12 commonly held beliefs about luxurious Dubai that have turned out to be false
There is no doubt that the city of Dubai is one of the most evocative and fascinating places in the world.
The presence of massive wealth derived largely from oil has allowed the development of some of the most unique buildings and infrastructures in the world.
It must be said, however, that because of the Internet and the photographs that circulate, many of these aspects have become stereotypes that, like every stereotype, give a partial and simplistic image of the city.
Here are 12 false beliefs that revolve around this suggestive capital.
1 - Dubai is a state
It is the capital of one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates nation, namely, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujaira, Ras al-Khaima, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaywayn.
2 - In Dubai , no one can drink alcohol.
In Dubai, the use of alcohol is allowed for tourists and non-Muslims, but you must obtain a special card.
3 - Dubai has an enchanting climate and it is always summer.
The summer in Dubai, which lasts from mid-April to mid-November, reaches temperatures of 122°F (50°C) degrees, with an unbearable humidity. Furthermore, sandstorms are not rare given the proximity of the desert.
4 - The police in Dubai drive only luxury cars
Although we are used to seeing the police aboard a Lamborghini or Bentley (necessary when there are so many sports cars in the city), police officers also drive very normal BMW, Audi or Toyota cars.
5 - Big cats can be kept at home as pets.
The government has approved a total ban on keeping dangerous animals (even if they are domesticated) as pets. For owning a lion or a cheetah a person risks a heavy fine or even prison.
6 - In Dubai, they are all billionaires.
Of the 5,000 multibillionaires that exist in the world, only twenty live in Dubai. Most are in China and the USA.
7 - There is no poverty in Dubai
Apart from the sheikhs, there are a lot of "normal" people in Dubai who can earn salaries of 200-300 dollars a month. Considering the high cost of living, many live in poverty.
8 - Dubai is a green capital.
The speed with which the population is growing, the dusty and rain-free climate and the poor regulation regarding waste management and pollution definitely make Dubai, a not very healthy or environmentally-friendly city.
9 - The city took a long time to become as it is today.
The city of Dubai was built in a very short period of time and continues to transform itself at an incredible speed. If you remember that the United Arab Emirates was created only in 1971, you can get an idea of the real timeline.
10 - Everything in Dubai is automated
In the city there is no shortage of contradictions: if on one side, in the grand hotels located downtown every aspect of life is automated and computerized, there are districts in the city where they do not even have a functioning sewage system.
11 - In Dubai there are only skyscrapers
We should not be fooled by the photos we usually see! Even in Dubai, next to skyscrapers and futuristic buildings, we find the outskirts of the city where there are houses that have barely two floors.
12 - All the wealth of Dubai is based on oil
Before oil conquered the market, the citizens of Dubai had already proved themselves skilled producers and merchants of pearls. The market for these precious pearls, coming from the Persian Gulf, was very flourishing and still attracts many customers today.
