Known for its ultramodern architecture, luxury hotels, most famous shopping centers, and vibrant night scene, the popular city and capital of the emirate of Dubai is one of the wealthiest of the seven emirates forming the federation of the UAE. Dubai is a charming city offering plenty of cultural highlights for both visitors and locals. The metropolitan area of skyscrapers has sprung from the Arabian desert and features some of the world's tallest structures, mega malls, docks, coastlines and the world's biggest artificial islands. Here are 14 reasons why tourists should visit Dubai.

Related: Dubai: How To Plan Your Stay, And What To Expect When You Get There

UPDATE: 2022/10/13 15:21 EST BY JOANE ACAR

More Thing To Explore In Dubai

This article has been updated to add must-see cultural sites in Dubai like Dubai Global village, Dubai creek and The Gold Souk (All in Old Dubai)

14 Shopping In Dubai

When people think of Dubai, they directly link it with shopping. There is nothing visitors cannot purchase in Dubai. The emirate is densely packed with big shopping malls constructed side by side with ancient bazaars, where local store owners sell everything, from spices to apparel to carpets and rugs. Dubai is also well-known for its numerous shopping events. Without forgetting the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which takes place every January and lasts for a month, draws thousands of visitors from all over the globe.

RELATED: Dubai: This Is What It's Like To Shop At The Most Visited Shopping Mall In The World

13 International Hotels

Dubai boasts a diverse choice of international hotels that accommodate all demands and budgets of tourists. Tourists are constantly looking for the best places to stay, and Dubai has plenty of options. In addition, Dubai is well-known for its outstanding luxury hotels, which pamper visitors with magnificent accommodations, exquisite foreign cuisine, and extra-special services. Moreover, tourists have options ranging from glittering Italian-designed buildings to traditional Arabian desert resorts that they would love.

12 The New Travel International Hub

With the rise of Emirates Airlines, Dubai has emerged as the new stopover and linking flight center. Travelers can easily reach the city due to its location in the Middle East. With over 83.6 million passengers in 2016, Dubai International Airport is the first hub for international travelers. Dubai is acknowledged as one of the world's largest and busiest travel hubs. Furthermore, FlyDubai has become the world's quickest start-up airline, with flights to more than 85 locations in 44 countries.

11 Amazing Infrastructures

Dubai has world-class infrastructure, well-kept roads, and good public transportation and connections. However, excellent infrastructure is only one of the reasons why Dubai is a worldwide commerce hub. Located at the crossroads of East and West, Dubai serves as a trading hub for an area of 2.2 billion people across Africa, Europe, and other countries. Moreover, different governmental entities have taken initiatives to guarantee that facilities in Dubai are built and maintained.

10 Safe Haven

Dubai is an economically prosperous city with a safe atmosphere for citizens, businesses, and tourists. It is also one of the safest places in the world in terms of danger and health, making it a haven for everybody. Because of its more onerous restrictions, crime is kept to a minimum, and many tourists feel considerably safer in Dubai than in other regions of the world. Traveling on the city's public transportation is hygienic, secure, and well-monitored, and it poses no danger to passengers.

9 The Palm Jumeirah Dubai

The Palm Jumeirah is a manufactured island in the United Arab Emirates developed by Nakheel through land reclamation known as the Palm Islands. It is situated in the emirate of Dubai's Jumeirah beachfront region. The palm-shaped island is famous for its glamorous hotels, expensive buildings, and premium worldwide restaurants. Also, people can try delicious "shawarma" at the food carts situated along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, which is agreeable for its views of the Dubai shoreline and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. For night scene lovers, there are beach bars with saunas and infinity pools which become rowdy bars with live DJs in the evening.

8 Dubai's Adventures

Dubai is known for its great hobbies, such as quad biking in the desert, skiing or ice skating in a mall, and cruising around the Marina Bay skyscrapers. In addition, Dubai is the most progressive city in the UAE, and it is only natural that it holds some of the most popular tourist destinations around the world. Its geographical location makes it an ideal venue to hold exciting events like sports. Travelers who are constantly looking for adventure and eager to learn new things can genuinely enjoy Dubai.

7 Luxury Restaurants

Dubai's cuisine is almost too exotic to comprehend. The most outstanding restaurants in the city featuring known cuisine from various countries worldwide, with a touch of the taste of Dubai. A Michelin Guide is not a concern in these restaurants, because it recruits chefs or chain restaurants already acknowledged by such a distinguished book overseas. These luxurious restaurants are a liberation experience to many because of their spectacular interior decoration, city views, and memorable dining experiences.

6 Theme Parks

Dubai is a lovely city with many exciting places to visit and activities to do. With great goals and the know-how to make even the most outrageous visions a reality, Dubai is quickly becoming the world's most fascinating adventurous playground. Whether it's family enjoyment or the most exciting thrills that most visitors seek, there's something for everyone. Furthermore, with various themes, world-class rides for children of all ages, and year-round weather, it's no surprise that the city is becoming recognized for its amusement parks.

5 Dubai's Food Scene

The city offers a magnificent array of gastronomic types with varied populations. There's enough for everyone among the hundreds of cafés, both simple and high-end. Adding to it the plethora of culinary events that take place throughout the year, as well as the continuous stream of pop-up restaurants, it's no surprise that people speak about newcomers piling on the 'Dubai stone.' In addition, the city that never rests provides a sophisticated range of international cuisines.

4 Dubai Creek

Besides shopping malls, nightlife, and luxury hotels, some wish to experience a more traditional side of Dubai by heading to Dubai Creek. This interesting area was used for commercial activities, and has served the city in many ways; people used to fish, hunt for pearls, or dock their dhows along the creek. Nowadays, some locals take a water taxi across the creek and enjoy a fun experience including golfing, drinking coffee at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, or having a barbecue and spending the afternoon at the Dubai Creek Park.

Related: Top 10 Things To Do In Dubai Creek

3 The Gold Souk

Even if visitors do not plan on buying any gold during their visit to Dubai, they must not miss the Gold Souk, which is a traditional market with plenty of shops, and sellers of gold and silver jewelry. The Gold Souk is an ideal place for buying gold, as prices can be flexible after negotiating with some sellers in the old Dubai. While strolling through the old Dubai neighborhood, people will discover gold markets featuring a collection of craftsmanship and different designs

2 Hookah Pipes

Smoking shisha has become a habit in the Arab world’s everyday life. The flavored substance added to tobacco is smoked through a hookah pipe. These pipes are for sale and available in many shops and markets in Dubai. People often visit the markets to have a glimpse of the local culture and often buy beautifully designed pipes as souvenirs of their Dubai trip.

1 Global Village Dubai

The Global Village Dubai is a large multicultural theme park, exposing 26 global pavilions, representing 78 countries, and featuring cultural shows, street food stands, and the first oddity museum. This project will make one enjoy endless cultural experiences, the best entertainment, shopping, dining, and outdoor attractions. Visitors will discover new wonders as well as cuisines and cultures from all around the world.