20+ Photos Taken In Dubai That Will Destroy Stereotypes

1. The Rich Man's Commute To Work Is Not As Conventional As You'd Think...

Image Source/ ImgurIf you were to think of a rich man in Dubai on his way to work, you'd picture a luxurious limo pull up outside a block of stunning apartments. Well, you'd actually be wrong. Take this man for example, he darts about while riding his own pet lion. Talk about a house cat.

2. Tennis With A Twist

Image Source/ ImgurDubai is home to some of the world's craziest man-made efforts, and this has to be one. Without the habitat for natural, glowing tennis greens, Dubai decided to create their own and built it 1,000 feet into the air. Roger Federer and Andre Agassi have actually been invited to play a match at this height. Yikes.

3. Bikinis Aren't Actually Banned

Image Source/ ImgurDue to popular belief, bikinis aren't actually banned in Dubai but are restricted to beaches alone. If you want to hit the high streets, then you'll have to cover up. This photo shows the blend of different cultures in Dubai as times are ever-changing.

4. Some Horses Live Better Than The Poor

Image Source/ World Polo NewsYour traditional stable definitely does not look like this. Dubai has ditched the wooden beams and stacks of hay and opted for a more lavish approach to horse living. The marble floors and painted ceilings remind us that even horses live better than poor people in Dubai.

5. Falcons Have More Rights Than Some People

Image Source/ ImgurDue to cultural and religious reasons, Dubai has a lot of funny rules about what certain groups of people can and cannot do. This is why it's surprising that falcons, the national bird of Dubai, are given special rights and perks, like being given their own seats on commercial flights.

6. You Can Drive A Car Through Water

Image Source/ ImgurAlthough water sports might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Dubai, driving on water has become popular. The super rich are bored of yachts now and want the next best thing. Turns out this is it. This particular water car is owned by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheik Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum.

7. People Travel With Their Pet Felines

Image Source/ ImgurAfter seeing a man ride a lion to work, it's hardly surprising to see this photo. While out for the day, someone has decided to take their pet tiger for some fresh air and boy is he enjoying it. While tourists might be frightened of such a health risk, it's not out of the ordinary for locals to see.

8. Cars Can Fly In Dubai (Well... Ish)

Image Source/ ImgurOkay, if this were a thing in the US, you would bet that people would have their cars lifted in LA. It's not rare for people who live in penthouse apartments to actually see cars airlifted around the city in this way. I suppose the super rich just want to skip the traffic!

9. You Can Pay For Goods In Other Ways In Dubai

Image Source/ ImgurIf you tried to pay for goods in the US with a few karats of gold, you'd be moved on quickly. However, it's not unknown to do this in Dubai. In fact, they actually have ATM machines just for dispensing gold, and are so popular they're restocked twice a week.

10. Dubai Are Big On Their Pets

Image Source/ ImgurLocals of Dubai have an absolute fascination for keeping pets, especially those that are endangered species. This Dubai citizen has proven our case by collecting desert turtles, which are rare and hard to find. Finding one is near on impossible, and they're notorious for hating humans.

11. Dubai Has The Coolest Vehicles

Image Source/ ImgurHome to your conventional Mercedes, Buggatis and Mazzarattis, Dubai is also home to some of the funkiest transport devices too. Take a look at this guy who rides his motorbike in the shape of a majestic white stallion. He's even paired it with a white suit to match.

12. Never Too Far From A Starbs

Image Source/ InstagramGiven it's luxurious and lavish locations and architecture, you'd think that Dubai would opt for something more upper-class than Starbucks. Well, you'd be wrong. This Starbucks is actually located in the Ibn Batuta Mall and looks stunning against the architecture. I wonder what the coffee tastes like.

13. They're Big Sports Fans... Especially The Robot Kind

Image Source/ Rest of WorldWhat looks like it's been pulled from a dystopian action film is actually a huge sport in Dubai. With esports being quite a huge thing these days, Dubai have created their own sport by having robots ride camels and race each other. They even place bets on the pairings.

14. Dubai Is Home To Gorgeous Bathrooms

Image Source/ ImgurWhere you'd expect to see this bathroom is part of a luxury penthouse. Well, actually it's a public restroom in Dubai. Fully equipped with a rainfall shower and jacuzzi, it offers an experience to behold.

15. Home To Private Concerts

Image Source/ ShutterstockDespite its vastly different way of life compared to Western culture, Dubai still like to indulge in Western entertainment. While fans in the US scrape together what money they have to afford concert tickets, Sheikh Mansur actually booked Jay Z and Kanye West for his niece's birthday party, billed at $6m.

16. Need A Day Out? Call An Ambulance

Image Source/ LifebeyondsportsmediaWhen you think of an ambulance, you think of a great white truck with the blaring siren and red and blue lights. Well, that won't be a Dubai ambulance you're thinking of. The fastest in the world at 185 mph, the Dubai ambulances will get you from A to B in no time, which makes a lot of sense!

17. Dubai Is A Place For Fashion

Image Source/ ImgurDespite being problematic in its treatment of women, Dubai actually has some of the biggest fashion statements in the world. These heels make Louboutin's heels look common because of their gold cassette heel. Although designed by a French man, they're worn in Dubai more than anywhere else. 

18. Definitely Call An Uber in Dubai

Image Source/ Gulf NewsWhen you call an Uber in the US, you'd never expect for a Bugatti to make an appearance. Well, in Dubai a high-end car like this is relatively normal for a basic Uber X. I think we can agree that you'd only find this kind of Uber treatment in Dubai.

19. Why Not Go Skiing In The Desert?

Image Source/ TrillophilliaSkiing in the desert feels like something that just shouldn't be allowed, but it is. Dubai have even gone one better and have created the biggest indoor skiing resort in the world, open all year round. Obviously it has to be indoors given the temperatures of Dubai.

20. Paddle Boarding Waters In The Desert

Image Source/ TravoolsAs part of Dubai culture, family make sure that they spend quality time bonding and tend to do so while stood up paddle boarding. Not so long ago, the idea of paddle boarding in the middle of a desert would've been impossible, but technological advancements have meant man-made beaches and islands for Dubai.

21. Flowers Can Grow In The Desert... Right?

Image Source/ InstagramSince we've heard about man-made beaches and islands, it doesn't come as a surprise that Dubai is also home to the largest flower garden in the world, the Dubai Miracle Garden. You'd expect that flowers would struggle to grow with little rain and sweltering heat, but Dubai makes it work.

22. Catch Sight Of Penguins In Dubai

Image Source/ InstagramI think we can all agree that the desert is no place for penguins. Well, that's where you're wrong. Dubai isn't like any desert, and actually is home to penguins. These cute arctic birds are actually housed in the indoor ski resort, which is just an excuse to visit alone.

23. Dubai Is Filled With Adrenaline Junkies

Image Source/ Action NewsThe people of Dubai are often stereotyped as being calm and sensible law-abiding citizens. Well, that's true for most, but not for some... Dubai actually is home to some of the most dedicated stunt lovers in the world. Just on the road you will see drivers pulling wheelies... in an SUV!

24. Dubai's Family Beaches

Image Source/ ImgurIn order to respect women, Dubai have come up with the idea of family beaches. This means that women can head to the beach where only families are allowed, to escape the presence of perverted men that might approach them. Well, it's not all the way respectful, and still requires women to fully cover.

25. Dubai Has A Wealth Gap Crisis

Image Source/ ImgurAlthough it's easy to think of all the filthy rich when you think of Dubai, it's hard to remember that where there are super rich, there's also poor people. Aware of this, Dubai have created self-serve dispensary units where less fortunate people can come to take food.

26. A City In The Sky

Image Source/ ImgurHome to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa at 2,722 ft tall, it's hardly surprising that a lot of apartment buildings in Dubai spear through the clouds. The penthouses of these apartment blocks will only be for those that can afford to have their head in the clouds.

27. A Sweet Tooth For Dubai

Image Source/ ImgurDo you have an insane sweet tooth and a lot of spare cash? Well, Dubai might be perfect for you. You may not think that people in Dubai eat well, but this will prove the opposite. This cupcake named the Golden Phoenix is the most expensive in the world. It's put together with Ugandan vanilla beans, Italian cocoa and 23 karat gold and costs of a whopping $1,000.

28. Rush Hour Will Leave You Jealous

Image Source/ InstagramDubai is well known for having lavish, cushty cars that everyone darts around in. Well, actually the car scene is even bigger than that. Almost everyone in Dubai has a luxury car, which means while commuting in your Toyota Aygo from work at rush hour, you'll be surrounded by a sea of Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

29. Are Cars Cheaper In Dubai?

Image Source/ ImgurGiven that Mercedes Benz are not rare in Dubai, you would think that either everyone is rich, or cars are cheaper. Well, maybe it's both. This diamond-studded Mercedes was bought by Saudi Prince (Amir) al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, who is among Forbes' top ten richest people list. However, you'll be surprised to know that the car only set him back $4.8m.

30. Don't Think About Taking A Fish On The Metro

Image Source/ ImgurOkay, so it's not clear as to why fish are banned from being brought onto the metro, but it is kinda funny. People rock around with their pet cheetahs and lions daily while fish face a permanent ban on Dubai's metro. It hardly seems fair if you ask me!