Dubai is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, but the city was not always like this. In the past, most buildings in Dubai only had two stories. However, the discovery of oil in 1960 transformed Dubai's fortunes. In the 1980s, the city began its journey to become a luxury tourist destination.

Today, Dubai is a global icon, and many of its buildings have become famous worldwide. Here are some of Dubai's most well-known buildings:

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa stands a dizzying 828 meters tall and has 162 floors. With a cost of $1.5 billion, it is one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed. The tower comprises office space, commercial space, residential units, and an Armani hotel. The Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views of the Persian Gulf.

Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is a world-renowned seven-star luxury hotel famous for its sail-like shape and opulent interior decoration. Located on one of Dubai's most popular beaches, the hotel is one of the city's most exclusive attractions. The hotel features multiple restaurants, swimming pools, spas, and luxurious rooms.

The Green Planet

The Green Planet is an award-winning building that houses a lush indoor rainforest with over 3,000 species of plants and animals.

The forest is enclosed in a glass box with the world's largest artificial tree at its center. This innovative attraction brings tropical ecosystems to the desert, breathing new life into the city.

Emirates Towers

The Emirates Towers, built from 1996-2000, are located in the heart of Dubai and are one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The towers comprise two buildings, 354.6 meters and 305 meters tall, respectively, with a 9,000-square-meter shopping mall connecting them.

Dubai Opera

The exterior of the Dubai Opera House combines historical and modern elements. The building is shaped like a wooden dhow, a nod to Dubai's maritime history.

The construction of the Dubai Opera House is a testament to Dubai's architectural prowess and a cultural jewel, attracting people from the opera, ballet, theater, and classical music circles.

Artificial Islands

The Artificial Islands are three islands formed by artificial reclamation: Palm Island, World Island, and the Debye Underwater Hotel.

These islands are characterized by their unique shapes and luxurious residences. Palm Island, with its iconic palm tree shape, is the most famous. The islands are among Dubai's most popular attractions.

Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a world-famous fountain located on Lake Dubai. The fountain has the world's largest fountain system and can spray water up to 150 meters, accompanied by music and light shows. There are several performances every night, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Dubai's skyline is now an architectural marvel, and it is not difficult to understand why the city has become a popular tourist destination. Dubai's iconic buildings showcase the city's ingenuity, creativity, and opulence, and they continue to attract visitors from all corners of the globe.