Dubai has burst onto the scene in recent years as a hot spot for both vacation and business travelers. With a massive amount of promotion and development lately, it has been in the news constantly. But, here are 7 Things You Don’t Know About: Dubai.

1. The sandy desert that exists in much of Dubai is made up of finely crushed coral and sea shells.
2. Electricity and telephone service were not brought to Dubai until the 1950s.
3. Though located in the Middle East, oil and other fuel industries make up less than 10% of Dubai’s yearly economy.
4. The Burj Al Arab, located in Dubai, is the world’s tallest free standing hotel.
5. The largest nationality represented in the permanent residents of Dubai is Indian. Over 1/3 of the people living in Dubai trace their nationality to India.
6. The Palm Islands project in Dubai is the largest land reclamation project in the world. Massive islands are being made in the shape of a palm tree that will one day be filled with businesses, resorts, condominiums, and other structures.
7. Between 1968 and 1975, the population of Dubai went from roughly 58,000 people to over 183,000 people.

A visit to Dubai is unforgettable, with the way the area is growing and expanding, it will be near the top of the list of desired destinations for years to come.