Among some of the richest and most opulent cities in the world, Dubai is known for its incredible architecture, luxury shopping, and various high-end activities that make it one of the most memorable tourist destinations around.
Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, the UAE’s largest city is a desert oasis unlike any other. From gravity-defying skyscrapers to exotic pets, luxury cars, and plenty of fancy pastimes, here are a few special things you’ll only see in Dubai.
Luxurious bathrooms

Let’s just say that any public restroom in Dubai would make even the most luxurious of homes jealous.
Camel parking

When parking at the store, remember to find a good spot so that you’re able to get out of your car easily.
Walk your camel

Just a romantic stroll through the beautiful desert with my camel!
The gold standard of cellphones

Ever think the iPhone is expensive? Well, these gold cellphones cost way more than what most Americans make in a year.
Cheetahs

We cannot choose whether texting while driving is more dangerous than being seated next to a cheetah when you text. It doesn’t seem like either would make anyone worry about safety in Dubai!
Not the western world

There’s no doubt about it – there are many significant cultural distinctions between here and what we’re used to backing home.
Double-wides

And we’re not just talking about the trailer park on the outskirts of town. As ridiculous as it sounds, this isn’t an impossibility in Dubai!
Free food

Dubai has such a surplus of resources that they give away food to the needy for free, trusting them to pay back what they owe when they can.
Gold vending machines

Need some gold quickly? All you need to do is go down the hallway and find the vending machine.
Gold motorcycle

Gold is now being sold like candy, but most luxury goods are made entirely out of it.
Or if you’re not into gold…

You can design your roadster to resemble a pale and deathly white horse if you want but lose the tacky tracksuit.
Grooms in short supply

Forget about dating ads for wealthy men, here is what you need to know if you want to find one!
Hotel rooms

This Barbie’s Dream House – or is it just a Hotel Room?
Policing

Don’t ever try to outrun the police while in Dubai.
Instead of mini shampoo bottles, this Dubai hotel gives guests gold-plated iPads

Luxury traffic jam

Let’s just say that Lamborghinis are as ubiquitous in Dubai as Toyotas are in the United States.
Public transit limos

Subways are things of the past in Dubai. Stretch limos are their way to commute around the city.
No fish, please

Better leave Nemo and Dory at home when going to see Finding Nemo
Boat adventures

A boating adventure on clear blue waters with my loyal companion sounds perfect!
Police boats

Forget about the police who patrol in fancy sports cars, they are always running around like something out of Miami Vice.
Skyscrapers

Terrified of heights? Don’t worry about it when you visit Dubai. Your average view will be at least 20 stories up!
Starbucks

Starbucks isn’t just a basic coffee shop here in Dubai.
Sky high tennis

Nowhere else can you find something so absurd than in Dubai.
Mall or aquarium?

Forget buying a Tory Burch purse, buy a real-life blue whale at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.
Heading to work

If you don’t want to travel around in a Lamborghini or stretch limousine, there is another option for those looking for something else.
Whipped into shape

There are no words to describe how terrible this is. It needs to stop!
Full-moon drumming

We can’t deny, losing ourselves to the rhythm of a drum circle under the crescent moon – as we watch nature dance in all her glory – sounds very appealing to us.
Touch the sky

Sure, there are many other sky decks in the world – but none can surpass Dubai’s Burj Khalifa which provides a sky experience higher than any other in the world. Talk about reaching out for heaven!
Sharks in the city

Dubi has an impressive aquatic attraction featuring marine life – the Dubi Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Home to many different exhibits, it features a Shark Encounter that offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with sharks while they’re being fed right in the middle of the bustling city.
Ski in the desert

The aptly-named Ski Dubai is one of the world’s largest indoor ski resorts, featuring numerous runs, a ski lift, and even a group of live snow penguins available for photo-ops. This place has everything you could ever want when it comes to skiing!
Sub zero drinks

What’s the best way to wind down after an exhausting day of indoor skiing? Eating a cold treat, of course! Chill Out Dubai is known for its temperature that’s set at -6 degrees, and they serve hot soups, sandwiches, juices, hot chocolates, coffee, tea, and a variety of desserts, and mock-tails so no one will have an excuse.
Stunt driving

With luxury cars being a relative rarity in Dubai, driving enthusiasts dare to push their limits when it comes to stunt driving. And while they may face consequences if they injure themselves while driving recklessly, they will also be taken care of at the most luxurious of hospitals…
First responses

Yup, Dubai has the world’s fastest – and judging by this photo, most stylish ambulances in the world. Seriously, this looks like a Transformer from every angle.
Oh my

Well, it’s certainly a novel idea that outdoes all others’ fancy cars. It would just be weird if you couldn’t find anywhere to park this car when you need it. Still, sometimes people end up feeling they are on the other side of things…
Riding shotgun

In the recent past, it has been discovered that some people choose to ride their big cats. Occasionally though, the cat will select them and take control of the reins from time to time.
Love the clouds

These views from these Dubai penthouses are too good to be true. Whoever lives here would think they’re living in a dream-like world, or even Cloud City as featured in the Star Wars films.
Magic gardens

Growing plants in the desert is an arduous task. One would never realize this while visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest flower garden. With over 250 million plants painstakingly placed in beautiful patterns and designs, it doesn’t seem like a challenge at all.
Bling indeed

This diamond-embellished Mercedes Benz, belonging to Saudi Prince (Amir) al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz cost a staggering $4.8 million thanks to the over 300,000 diamonds that were intricately placed onto it by hand.
These horses are

These extravagant horse stalls had the most luxurious marble floors and the prettiest painted ceilings. They were even fancier than pretty much any home or hotel we’ve ever been in.
Tower of turtles

Having seen lions and tigers, it makes sense to also see a towering stack of turtles! Yes, it seems Dubai loves saving endangered animals. They’ve done well with the very rare desert turtle too.
Robo-racers

Perhaps what makes this picture so Dubai-like is that the most captivating element of it is not the racing camels or even the camel handlers, but rather the racehorse jockeys riding atop these camels. Truly like something from a scene in a Star Wars movie.