(Phnom Penh): Dubai is one of the most influential cities among the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This city has many unique features and is a globally renowned destination.

In the beginning, during the 18th century, Dubai was merely a small settlement where people engaged in fishing, pearl diving, and weaving. However, following the discovery of the oil in the 20th century, Dubai experienced an economic transformation and developed into what it is today—a major hub for commerce and tourism in the UAE.

Dubai is both a Smart City and a Clean City, offering automated transportation services and utilizing AI-based technologies to enhance the quality of life for its residents. As of 2024, Dubai has a population of approximately 3.6 million, making it the largest and most populous city among the seven emirates of the UAE.

In Dubai, native Emiratis make up only 10–15 per cent of the population, while the rest are international expatriates from various regions around the world. According to Digital Dubai, the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023 was USD 116.8 billion. The average income per person exceeds USD 40,000 per year. In addition to being a centre for international commerce and a popular tourist destination, Dubai is also a global financial hub.

The above is just a brief overview of the amazing aspects of Dubai. When you visit the city in person, you will gain incredible life experiences. In late March 2025, the Fresh News team had the opportunity to go on a five-day field visit to Dubai and visited several major tourist attractions.

Experience the flavour of travel aboard Emirates Airlines
You will gain a new experience for long-distance travel with Emirates Airlines, which departs from Phnom Penh at 9:30 PM and arrives in Dubai around 6 AM local time (around 9 AM Phnom Penh time). On-board the modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, passengers are served attentively and warmly, with delicious meals and a wide variety of entertainment.

Desert Safari
Across the desert fields resembling an ocean, tourists get a thrilling experience riding in vehicles across the sand dunes with highly skilled drivers. Tourists shout with joy and surprise at this exciting, unforgettable adventure.

In addition, tourists can watch the sunset slowly descend over the vast golden sands, ski on sand dunes, enjoy camel rides, dine under a starry sky, and enjoy Arabic dance performances.

The tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa holds the world record as the tallest building, standing at 828 meters with 162 floors. Construction began in January 2004 and it officially opened in January 2010. Today, it is the most attractive landmark in Dubai, housing hotels, luxury apartments, restaurants, and shopping centres. Burj Khalifa is not only the tallest building in the world but also has the fastest elevator in the world. Every day, tens of thousands of international tourists visit the tower to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Dubai.

Dubai Mall
Located next to Burj Khalifa, this mall is a gathering place for visitors. It spans 12 million square feet and houses 1,200 brand-name shops, over 120 food and coffee outlets, and a parking area for more than 14,000 vehicles. It is the largest shopping mall in the world (by land area). Tourists visiting Dubai should not miss this mall, which might leave them overwhelmed. In 2023, it welcomed 105 million visitors.

Museum of the Future
This science-themed museum is beautifully designed, spanning 30,548 square meters and standing 77 meters tall, with a construction cost of USD 136 million. From the outside, the Museum of the Future resembles a human eye gazing into the future. Each floor features exhibitions of scientific innovations that look 50 years ahead. The ground floor is a science centre for young learners to study math, chemistry, biology, physics, and technology. The second floor showcases advanced technologies like robots, robotic dogs, AI drones, and self-driving cars. The third floor exhibits ecosystems and bioengineering, with over 2,400 species of living organisms on display. The fifth floor presents new ideas promoted by NASA, aimed at younger generations for research and learning. This floor also features space resources and planets beyond Earth, visible through the glass walls. Tourists can experience space travel simulations and play the role of astronauts aboard a space station using modern technologies. Other floors serve as mental health and psychology centres, using music, natural scents, and relaxation techniques, along with climate and energy solutions.

Frame of Dubai – the world’s largest photo frame

This impressive structure is located in Zabeel Park, Dubai, and attracts many tourists each year. It is a museum showcasing the past, present, and future of Dubai. Standing over 150 meters tall and 95 meters wide, it gives visitors a unique experience of walking on a transparent floor and viewing 360-degree vistas of the city, showing the contrast between the old city in the north and the modern city in the south.

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque
Completed in 2011, this mosque features a design similar to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, inspired by Ottoman Empire architecture. It is named after Umar bin Al Khattab, an Islamic leader and companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

The mosque spans 8,700 square meters and can accommodate 2,000 worshippers, making it one of Dubai’s largest mosques. It is also among the first mosques in the city to welcome non-Muslim visitors. It is open to tourists twice a day—morning and evening—from Sunday to Thursday. Female tourists are required to change into Islamic attire, while male tourists are not required to change. This peaceful mosque offers tourists a chance to learn about Islam.

Old Baladiya Street and Gold Souk
Old Baladiya Street and the Gold Souk are historic commercial zones in Dubai that have long attracted tourists.

Visitors can take traditional wooden boats, once used by locals for fishing, now repurposed for tourism. Old Baladiya Street is an ancient trading area with historical value for Dubai. It has been transformed into a pedestrian-friendly tourist zone featuring traditional Arab architecture and local products. Tourists can enjoy shopping for affordable souvenirs and cultural items.

The Gold Souq is considered a paradise for women who love jewellery. It’s the largest jewellery market, offering all styles and brands. Here, you can find gold, silver, diamonds, and platinum of high quality, with prices open to negotiation. The Dubai Gold Souk features over 300 shops on both sides of the street, all dedicated to jewellery, bustling with shoppers.

Why should you visit Dubai? Tarik, a tour guide with over 20 years of experience in Dubai, explained several reasons why tourists should visit the city. (Video of Mr. Tarik)

The attractions mentioned above are just a few that the Fresh News team visited during their five-day tour. Dubai has many more famous tourist destinations that will not disappoint. You can seek out new experiences in Dubai through Emirates Airlines. Visit the website: https://www.emirates.com/us/english/dubai-experience/
=FRESH NEWS