Dubai: Dream Destination, or Just Overrated?
If you use Instagram, it may feel like every minute there is someone, somewhere posting a selfie from Dubai — whether it's by a pool, a beach or a tall building.
That's not surprising when you think that the emirate was visited by more than 17 million people in 2023.
In each of the last three years, it's been named the top global destination by travel website Tripadvisor.
But while it's a destination loved by many — and popular as a place to live — there are a lot of people who think it's overrated.
In a Reddit thread discussing the most overrated destinations, Dubai has been mentioned by a lot of users, who don't understand what all the fuss is about.
One user described it as "the largest shopping mall on the planet."
Another said there is "nothing to do, and no culture" unless you like shopping or sitting by the pool.
However, others might love to spend a holiday shopping and swimming! And the emirate would say there is a lot of culture in Dubai.
One person replied that in the 1970s, it was a more interesting place, but it has grown bigger and bigger since then with lots of new buildings, malls and hotels — and now it's all about shopping.
Some people also commented on the fact that doing anything outside in Dubai can be very difficult during the hottest months of the year.
In August, the average daily temperature is 44 degrees Celsius.
But those who love Dubai say it has everything you could want in one place: beaches, shops, restaurants and bars, with lots of activities to do in the water or on the land.
However, even those who like the city will say that a holiday there may not be cheap!
