in the world as a bridge between markets, cultures, and regions,” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said.

#14

This Mall In Dubai Has A Room Specifically For Fathers To Change Their Baby's Diapers

This Mall In Dubai Has A Room Specifically For Fathers To Change Their Baby's Diapers

leaderxtreme Report

#15

An Amazing Umbrellas Reflection In Dubai. Miracle Garden

An Amazing Umbrellas Reflection In Dubai. Miracle Garden

criss1016 Report

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#17

In Dubai People Keep Bottles Of Water Outside For The Delivery Guys

In Dubai People Keep Bottles Of Water Outside For The Delivery Guys

Usef89 Report

To boost these numbers even more, Dubai has announced new plans to extend the length of the emirate’s beaches from 21 km to 105 km (13 to 65 miles).

The plan, which forms part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, features the opening of new beaches and the development of existing ones with advanced facilities. The expansion should not only attract more tourists from around the world but cater to the growing emirate’s population.

#18

This Little Guy Landed On My Bike At A Dubai Desert Safari

This Little Guy Landed On My Bike At A Dubai Desert Safari

watermybrains Report

#19

Dawn Breaking. Seeing This From The Floor 121 Of The Burj Khalifa

Dawn Breaking. Seeing This From The Floor 121 Of The Burj Khalifa

RoseGoldRubberBand Report

#21

South African Flag Displayed On The Burj Khalifa, For South African Freedom Day

South African Flag Displayed On The Burj Khalifa, For South African Freedom Day

DIRCO_ZA Report

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Most of the early population increases were due to merchants from neighboring countries choosing to relocate to Dubai’s business-friendly environment but in the later 20th century, the city's construction boom led to a huge increase in the number of South Asian laborers and an influx of skilled expatriates from all over the world who play an important role in Dubai’s multi-sector economy.

#22

Trashcans In Dubai Are Like This To Avoid Incorrect Disposal

Trashcans In Dubai Are Like This To Avoid Incorrect Disposal

heard10cker Report

#23

A Non-Muslim Section At A Grocery Store

A Non-Muslim Section At A Grocery Store

Bnmakr1 Report

#24

Sunscreen Stations At Dubai Beaches

Sunscreen Stations At Dubai Beaches

wait_ill_google_it Report

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Greenmantle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would've thought most of the population would be covered up in terms of dress code. Can someone enlighten me? Is it acceptable for Muslims and non-Muslims to wear western style bathers?

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#26

A "Peacocks Crossing" Road Sign

A "Peacocks Crossing" Road Sign

aDp20 Report

#27

Atlantis The Palm Dubai

Atlantis The Palm Dubai

nadeem_clicks1 Report

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#28

Friday Prayer In All Of Its Glory

Friday Prayer In All Of Its Glory

Fillthegap2 Report

#29

My Local Tim Hortons (Dubai, UAE) Having A Menu Showing You How To Use Sign Language For Hearing-Impaired Staff

My Local Tim Hortons (Dubai, UAE) Having A Menu Showing You How To Use Sign Language For Hearing-Impaired Staff

pyh00ma Report

#30

A Friend Sent Me This Photo From His Trip To Dubai. An Uber McLaren Picking Up Someone From Hotel

A Friend Sent Me This Photo From His Trip To Dubai. An Uber McLaren Picking Up Someone From Hotel

reddit.com Report

#31

A Floating Grocery Store In Dubai For The Boats On New Year's Eve

A Floating Grocery Store In Dubai For The Boats On New Year's Eve

JamesETHD Report

#32

I Saw This Epic Starbucks In My Recent Trip To Dubai

I Saw This Epic Starbucks In My Recent Trip To Dubai

usaf_jeff Report

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Raj Kuthrapali
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a Starbucks stall inside a grand looking building. This entire thing is not a Starbucks.

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#34

A Street Sign In The Desert, At An Intersection Of Two Sand Lanes

A Street Sign In The Desert, At An Intersection Of Two Sand Lanes

cheekypuns Report

#35

Some Public Bathrooms In Dubai Have A Place To Wash Your Feet Before Praying

Some Public Bathrooms In Dubai Have A Place To Wash Your Feet Before Praying

Punkybrewster1 Report

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#37

My Hotel Room In Dubai Lets You Know Which Direction Is Mecca

My Hotel Room In Dubai Lets You Know Which Direction Is Mecca

theod4re Report

#38

Jumeirah Islands, Inspiring Scenery With An Amazing Background Skyline

Jumeirah Islands, Inspiring Scenery With An Amazing Background Skyline

khaled_a_hassan_1 Report

#39

This Free Sim Card I Got In Dubai Immigration

This Free Sim Card I Got In Dubai Immigration

Jeroen207 Report

#41

There Are Random Freezers On Some Streets Of Dubai That Have Food And Drinks For Whoever Needs It

There Are Random Freezers On Some Streets Of Dubai That Have Food And Drinks For Whoever Needs It

AliGhost47 Report

#42

My 3rd Time Watching An Aqua-Aerial Acrobatic Show "La Perle"

My 3rd Time Watching An Aqua-Aerial Acrobatic Show "La Perle"

iamdocgelo Report

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#44

A Hotel Lobby In Dubai

A Hotel Lobby In Dubai

Palana Report

#45

Abandoned Luxurious Car In Dubai

Abandoned Luxurious Car In Dubai

andeffect Report

#49

These Garbage Cans In The City Are Decorated In Loui Vuitton

These Garbage Cans In The City Are Decorated In Loui Vuitton

OrbisTertius3 Report

#50

A Golden Car

A Golden Car

AnasAbdin Report

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#51

A Construction Site In Dubai Uses Homer Simpson To Teach About Safety

A Construction Site In Dubai Uses Homer Simpson To Teach About Safety

Tipsy_McStaggar Report

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#53

Probably One Of The Weirdest Buildings I've Ever Seen

Probably One Of The Weirdest Buildings I've Ever Seen

bemorephotos Report

#54

Skiing In The Desert. It Was Impossible To Ski In A City In The Desert, But There Was A Place That Made It A Reality. A Ski Resort Built Inside The Shopping Mall

Skiing In The Desert. It Was Impossible To Ski In A City In The Desert, But There Was A Place That Made It A Reality. A Ski Resort Built Inside The Shopping Mall

aeri.k.01 Report

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October
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The amount of energy waisted to cool that place must be enormous. Zero f***s given about the environment

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#55

Dubai Just Added A Bentley To Its Police Fleet

Dubai Just Added A Bentley To Its Police Fleet

TariqAlmoqati Report

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LexilovesLucky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Society of the spectcal, when appearance is everything, it's honestly sad.

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#56

Buying Lamborghini Like It's Nothing

Buying Lamborghini Like It's Nothing

TannerTwaggs Report

#57

Helping Each Other Starts With Small Things

Helping Each Other Starts With Small Things

HSajwanization Report

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#58

This Champagne Vending Machine At Dubai Opera

This Champagne Vending Machine At Dubai Opera

Cordy_cat Report

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#60

I Was Waiting For My Turn To Drive That Famous Jetcar Over The Waters In Dubai

I Was Waiting For My Turn To Drive That Famous Jetcar Over The Waters In Dubai

iamdocgelo Report

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EP
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is oil? What is it that Dubai has that makes it so freaking wealthy? It’s a hot blazing desert. Devistating sandstorms that need constant $$$$ attention. Air conditioning and ice and coolant alone $$$$$$ for everything. What commodity is there that is in such excess and great demand and high price that Dubai can sustain itself at these higher than the creator above daily costs just to run itself and pay its government blah blah blah. I do not see any other country in this standing or at least it showing it. And if you want to live there. You better be a billionaire! I’m the most unlikely place…. Desert, blazing sun, no shade, no greenery.

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#61

Luxury Scrapyard. These Cars Were Owned By People Who Found Themselves In Debt And Had To Leave The Country

Luxury Scrapyard. These Cars Were Owned By People Who Found Themselves In Debt And Had To Leave The Country

KittPeeblez Report

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v
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They didn't find themselves in debt. They created the debt and then left the country to avoid it.

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#62

Dubai Desert. I'm Impressed By How Calm It Is, Compared To The City

Dubai Desert. I'm Impressed By How Calm It Is, Compared To The City

Puzzleheaded_Way_14 Report

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Gmaddles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Were you expecting gold vending machines, Lamborghinis, or robot cops?

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#63

The Dubai Mall Is So Big That There Are Taxis Driving People Around Within The Mall

The Dubai Mall Is So Big That There Are Taxis Driving People Around Within The Mall

product50 Report

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Phoenix
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Taxi! I need a ride to Cinnabon and then Orange Julius. Oh heck, let's get a slice of pizza too

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#65

Al Seef District

Al Seef District

sid_ul Report

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#66

Meanwhile In Dubai

Meanwhile In Dubai

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ƒιѕн
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone else leaving the country but taking their car with them

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#68

There's A Hotel "Somewhere" In Dubai

There's A Hotel "Somewhere" In Dubai

ImmaPostThisOnReddit Report

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Aqsa Azam
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Sir, where would you like to go?" "Somewhere" "But where?" "Just somewhere"

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#69

An Ashtray In The Park

An Ashtray In The Park

falanadhimkana Report

#70

Set-Up Of The Star Wars At Dubai Mall, UAE

Set-Up Of The Star Wars At Dubai Mall, UAE

rrroooyyy Report

#72

Verified Deep Dive Dubai. The Warm, Clear Waters And Great Atmosphere Both Under And Over The Water

Verified Deep Dive Dubai. The Warm, Clear Waters And Great Atmosphere Both Under And Over The Water

alex_dawson_photography , alex_dawson_photography Report

#73

You Can Get Camel Hotdogs In Dubai

You Can Get Camel Hotdogs In Dubai

DubaiCM Report

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Mother of Giants
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother lived in Dubai for 4 years. One Christmas he sent me a bar of camel milk chocolate. I still have it.... Haven't had the courage to try it.

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#74

Dubai "Museum Of The Future" With Really Cool Lifts. Thought That Was A Work Of Art

Dubai "Museum Of The Future" With Really Cool Lifts. Thought That Was A Work Of Art

seveninch23 Report

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Duck
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very cool but highly impractical. The lines are massive. I don't think I have the patience to wait an hour (at least) for a two second elevator ride!

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#75

I Visited This 50-Year-Old Desert Ghost Town Outside Dubai. Pretty Rad Development, And Lots Of Buildings To Explore

I Visited This 50-Year-Old Desert Ghost Town Outside Dubai. Pretty Rad Development, And Lots Of Buildings To Explore

TatianaDanger Report

#76

Historical And Contemporary Architecture

Historical And Contemporary Architecture

brandon110ong Report

#77

Miracle Garden

Miracle Garden

vxibhav Report

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#78

One Of This City's Mighty Creations Is This Tower That Needs No Introduction

One Of This City's Mighty Creations Is This Tower That Needs No Introduction

gyzmak08 Report

#79

The World's Biggest Golden Ring In Dubai

The World's Biggest Golden Ring In Dubai

yas004 Report

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LexilovesLucky
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this country is the equivalent to kim Kardashian in a country - all about the packaging, and with any content or depth, it's all about affluence

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#80

This Playground Was Built Under An Overpass To Stay Out Of The Sun

This Playground Was Built Under An Overpass To Stay Out Of The Sun

toometa4clever Report

#81

I Took This Picture Today At JBR Beach In Dubai. You Can Also See The Ferris Wheel In The Background

I Took This Picture Today At JBR Beach In Dubai. You Can Also See The Ferris Wheel In The Background

AlmeidaProject