Have you visited Dubai? If you haven’t been to the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or don’t know anyone who has been here before, that’s probably going to change very soon. This fascinating place was recently recognized as the world’s favorite destination for short stays by the travel tech company Holidu.
The company explains that Dubai’s International Airport also allows travelers to easily connect to other continents and offers a great experience. In the report, Holidu states: “These… aren’t just restricted to weekend breaks either, and also refer to layovers of more than one day in an extra destination at the beginning or end of a longer trip.”
They also added: “The city is not short of things to do either, with Tripadvisor showing over 4,200 tours available – putting the city in 5th place overall for this metric.”
And that’s not all. Just a few weeks ago, a TikTok study revealed that Dubai is the second most popular destination right now. Videos using the hashtag “Dubai” on the platform got over 81.8 million views.
The company Bounce gathered all TikTok data and shared thoughts on why Dubai is becoming such a trendy destination: “Synonymous with wealth and luxury, Dubai has become one of the most sought-after destinations for holidaymakers who want to soak up the sun in style. This ultra-modern city is home to some of the world’s most astounding architectures.”
There are many reasons why Dubai is becoming more and more popular. From amazing architecture to an impressive international airport to great beaches to one of the best viewpoints in the world. Travelers visiting Dubai will hardly forget the experience.
The Government Wants To Attract More Travelers
The capital of UAE wants to become a unique destination for international travelers. The government has been clear about its efforts and feels proud of what they have achieved this year.
From January to June, Dubai was visited by 7.12 million international travelers. According to the information shared by Breaking Travel News, the growth this year represents a 183% increase compared to the previous year.
His Highness Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai explained that their vision is “to make Dubai the city of the future and the world’s best place to live, work and invest”.
And added: “In the years ahead, Dubai will continue to develop itself further as a destination that offers compelling value to international travelers.”
Hotels in Dubai have also performed very well with an average occupancy of 72% this year. During the pandemic, the UAE reactivated its “Dubai Connect” program and offered travelers a free hotel room, airport transfers, and meals. This strategy may have also helped increase interest in this destination.
What Travelers Must Know About Dubai
This city is offering visitors a unique experience. Travelers can see and visit the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa —which has 160 stories—, amazing shopping malls with aquariums and light shows, the Dubai Fountain, the Miracle Garden, the Global Village and so much more!
It is a safe destination, but there are a few considerations for travelers. Even though the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, those who want to visit should learn about local rules:
- Islam is the official religion and the constitution enshrines it.
- Drinking alcohol or being drunk in public is prohibited.
- It is illegal to consume, buy or possess drugs and penalties are severe. Even traces —including in the bloodstream— can result in prison sentences with no bail allowed.
- It is illegal for unmarried couples to live together, consider this when making a hotel reservation.
- Do not kiss or hug in public, public demonstration of affection is not allowed.
- Be careful with social media. Posting information that they can consider insulting or disturbing can result in serious penalties.
To learn more, travelers can visit the US State Department’s official travel information.
