Incredibly Expensive Things Found Only in Dubai

Est. Value: $135,000*
Produced by: WaterCar

Though WaterCar is an American company that is actually based on SoCal, it is popular in Dubai. WaterCar specializes in manufacturing and developing luxury amphibious cars. The company was founded in 1999 by Dave March, who was so inspired by the 1960s’ Amphicar (another amphibious luxury vehicle) that he developed WaterCar.

Water Cars @dayanajimenez_1 / Pinterest.com

The first commercial water car was available to the public in 2013 when WaterCar released the Panther. In having a rather reasonable price tag of just over $135, 000, the more recent model has become a popular accessory in Dubai, and not just amongst the higher class, although Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheik Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum, does own six of these amphibious water vehicles, himself.

While driving into the water at speeds just shy of 10mph, the wheels are retracted by a hydraulic off-road suspension. In under fifteen seconds the transition from a land vehicle into a sea-faring one, and vice versa, can be completed. Once the transformation is complete, these ‘Bond-esque’ vehicles can reach speeds in the water of more than 60mph.

Est. Value: $6,295 per night*
Produced by: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Known mostly for its tall buildings and man-made islands, Dubai also has several hotels that allow for their guests to stay in undersea hotel rooms. Most commonly located in the Ambassador Lagoon, the suite’s guests are treated to magnificent undersea views for a hefty price. The most well-known of the underwater suites can be located at Atlantis, The Palm.

Undersea Hotels @cntravele / Pinterest.com

“Neptune” and “Poseidon”, are the two aptly named underwater suites located in Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. They sport floor-to-ceiling windows which provide an up-close look at the more than sixty-five thousand sea creatures who inhabit the lagoon.

However, if you’re looking to stay in an underwater hotel, be prepared to spend some cash. It costs, at minimum, $314 a night to stay in an underwater Dubai hotel, which is pricier than even some of the nicest hotels in the States. A stay in some of the most luxurious underwater hotels can cost up to $25,000 for just one night.

Robotic Camel Racers @flowersyadhi / Pinterest.com

The robots are aluminum framed and have the capability to transmit the camel’s heart rate and running speed to the race team who are observing from a safe distance. The robots’ operators are driven along the side of the track in separate vehicles while handling the remote control devices.

The use of robot jockeys has prevented numerous injuries and countless human rights violations across the UAE’s camel-racing circuit. Not to mention, they also look cool. The robotic camels have been modified a lot as the years have gone on. Though development began in 2001, it took four years before the first race occurred. The robots had to be modified to survive the tough desert terrain and hot weather.

Est. Value: Unknown
Produced by: Unknown

If there is one thing that automobile drivers around the world have in common, it is the frustration they feel when stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Few things grind the gears of a driver more than staring at the back bumper of the car in front of them for hours on end. In Dubai, they have found an answer to all of one’s traffic problems.

Helicopter Taxis For Cars @FunnyHumorPhoto / Pinterest.com

Helicopter taxis can be seen flying around the Dubai skies, transporting the vehicles of the rich and famous from one location to the next. Those who live in the Burj Khalifa can see these heli-car taxis flying across the city on a regular basis.

The project began in 2017, thanks to a German startup, which signed on to be the first airborne taxi service in the world. The eighteen-rotor AATs (autonomous air taxis) were supplied by Volocopter. For a group of six people, a taxi ride costs about $144 per person, so it’s not cheap.

Est. Value: $5,000*
Produced by: Flyboard

Adrenaline junkies and water sport enthusiasts in Dubai have almost seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to the ways in which they can occupy their free time. If high-rise tennis courts and pet tigers are not enough to get one’s kicks, they need to look no further than the Persian Gulf to find their next thrill-seeking weekend activity: hydro-flying boots.

Hydroflying Boots ©hurricanehank / Shutterstock.com

Flyboarding is the new craze amongst those who have an extra few thousand dollars to spend on a new toy. Using a long hose that connects to the device and directs water pressure through jet nozzles that are fitted under the boots, they allow for the user to seemingly fly over the water.

The boots have the ability to thrust their rider over 70 feet in the air, or to speed along underwater, being propelled towards one’s destination at velocities that could reach over 25 mph. Is it safe? Probably not, but it is quite fun.

Est. Value: $545,000*
Produced by: Lamborghini

Due to the large number of elite vehicles in Dubai, it seems more out of necessity than for pleasure that the police officers can be seen riding around in style as well. More frequently than one would expect, the police in Dubai can be seen patrolling the streets in Ferraris, Bugattis, and Lamborghinis.

@huberrua/Pinterest

The Lamborghini Aventador is a police vehicle like no other. With the ability to go from 0-60 mph in 3 seconds and topping out around 220 mph, it is no wonder why attempts by drivers in Dubai to outrun the law are few and far between.

Far from a Crown Vic, getting pulled over by an Aventador would definitely be quite the experience. However, it’s not something you want to chance, as speeding tickets in Dubai are quite pricey. According to one website, tickets cost anywhere from $273 for minor speeding to over $800 for something major.

Est. Value: $16 Billion-$20 Billion*
Produced by: Creative Kingdom Dubai

Property developers in Dubai have been finding new and creative ways to outdo themselves with each successive project. While some countries are creating airport islands off their coasts, Dubai is building whole new worlds.

Artificial Man-Made “The World” Islands @tinekehenry / Pinterest.com

The work that was done in order to create the Palm Jumeirah seems as though it was just a practice run for the massive undertaking that is “The World” Islands, a massive undertaking that is still underway.

If seen from an aerial view, the islands are meant to look like a map of the world. When “The World” is completed it will take up an area that is approximately 3.7 by 5.6 miles and will consist of seven sets of islands with a total of close to 260 islands combined. Each set of islands will represent one of the seven continents while the islands themselves will range between 150, 000 sq ft and 450, 000 sq ft each.

Est. Value: $75/day pass*
Produced by: Majid Al Futtaim Group

Developed by The Majid Al Futtaim Group, Ski Dubai opened its lifts to the public for the first time, in 2005. Located within the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai has three lifts that transport skiers to the start, of one of the five runs that can be found almost twenty-five stories up, this indoor mountain.

Indoor Skiing in the Mall @emanuelveloza / Pinterest.com

Each course varies in difficulty. The most advanced of the courses being the world’s first indoor black diamond course. A black diamond course, for those unfamiliar with skiing, is always the toughest, most intricate course on the “mountain.”

For those looking for an activity other than skiing or snowboarding, Ski Dubai also sports a more than 30, 000 square-foot snow park that consists of an ice cave, toboggan runs, ice slide, an area dedicated to snowball fights, and a penguin experience exhibit. The seasonal indoor temperature at this ski resort is fairly consistent, as it hovers between 30-35 Fahrenheit, in order to provide the optimal winter weather all year long.

Est. Value: $40-$140/ticket*
Produced by: Majid Al Futtaim Group

Upon its completion in 2005, The Mall of the Emirates became the largest mall in the world. Five years later when a ski resort began operating with the mall, visitors thought they had seen everything the mall could offer, then a few years later, The Penguin Experience opened inside Ski Dubai, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about and walk with both King and Gentoo penguins.

Penguin Petting Zoo @myconciergeUAE / Pinterest.com

With tickets ranging from $40-$140, there are multiple penguin experiences to choose from. The most expensive of the tickets allow penguin enthusiasts the chance to interact with, and pet one of the penguins, under the appropriate supervision, of course.

While the ticket at the lower end of the price range still allows fans of these finely dressed birds to walk through an ice cave and see the penguins up-close. These cute, cuddly animals don’t really seem to be afraid of humans, mostly because they have no land predators in their native home of Antarctica.

Est. Value: $150,000-$200,000*
Produced by: Allstate Limo

Riding to the hospital in an ambulance can be a very stressful experience. In Dubai, they have found a new way to help reduce the patient’s stress, they use a fleet of converted limousines that have been fitted with everything one may need in order to satisfy their emergency or comfort needs.

Elite Ambulances @ebaudrit / Pinterest.com

Anyone in Dubai is eligible for a trip in one of the limos, as long as they have a standard medical plan. All standard plans cover the costs that one may encounter due to the need to ride in one of these luxury ambulances. One of the perks that come with the need to ride in one of these ambulance limos, is that there will always be room for that one extra person who wants to ride along to the hospital.

However, these limo ambulances aren’t for those in “dire need” of services. They’re not for GSWs or anything serious, and they’re also not for use by regular pedestrians. The patients this limo transports are those told by their doctor to go in for further treatment and facility transfers from one side of the emirate to another.

Est. Value: $5,000-$10,000*
Produced by: Custom Made

Luxury vehicles have become a common sight to see in Dubai. From Lamborghinis to double-wide Jeeps, Emiratis do not hold back when it comes to personal transportation. If it’s not flashy and expensive, it usually will not do.

Mustang Motorcycles @motorrad0058 / Pinterest.com

A mustang motorcycle in Dubai is slightly different from the classic bike that one may find cruising along the highways of America. A horse enthusiast in Dubai had a custom bike made in the image of an Arabian Horse. It has gained so much attention, that others have followed suit, and these Emirati “Mustang-Motorcycles”, have become the talk of the town.

Another recent Mustang attention-getter was the Avatar Mustang, which debuted at the Royal Show. The Avatar Mustang is based on the James Cameron movie, and it is basically the aliened-out version of an S550 Ford Mustang. It remains to be seen whether these alien Mustangs will sweep Dubai the way Mustang Motorcycles have.

Est. Value: $40,000-$100,000*
Produced by: N/A

One of the ultimate status symbols in Dubai is for an individual to own a falcon. As the national bird of the UAE, the falcon is given the utmost respect and treated better than people are in most other countries.

Falcon Flights @crazipanda156 / Pinterest.com

It is common for pet owners to be worried about their companions when the need for air travel may arise. Having one’s cat or dog kept in a separate section of a plane for the duration of the flight, is enough to make anyone concerned. Falcons are so well regarded in the UAE that when traveling on an airplane with their owners, they are allowed to remain uncaged in the passenger compartments, and given their own seats for the trip.

And there’s no denying that falcons are amazing birds. Because of their thin, tapered wings, they can fly at speeds up to 200 miles per hour and change direction in the blink of an eye. These remarkable creatures are also very intelligent, with cognitive skills comparable to a crow or a raven.

Est. Value: $4.8 Million*
Produced by: Mercedes

The people of Dubai have been making an art out of spending money on over-the-top items that most people could only dream of. The motor vehicles in Dubai will most certainly turn a few heads, but none will do so more often than the diamond-encrusted Mercedes.

Diamond-Encrusted Mercedes @icebox_2019 / Pinterest.com

More than three hundred thousand diamonds were used as decals on Saudi Prince, (Amir) al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz’s Mercedes. Being one of the top ten wealthiest people in the world, the $4.8 million price tag, was more like pocket change to him.

According to some reports, just getting to touch this expensive car cost $1,000. The SL500 was designed for the fiftieth anniversary of the SL500 in 2007. The billionaire-owned car first debuted at the Dubai Auto Show, which is famous for hosting some of the most absurdly luxurious cars on the planet.

Est. Value: 56/gram of 24K gold*
Produced by: TG Gold-Super-Markt

Should the need for some extra spending money or perhaps a gold bar arise while visiting the UAE, one should not fret, as there are ATMs available for just the occasion. The Gold To Go gold bar ATM was first seen in the Emirates in 2010.

ATMs for Gold Bars @billgursky / @fairgreen / Pinterest.com

Stocked with three hundred and twenty different items made of gold, the machine sells a variety of custom coins, as well as, a variety of weighted, 24-carat gold bars (worth around $1.46 million) that are sealed in plastic upon being dispensed.

For those who are worried about up-to-date prices or someone breaking into one of the machines, these concerns are justified but rather unnecessary. The prices are updated through an encrypted internet connection every minute and in order to prevent theft, the Gold To Go has been fitted with cameras that record every transaction, is built like an armored vehicle, and was tested with explosives.

Est. Value: $~1 Million*
Produced by: Ideal Classic Cars

Dubai is a great place for anyone who has ever wanted to live as though they were stepping out of the realities of the Western World and into an adult playground. The cities are huge, the accessories are flashy, and the cars are in a league of their own.

Actual Batmobile @mayraperezmadri / Pinterest.com

Walking the streets in Dubai can sometimes remind a visitor of the streets in the Gran Turismo or Grand Theft Auto video games because of the luxurious, over-the-top cars that appear to be relics from those games. One example is an actual, sleek Batmobile (though we doubt Bruce Wayne is behind the wheel).

On a night out in the city, a visitor may think they have seen the Dark Knight himself cruising around town, but they would be mistaken. It would just have been a local, driving one of the handfuls of Bat-mobiles that have been sold in the UAE. Reaching speeds of more than 150 mph, these chariots of the knight are no joke.

Est. Value: $300,000-$500,000*
Produced by: FCA US LLC

Living in Dubai can sometimes feel like a full-time job on its own. Aside from the day-to-day work that the residents of the city undertake, they also spend copious amounts of money in order to make childhood dreams come true and it seems as though that could be very tiresome.

Gold-Plated Escalades @EddyLMon1964 / Pinterest.com

Not everyone in Dubai can afford a new Ferrari or Lamborghini, some people still find themselves purchasing the more commonly found Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, if the desire to have one’s Cherokee stand out during rush hour is just too much to handle, that is not a problem at all.

For only a couple hundred thousand dollars, on top of the original vehicle price, Jeep drivers can cover their vehicles from the front bumper to the back in 24K gold paint. The standard price to repaint a Jeep is anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000. Add in the cost of that pricey gold paint, and you could be looking at costs of up to $10,000.

Est. Value: $12 Billion*
Produced by: Nakheel

Paid for by the considerable income that Dubai receives from petroleum sales, The Palm Islands cost a modest $12 billion to build and took only six years to finish. A fleet of dredgers used a hi-tech GPS system, and worked around the clock, in order to displace and accurately spray the 120 million cubic meters of sand that was taken from the bottom of the sea to form the trunk and branches.

Artificial Man-Made “The World” Islands @tinekehenry / Pinterest.com

Housing around fifteen hundred mansions on the beach fronts of the seventeen fronds (and six thousand apartments on the trunk), the full property of the Palm ‘Jumeriah’ is equal to the size of around six hundred soccer fields.

The amount of sand used to build the Palm Jumeriah would be enough to build a two-meter wall three times the circumference of the Earth. According to Bayut.com, this works out to 3.319 billion cubic feet of sand, all dredged from the bottom of the ocean. The foundations alone of The Palm are made of seven million tons of rock from the Hajar Mountains.

Est. Value: $1,000-$28,000/night*
Produced by: Burj al Arab hotel

Found more than a thousand feet up in the air atop the Burj al Arab hotel is the highest of the high-rise rooftop tennis courts that Dubai has to offer. As a publicity stunt prior to the start of the Dubai Duty-Free Open in 2005, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi were invited to play a friendly match on the world’s highest rooftop court.

High-Rise Tennis Courts @Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships / Youtube.com

It will cost anywhere from $1,000 to $28,000 a night to stay in the Burj al Arab, but any guest of the hotel has the opportunity to play a set or two atop the 7-Star Burj al Arab. And who could turn down that opportunity?

One must keep in mind, however, that if a ball does get hit out of play, it could be fatal to an unsuspecting patron a thousand feet below. Luckily the court is out over the water and the chances of that happening are rather slim.

Est. Value: $250,000*
Produced by: FCA US LLC

Taking up multiple lanes due to its width, the concept of the side-by-side Jeep would seem out of the ordinary for a North American to grasp but is more than accepted in the architecturally unique world of Dubai. The producer of the double-decker Jeep is, of course, Chrysler. Sadly, Americans looking for this unique creation probably won’t be able to get it imported.

Double Decker Jeep @shuijberts / Pinterest.com

Although the double Jeep is rather different from the traditional stretch limousines or mini-busses that one can see while in America, its purpose is the same, to carry more people than a regular vehicle from point A to point B.

Those who own these Jeep Wranglers are further proof that in Dubai if someone has enough money, they can have almost anything built that their heart desires. These family-sized vehicles are equipped with six wheels in order to maintain the automobile’s balance and provide its passengers an awkwardly comfortable ride.

Est. Value: $3, 500*
Produced by: The Black Market

As a symbol of their status, Emiratis have been known to keep domesticated Cheetahs as pets. Although the cats are usually rather shy creatures, they can be seen out for walks with their person or riding shotgun in one of the luxury vehicles which their owner is bound to be in possession of.

Pet Cheetahs @naveenbc007 / Pinterest.com

As fantastic of an idea as it may be in theory, having a pet as dangerously unpredictable as a cheetah could lead to some fairly unfortunate accidents. Similar to the consequences of owning a pet tiger, if caught with a pet cheetah, the exotic pet owners face a hefty fine and confiscation of their feline friend.

And, to be honest, it’s immoral to own a pet cheetah anyway. These beautiful cats are native to central Iran and Africa, and they can suffer a host of health problems from being kept in captivity. They are best left alone in their natural habitat, as opposed to being caged and domesticated to show off a person’s wealth.

Est. Value: $30,000*
Produced by: Lux

By now, it must be quite obvious that those in Dubai who have the means to purchase extravagant things, no matter how bizarre or over-the-top they may be, will do so at their earliest convenience. Expensive gifts do not stop at cars and pets but are extended to gaming equipment as well.

Golden Foosball Table @mayraperezmadri / Pinterest.com

From the moment one first lays eyes on the Lux Gold Foosball table, they cannot help but be hypnotized by its magnificence. This gold-finished, diamond-encrusted foosball table was made with Swarovski crystals and is most certainly fit for royalty to enjoy.

The Lux is also very customizable, and the company allows customers to choose from twelve different options for their tables. You can even include a team or company logo on the table. The rods are made from stainless steel, while the ESG is made of unbreakable glass. You can also customize all the colors of the table.

Est. Value: $1.5 Billion*
Produced by: Emaar Properties

In 2004, contractor Samsung C&T began construction on The Burj Khalifa. Using the plans that were drawn up by Adrian Smith and his team of architects, the world’s largest building took a mere five years to complete. Standing at 2,716.5 feet tall, construction of the Burj was not done without difficulties.

The Burj Khalifa: World’s Tallest Building ©shutterlk / Shutterstock.com

Finding similar issues as many other projects of its size, the Emaar property developers ran into early financing troubles. If it were not for UAE ruler, Sheikh Khalifa, granting funding and aid to the Emaar developers, the project may not have been completed and would not have had the Sheikh as its namesake.

The 160-story building’s critical reception has been, overall, positive. The building has received quite a few accolades for its architecture and structure. The real beneficiaries of the project are the surrounding hotels, condos, and malls in Downtown Dubai, which have made far more profit from the Burj Khalifa than the building itself.

Est. Value: $500,000*
Produced by: Dubai’s Taxi Service

With services like Uber and Lyft these days, we are all familiar with taking taxis as a convenient way to get from point A to point B. But what would you do if a $500,000 car pulled up to take you to your destination? In Dubai, that’s not uncommon.

Rolls Royce Taxi @Mohamad_alatta / Twitter.com

Dubai’s taxi service celebrated the Dubai motor festival by adding some pretty luxury vehicles to their fleet. Among them, you can find Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, and Ferrari cabs ready to take you anywhere in the city. The people of Dubai are used to seeing these types of vehicles around, as even the police have a fleet of luxury police cars.

Est. Value: $200-$500*
Produced by: N/A

A dog or a cat has the potential to be great companions for those who prefer the more traditional pet, however, the citizens of Dubai have an affinity for keeping more exotic and endangered animals at home.

Private Turtle Collections @taylor2thompson0229 / Pinterest.com

As a symbol of their status, some Emiratis have large felines, like tigers or cheetahs prowling around their mansions, while others tend to lean more towards the slower and less agile creatures. It would not be completely out of the ordinary for an individual in Dubai to find a rare collection of living turtles in their neighbor’s home.

Desert turtles are one of the more popular species to keep at home due to their lack of need for a large body of water, however, they are not the friendliest of turtles and may be more aggressive than others. A better idea may be to build a large pond in the yard and perhaps stick to the more traditional pet sea turtle.

Est. Value: $1,000*
Produced by: Bloomsbury’s Cafe

The UAE has quickly become a hotspot for visitors who enjoy the finer things that life has to offer. From fancy cars to exotic pets, Dubai has it all, it is even a fantastic place to visit for those with an affinity for expensive foods. Aside from the usual palate satisfying cuisine, Dubai has begun to create its own gold standard of dining.

Edible Gold Desserts @neofundi / Pinterest.com

Offering the world’s most expensive cupcake, Bloomsbury’s Cafe is one of Dubai’s bakeries that serves golden desserts and can be found tucked away inside one of Dubai’s many shopping malls. The ‘Golden Phoenix Cupcake’ is just like any other cupcake in many ways, save for one major difference.

It also has a 24K edible gold sheet as one of the ingredients. In the two years following its inception, there had been fifteen of these golden cupcakes sold, with the majority of those fifteen having been sold to the ruling class.

Est. Value: $5,000-$30,000*
Produced by: N/A

Upon visiting a foreign country, visitors are bound to see things which they had not expected to see. In India, an individual may see someone riding an elephant in place of a car. In parts of North America, it would not be out of the ordinary to see someone with a pet fox or alligator.

Pet Tigers @kie2424 / Pinterest.com

For many years in Dubai, it would not have been out of the ordinary to see someone walking their pet tiger or lion down the street. Fortunately for these felines, it is not quite as common as it used to be to own a jungle cat in Dubai.

Owning a pet such as a lion, tiger, or cheetah was made illegal in Dubai and the rest of the UAE more than four years ago. Individuals who enjoy flaunting their statuses are willing to risk the fine of approximately $136, 000, in order to not tarnish their image. Instead of the possibility of paying the fine, these individuals could have purchased a water car and still had $1000 leftover.

Est. Value: $6,800*
Produced by: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

It’s no secret that there is an abundance of golden opportunities available in Dubai, and the Zabeel Saray is certainly not missing theirs. The Palm Jumeirah’s, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers one of the most luxurious treatments that one could find, the ‘24K Gold Facial Treatment’. Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s not just a facial treatment, it’s a royal experience.

4-Carat Gold Facials ©Poznyakov/ Sutterstock.com

From the Argan oil massage right through to the caviar lunch, it offers everything one could need in order to relax in style, but the $6,800 bill is not just for fancy food and a good massage. People are willing to pay the big bucks for this treatment because of the 24K gold chain mask that is used for the facial. These masks cost a lot, look fantastic, and it is believed that the gold has reviving properties that make skin look more youthful.

Est. Value: N/A
Produced by: N/A

Some supermarkets in Dubai have recently been offering free grocery delivery services, as well as even free samples and meals to those less fortunate. While Dubai is known for its lavish lifestyle and expensive food, even the exotic city has people in need.

Free Food at the Supermarket @taylor2thompson0229 / Pinterest.com

To compensate for this, grocery stores and supermarkets have special offers for food at discounted prices and even for free, which works out great because of the decreased tourism in 2020-2021 meaning that there was plenty of food leftover.

Est. Value: N/A
Produced by: Daily Commuters

Getting stuck in rush hour can surely ruin someone’s day. Hour after hour of sitting in the car and staring blankly ahead, in hopes that the car in front will move just a few meters at a time, is enough to drive anyone crazy. Rush hour in Dubai is rarely uneventful and more often than not resembles a luxury car show.

Rush Hour Car Shows @ebaudrit / Pinterest.com

There is never a dull moment while driving in Dubai. Due to the love affair that Emiratis have with expensive cars such as Ferraris, Bugattis, and Lamborghinis, rush hour has the potential to be quite a show. On a daily basis in Dubai, one may see a dozen or so different vehicles that cost over $1 million. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to be stopped next to a gold-coated Mercedes, or even the Bat-mobile.

Est. Value: ~$11 Million*
Produced by: Cityland Real Estate Development

At an estimated cost of around $11 million the world’s largest natural flower garden, The Dubai Miracle Garden, fittingly opened its doors to the public on Valentine’s day in 2013. The garden’s forty-five million varieties of flowers are just a fraction of the more than 250 million plants that can be found within the confines of this incredible facility. The flower garden is not the only amazing collection that can be seen when visiting the gardens.

The Dubai Miracle Garden ©Abrar Sharif / Shutterstock.com

Two years after the Dubai Miracle Garden first opened, its exquisite new feature was unveiled to the world. The world’s largest indoor butterfly garden and sanctuary opened within the garden and completed the 780,000 square foot facility. With twenty-six different species and upwards of 15,000 butterflies, it is no wonder that people come from all over the world to see the Miracle Garden.

Est. Value: $170,000*
Produced by: Nokia

With the rising costs of smartphones these days, it comes as no surprise that some Emiratis have opted to stick to what’s familiar and reverted back to an old classic. It’s not for their sleek shapes or fantastic operating systems that Nokia cell phones have become rather popular again in Dubai. Like most other things, it’s for their costs.

Diamond-Encrusted Nokia Phones @berumenag / Pinterest.com

The Nokia Supreme is a luxury cell phone that’s made with 12.5 carats of pink diamonds that are hand placed around the frame of the phone. A gold-plated iPad would be an eye-turner, but at a cost of $170,000 a diamond-encrusted cell phone is a symbol of one’s status.

Est. Value: $600*
Produced by: Skydive Dubai

Looking overhead while driving in Dubai, one would be able to see people partaking in high-rise rooftop zip-lining, however, if driving near the sea, flyboarders can be seen propelling themselves across the skies. Dubai is a fantastic place for adrenaline junkies from right across the spectrum, and if it’s the more extreme sports that one is after, Dubai accommodates those needs as well.

Afternoon Stunts @berumenag / Pinterest.com

Descending over The Palm, Dubai has one of the most beautiful skydives in the world, and for a very reasonable price of $600 USD, it is one of the more affordable activities to partake in while in Dubai. Of course, if it’s crazy stunts that someone is after, Dubai has been known for its extreme base jumpers and car surfing on busy roads as well.

Est. Value: Unknown
Produced by: Godolphin Racing

One of the ways, in order to flaunt one’s wealth in Dubai, is to surround oneself with expensive things and exotic animals, and when someone has a few thousand dollars to spend on a golden dessert, they will probably fork over a pretty penny to ensure that their animal friends can have every luxury available to them as well.

@mayraperezmadri/Pinterest

With marble floors and painted walls the Godolphin Stables, in which the horses for the world’s richest horse race live, is of the highest possible quality. Owned by Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, these indoor stables are temperature regulated and the star equines are given everything possible in order to ensure their comfort.

Est. Value: $270,000*
Produced by: Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS)

By converting a five-car fleet of sports cars into super ambulances, the DCAS took a huge step forward to ensure the quickest possible response in order to assist someone in need of emergency attention. Traveling at speeds of up to 185mph Dubai’s luxury ambulance arrives at the scene of the emergency in under five minutes.

@illumeably/Pinterest

The luxury ambulances come fully equipped with everything needed in order to provide emergency first aid care while waiting for the ambulance sport van to arrive a few minutes later. The ambulances have been deployed right across Dubai, with a focus on tourist attractions and other areas with higher population density.

Est. Value: $7 Million*
Produced by: Emaar Properties

The retail floor area covers a space of almost 5.5 million square feet and has more than 1200 retail stores. World’s largest mall by area but 26th biggest by leasable space. Four floors in the mall and over fourteen thousand parking spaces for staff and customers. The main attractions in the mall are all things for both adults and children to enjoy.

The Dubai Mall ©Zhukov Oleg / Shutterstock.com

Amongst the three hundred plus marine animals that the underwater zoo houses are a variety of sharks and rays of all sizes. If that isn’t enough VR Park Dubai, which is also found within the mall, should awaken the inner child of anyone who enters. Still not impressed? Also found within the mall’s friendly confines, is Dubai Dino. Everyone loves dinosaurs, and Dubai Dino has a genuine Diplodocus fossil.

Est. Value: $15-$80/hour*
Produced by: Sofitel Hotels & Resorts

Found on the rooftop of the Sofitel The Palms Dubai location, is an average boxing gym with above-average scenery. As far as rooftop boxing gyms are concerned, the Extreme Fitness gym is quite fairly priced. For only $80, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts offers visitors to the hotel a one-hour training session with a professional trainer and a breathtaking view.

Rooftop Boxing Match ©AJ Boxing via Getty Images

If it is just bragging rights of having stepped into a rooftop boxing ring with a view such as this that someone is after, it’s only about $15/hour for the ring rental. It may be wise to book the ring a few months in advance though, as it is usually booked out far in advance.

Est. Value: $350*
Produced by: Viator

Imagine what it would be like to float in the skies above the desert in Dubai. From hundreds of feet above the world, there is everything and nothing to see. The reflection of the sun rising over the sand dunes creates an endless sea of rolling red and orange waves that is home to millions of creatures, none of whom can be seen.

Hot Air Balloon Ride over Dubai Desert ©Maria Carolina Martins / Shutterstock.com

Now, stop imagining. For almost half of what someone would have to pay to go tandem skydiving in Dubai, they would be able to see these sights for themselves and receive another, yet different, type of experience. Included in the package are breakfast, a falcon show, and a 60-minute air safari that includes some of the most beautiful views that the Dubai desert has to offer.

Est. Value: $8-$10/10-minute ride*
Produced by: Uber

With all of the new methods of transportation available moving around within big cities has never been easier, and that can be greatly attributed to transportation apps like Uber. Waiting for an app to find an available driver can be rather frustrating at times, especially when being punctual to the destination is important. Sometimes it’s worth it just to pay the extra few dollars for the more readily available luxury car.

Uber XXXL @Alladini / Pinterest.com

In Dubai, ordering a ride through Uber X does not have the same result as most other places in the world. It is definitely worth the extra few bucks. One of the benefits to living in a place where a large percentage of people own luxurious sports cars is that occasionally a Lamborghini or Bugatti driver answers the call.

Est. Value: N/A
Produced by: N/A

It can be rather difficult to find an appropriate place to park one’s Ferrari or Bat-mobile while on a day out in Dubai. That’s why sometimes it is more beneficial to leave the car at home and take the camel. As long as they are in a good mood, they are a reliable mode of transportation and can be parked almost anywhere.

Camel Street Parking @cari5858 / Pinterest.com

After spending the day walking around in the world’s largest mall, and the next hour walking through the 14,000 spot parking lot, one would be wrong to assume that they were hallucinating upon seeing a camel parked next to the family’s rental vehicle. Just remember, camels can be temperamental, and they spit.

Est. Value: $5,500*
Produced by: Dream Racing

Dream Racing in Dubai has been helping to fulfill the dreams of race car fans since 2015 when they first launched their test drive program. The $5,500 cost of the experience covers the equipment, a training session, and, most importantly, insurance.

Luxury Race Car Test Drives @theculturetrip / Pinterest.com

Participants have the option of driving one of two former F1 cars that were driven by former F1 drivers Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Eddie Irvine, the F1 Jaguar 2000, or the F1 Arrows 2002. Both cars could reach speeds of around 200mph, so it is important for anyone who is planning to test drive one of these cars to be well versed in driving manual and at high speeds.

Est. Value: N/A
Produced by: Meraas

The Dubai government has been hard at work over the past few decades, devising new and innovative ways of attracting as many different types of tourists to the country as possible. One of the things that developers in the UAE have shown to be excellent at, is building things bigger and taller than any of their predecessors had before them.

World’s Highest Rope Climbing Platform @UAERussian / Pinterest.com

As part of the Bluewaters Island project, a five hundred-foot high rope climbing platform is being built as part of the Ain Dubai observation wheel. At that height, it will be the world’s highest of its kind and was built with the hopes of bringing adventure seekers to one of the world’s richest cities.

Est. Value: N/A
Produced by: N/A

A day at the beach is meant to be a relaxing experience. Men and women should not have to be concerned about whether or not someone is going to undress them with their eyes or walk off with their children. The government in Dubai has come up with a solution to these problems.

Family Only Beaches @mayraperezmadri / Pinterest.com

Dubai has more than a dozen, family-only beaches, where men and women who attend the beach must be accompanied by their families. These beaches are not for meeting people of the opposite sex, and unfortunately ladies, women are required to be covered at all times, so there won’t be any bikini tan lines brought back from the trip to the beach.

Est. Value: N/A
Produced by: N/A

Dubai has not always been the city that it is today. Over the past few decades, the city has gone through a transformation. It has changed not just its landscape and skyline, but its identity as well. Love Lake and The World Islands are great examples of how each new project that is added to the city or surrounding area, is done so with a grander plan in mind.

Stunning Views ©Photobac / Shutterstock.com

Whether standing at the top of the Burj Khalifa looking down over the city below or skydiving over the beautiful man-made The Palm Jumeirah, the views will be equally as stunning as they are unique. No matter where someone may be in Dubai, they will be graced with a magnificent view.

Est. Value: $20,000-$50,000*
Produced by: N/A

It is normal to have concerns about the quality of security at the places where we leave our cars. In Dubai, those concerns are multiplied exponentially along with the quality of the cars that are driven there. In a place like New York, one can find unruly car park attendants who take advantage of tourists’ naivety, however, it’s the attendants in the UAE that have the tempers that are better kept in check.

Dangerous Car Park Attendants @hobotoast / Pinterest.com

Some car park owners in Dubai have taken extra precautions in order to ensure the safety of their customers’ six-figure automobiles. After all, no one is going to try to steal a car from a lot that has a live lion watching over the vehicles.

Est. Value: $55/fine*
Produced by Dubai Metro

Out of the many ways in which pollution can take form, it is the smell of pollution that the Dubai Metro system is buckling down on most. Not just any smell, the smell of fish. For more than a decade fish has been banned on the Dubai metro system.

Strict No Fish Policies @russelldavies / Pinterest.com

That’s right if someone buys fish while grocery shopping, they should probably start looking into alternative methods of transportation to get back home. Uber may be a good idea, but it’s doubtful that any of the Uber X drivers will be willing to take any seas-dwelling food into their luxury vehicles either.

Est. Value: $1 Million+*
Produced by: Various Companies

It is common to see at least a few cars that are worth close to $1 million each while visiting Dubai. It is no secret that Emiratis love expensive things, and most of those things usually include gold in some shape or form.

Gold Cars Everywhere @supian19881010 / Pinterest.com

As different as the vehicles all are from one another, there is one similar color that all new Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini owners can choose from. Gold. In Dubai, the locals have taken their love of gold and luxury sport vehicles and found a way to put them together. Gold-covered cars have, in recent years, become very popular in Dubai.

Est. Value: $1,800*
Produced by: Babybling

All because they are tiny creatures that can’t speak and spend most of their time either sleeping, eating, or pooping, does not mean that babies do not also deserve to enjoy the same golden spoils as the rest of their family. That is why high-society parents are willing to purchase the best-selling 18-carat gold, Swarovski crystal-studded pacifier from Babybling.

Gold and Diamond Pacifiers @mayraperezmadri / Pinterest.com

Camilia Mohebi, the owner of Babybling in Dubai, understands the need for toddlers to mirror their parents’ success. The most expensive gift that Mohebi sells at her shop is a diamond-studded golden pacifier that sells for approximately $5,500.

Est. Value: Free Admission*
Produced by Dubai Government

Located just a short drive from Dubai in the Al Qudra desert and shaped like two interconnecting hearts, the Love Lake Dubai is one of the many attractions that Dubai has to offer but easily qualifies as the most romantic place in the country. Everything from the entrance gates to the benches are shaped like hearts.

Heart-Shaped Love Lakes @faz3 / Instagram.com

It takes up an area of almost two million square feet and can be seen from space. A gift from Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the entire conservation area is considered to be a dedication to love. An aerial view of the area even shows that the trees spell out the word love.

Est. Value: $1.58/mile*
Produced by: Mercedes-Benz

In 2018, Dubai launched its first live trial of driverless taxis. Made out of modified Mercedes-Benz sedans, the taxis have been fitted with a LiDAR system that makes use of a pulsed laser in order to measure its distance from other objects. The vehicles carry up to four passengers at a time and, for safety purposes, have had their traveling speeds capped at 20mph.

Driverless Taxis @tsilemewa / Pinterest.com

The driverless taxis in Dubai are not quite everything that one would think they are based on the name. Yes, they are autonomous, but no, they are not completely driverless. There is a safety driver in the front seat of the vehicle, in case there is an emergency and they need to take over control from the automated driver.

Est. Value: $3.50/Grande Coffee*
Produced by: Starbucks Corporation

With its footprint in more than 65 countries, Starbucks is the largest coffee shop franchise in the world. Opening its first Dubai location inside the Dubai international airport in the year 2000, there are almost one hundred stores now found in the UAE, 60 of them being found in Dubai itself.

@mayraperezmadri/Pinterest

The Starbucks Corporation has spent half of a century developing its brand. Part of that development was the creation of not only a specific coffee culture but a unique language and method for ordering their beverages. If a visitor to Dubai is craving their favorite Starbucks beverage, they need not worry about ordering it wrong. Every Starbucks store in the world uses the same unique language, and Dubai is no different.

Est. Value: $150,000*
Produced by: Hoversurf

In 2017 the program to get police officers patrolling the skies of Dubai on hover-bikes was launched. Due to unspecified delays, the initial plan to get Emiratis officers off the ground by 2020 has been postponed, however, there have been two crews that have been practicing with the equipment and are almost ready to take flight. It has been advised that all candidates for the hover-bike unit of the Dubai Police Force have previous experience operating drones as well as riding motorcycles.

Policemen with Hoverbikes @Cnn / Pinterest.com

In the near future, when hover-bikes become available to civilians, it will only cost about $150,000 to own one. For less than the cost of a diamond-encrusted Nokia phone, someone in Dubai could be flying their hover-bike over to Love Lake Dubai with their partner.

Est. Value: $105,627*
Produced by: Cavalli Club

As you can see from this giant restaurant bill, the people of Dubai really don’t mind spending a lot to have a good time. The bill here comes out, when converted to US currency, to $105,627. The alcohol is what pushed the bill up, but the food wasn’t cheap either. The small birthday cake for this celebration was $33.

Giant Restaurant Bills @mayraperezmadri / Pinterest.com

The birthday bill, which we hope wasn’t put on the birthday celebrant’s tab, is pretty standard for a crazy night out in Dubai. US and UK customers can expect to pay between 50% and 100% more for their alcohol in Dubai, especially if you’re in a club like Cavalli.

Est. Value: $0*
Produced by: Social Media Influencers, Daredevils

If you hate heights, you might want to look away, as this will send chills up your spine. Dubai has some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The ultra-modern paradise attracts a lot of thrill-seekers, who like to “skywalk,” which means stand or walk on top of these high skyscrapers.

Skywalking @illumeably / Pinterest.com

The adrenaline rush doesn’t come cheap, though. These death-defying daredevil stunts, though they get thousands upon thousands of likes on social media, have ended in a few deaths. In 2017, a famous daredevil climber was killed in a fall, which placed new scrutiny on this high-flying fad.

Est. Value: $6.8 billion*
Produced by: Dubai Holding

The Mall of the World will be the first-ever temperature-controlled city. The 48-million-square-foot shopping center will be built as an actual town, and it’ll be the first of its kind. It is being designed by Dubai Holding, which plans to base Mall of the World on Broadway Street in NYC and London’s Oxford Street.

World’s First Temperature Controlled City @mayraperezmadri / Pinterest.com

Mall of the World will draw in 180 million visitors, and it’ll further cement Dubai’s legacy as a cultural and tourist hub. Also, as Dubai Holding’s Ahmad bin Byat said, it’ll lead the way for urban planning that is environmentally responsible. Mall of the World will have 100 hotels and apartment complexes, the largest indoor amusement park in the world, and a huge shopping mall.

Est. Value: $103 per lesson*
Produced by: N/A

Dubai has a tight-knit surfing community. Emiratis don’t like to sacrifice style, even if they’re involved in a sport, so surfing, Emirati-style, is done while wearing a Dishdasha, which is the traditional dress of a man living in the UAE.

Surfing in Emirati Fashion @luisaden / Pinterest.com

According to Dubai surfers, the best time to surf is between October and April, with December, January, and February being the optimal wave-spotting months. Sunset Beach, right in Jumeirah, is one of the most popular surf locations for Emiratis. And, even when surfing season is over, you can still get a suntan at one of the many golden sand beaches that Dubai has to offer.

Est. Value: $3-$6 million*
Produced by: N/A

Some of the world’s most famous singers and rappers have been paid millions for private concerts in Dubai. Emiratis are rich enough that they don’t have to wait in line for a concert—they can just hire a musician to come to them. For example, in 2011, Jay-Z and Kanye were paid $6 million for booking a private concert in Dubai.

Private Concerts @testingcoco / Pinterest.com

Sheik Mansour (the brother of the president of the UAE) hired them for his niece, who was celebrating her sixteenth birthday. Sheikh Mansour could easily afford it, as he owns Manchester City F.C. Jay and Kanye performed hits from Watch the Throne, in addition to their better-known solos.

Est. Value: $200 for two hours*
Produced by: Ski Dubai

The Middle East isn’t exactly known for its cool climate. In summer, temperatures in Dubai can skyrocket into the triple digits some days, but that doesn’t stop Emiratis from enjoying winter sports like bobsledding or toboggan-running. The Mall of the Emirates is home to an indoor ski resort, called Ski Dubai.

Indoor Bobsledding @oneliaprieto / Pinterest.com

Ski Dubai, which is kept at a cool 30.2 degrees Fahrenheit, has a snow park, twin-track bobsled ride, and ski slope with five different runs. The bobsledding is a particular hit amongst kids, though it’s not cheap. A day out at Ski Dubai will cost you $200 for just two hours.

Est. Value: $204 million*
Produced by: Road Transit Authority

Bus stops aren’t exactly synonymous with luxury, but anything goes in Dubai, and the Emiratis get to wait for their bus in crisp, cool air conditioning. The Road Transit Authority began building the first air-conditioned bus stops in the world in 2006, rolling out the first ones in 2007.

Air Conditioned Bus Stops @Wikimedia Commons

All in all, there are 2,700 bus stops in the city, and, so far, 636 of them are air-conditioned. As of 2021, forty-eight new air-conditioned shelters are in the works. Some of these bus shelters are also equipped with ultra-luxurious seating, which means you can wait for the bus without breaking your back (or breaking a sweat).

Est. Value: $9.53 million*
Produced by: Jumbo Electronics, DFRE, Emirates Gold Refinery

Over 551 pounds of gold are simply on display in Dubai, which is yet another signal of the city’s enormous wealth. The gold bars, which are stacked in the shape of a Dubai Shopping Festival bag, are worth $9.53 million in total. You can see them at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates in the Jumbo Store.

250Kg’s of Gold on Display @Aeda Essa / Facebook.com

The bars were a promo for not just the festival, but also for Jumbo Electronics, which was no doubt pleased with all the foot traffic the gold bars brought in. Jumbo teamed up with the Emirates Gold Refinery and DFRE to pull off this shiny stunt.

Est. Value: $57.15/gram*
Produced by: China, Australia, Russia, South America, South Africa

Dubai loves its gold, silver, and anything shiny, so is it any surprise that there are gold and jewelry stores everywhere? Buying gold is far cheaper in Dubai than anywhere else in the world, even when you factor in the VAT. The City of Gold’s best gold stores, according to tourists and residents alike, are Gold Souk, Malabar, Joyalukkas, Cartier, Damas, Pure Gold, and Damiani.

Gold and Jewelry Stores Everywhere @princefazzafavourben / Pinterest.com

The reason gold is so cheap in Dubai isn’t that it’s of lower quality (quite the opposite, in fact). It’s because Dubai has next to no taxes. Only a small, 5% value-added tax is currently applied to gold purchases.

Est. Value: $55,000-$30 million*
Produced by: Private Breeders

It’s not an unusual sight to see someone taking their camel for a stroll in Dubai. These pets are used for racing and transportation, though they’re probably loved by their human families just like cats and dogs. Camels are for the rich, though, as the price starts at around $55,000.

Taking Your Camel For a Walk @taylor2thompson0229 / Pinterest.com

Thoroughbred camels can cost way more. Back in 2010, one camel-racer in Emirati spent over $7 million on three purebred camels. Winning racing camels cost even more, with some fetching up to $30 million, thanks to their track record of wins on the track. Gulf News described camels as a “key part” of Dubai’s “rich heritage.”

Est. Value: $1.6 million*
Produced by: Devel Motors

A few years ago, the Devel Sixteen swept social media. The insane prototype looked like a hypercar straight out of the future. The Devel Sixteen debuted in Dubai, and Devel Motors claimed that it got 5,000HP from its V16 quad-turbo engine. The top speed was expected to exceed 300 miles per hour.

Devel Sixteen @yasuyukikatou5 / Pinterest.com

The Devel Sixteen has only been driven by a couple of people, though the pictures and YouTube videos show that it is real. However, it isn’t street legal. Even though it was introduced at the Dubai International Motor Show back in 2017, the car is something you’ll only see on a racing track.

Est. Value: $79-$1,260 per item*
Produced by: S*uce Gifts

Vending machines might be thought of as something you buy a cheap soda or snack out of, but not in Dubai. Dubai’s S*uce Gifts has vending machines that let you pick out luxury gifts, from jewelry to expensive scented candles. You even get a shiny golden gift bag for your item—the machine does the wrapping for you.

Vending Machines For Luxury Gifts @AtthetopBurjkhalifa / Facebook.com

The vending machines cater to luxury travelers, and the city is trying to keep up its reputation as a hub for people who want to avoid taxes when they’re buying something nice. The gift-giving machine operates 24/7, so you can pick up a last-minute gift at any time of the day or night.

Est. Value: $13,613* (Dowry Maximum for Dubai Nationals)
Produced by: N/A

A Google search for “Grooms for Sale Dubai” leads you to find quite a few ads like this, as parents are eager to marry off their daughters. Seeing ads like this isn’t uncommon, and, though twenty-five might seem really young to get married in the States, Emirati culture differs.

Grooms Wanted Ads @taylor2thompson0229 / Pinterest.com

In traditional Emirati culture, both men and women get married young, and the marriages are arranged by the fathers of the family (or, if that’s not possible, another high-ranking family member). In Dubai, you can have four wives, as long as you provide “equal treatment” and “equal sustenance” to all the women. Though this might not be part of Western culture, it’s a longstanding part of UAE tradition.