Why Dubai is Not a Middle Eastern Vegas

Hot weather, luxury hotels, lively attractions, middle of the desert – on the surface, Las Vegas and Dubai may seem similar from the outside. Both Las Vegas and Dubai are world famous tourist destinations, drawing in millions of visitors each year. But when looking for a place to visit, the two may not be as similar as they seem from the outside. Keep reading to discover exactly why Dubai is not a middle eastern Vegas…

Similarities

While we will go on to discuss the vast differences between the two tourist hotspots, it has to be said that the two locations have a few similarities. First of all, both are famous for their glamorous hotels and entertainment options. You wouldn’t be hard pressed to find someone enjoying a sunbathe by a luxury rooftop pool or players in an online casino having great moments of fun in either city. But aside from the entertainment and hotels, the two destinations are chalk and cheese when it comes to a tourist experience…

The people

Whilst both cities are hugely popular tourist attractions, there is a big difference in the number of residents living there. In 2020, Dubai has 1.7 million more residents than Vegas, but a 97.59% lower population density with just 400 people per square km. The people themselves are also quite different. Whilst Dubai is known for its friendly welcoming integration into Arabic culture, Vegas is renowned for its wild and wacky regulars. You wouldn’t be out of place in costume walking the streets of Vegas.

The architecture

One of the biggest differences between Las Vegas and Dubai is the buildings and architecture. Although both have large structures and modern hotels, the buildings in Dubai attract thousands of visitors alone. As well as being home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai has a number of must-see structures dotted across the city.

The culture

Whether you’ve visited Las Vegas or just know of it from the media, word of mouth or general knowledge, chances are you view it in one of two ways: a bustling city for a weekend in the casino, or somewhere to go for a quick wedding. Either way it couldn’t be any more different from the culture and atmosphere in Dubai. As a predominantly Muslim area, Dubai’s culture is a combination of Western influence, Arabic hospitality and religious observation. 

The experience

Finally, the experience of visiting Dubai is completely different than Vegas. For those who spend a few days in Vegas, often the experience is thrilling and non-stop. After all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, right? Compare that with a week in Dubai, where you can combine fun and excitement with relaxation and tranquillity. Whilst both cities are found in the desert, Dubai is actually a coastal emirate, with plenty of stunning beaches to prove it. Only in Dubai could you spend your morning visiting a multimillion pound shopping mall and exploring Arabian markets, and the afternoon sunbathing on a golden stretch of sand.