Here are 15 iconic moments from 2024 that made a lasting impact on Dubai and its people, perfectly capturing the essence of a city that’s always evolving and on the move.
The Burj Khalifa and Palestine
No year-in-review list feels complete without honoring our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This year, the Burj Khalifa stood even taller in solidarity, lighting up in the colors of the Palestinian flag. Earlier in 2024, a stunning photo went viral showing a lightning strike over the iconic tower, resembling the map of Palestine — a powerful moment of unity and pride.
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The GOAT CR7 Played a Match at Rashid Stadium
Ten years ago, who would’ve imagined this? Not only did he make the move to Saudi Arabia, but the legend himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, played a match at Rashid Stadium! And if that wasn’t enough, in January, he was spotted casually strolling around DIFC. Yep, we totally lost it.
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The CEO of TikTok Having His First Sip of Karak in Dubai
Karak wins again… even over the CEO of TikTok! Shou Zi Chew was in Dubai for an event and had his first taste of the iconic karak tea. He even compared it to Singapore’s Teh Tarik. Safe to say, Dubai’s karak left an impression!
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The UAE Team Smooth Sailing into the Paris Olympics
2024 was a major year for UAE sports achievements! The UAE team made a strong and seamless entry into the Paris Olympics, marking one of the toughest but most rewarding qualifications. It was a moment of pure pride for the nation!
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Emirati Citizen and Telegram Founder Discovering He Has Over 100 Biological Children
In a jaw-dropping Telegram post, Pavel Durov made a shocking confession: “I just found out I have over 100 biological kids. How is this possible for someone who’s never been married and prefers to live alone?”
It turns out, 15 years ago, a close friend of his, struggling with infertility, asked for a sperm donation. Initially hesitant, Durov eventually visited the head of a sperm clinic who told him there was a shortage of “high-quality donor material” and suggested it was his “civic duty” to donate more. And so began Durov’s unexpected journey as an anonymous sperm donor.
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The Sweet Success of Dubai Chocolate Going Viral
Love it or hate it… you’ve definitely wanted to try it. Fix Dessert Chocolatiers’ Can’t Get Knafeh of It, also known as the “Dubai Pistachio-Kunafa Chocolate,” quickly took the internet by storm. This viral sensation blends traditional Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist. The oversized chocolate bars, featuring layers of crispy kunafa, creamy pistachio filling, and smooth chocolate drizzle, have been all over social media, racking up thousands of likes. Oh, and the secret ingredient? Tahina!
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The Futuristic Debut of the Dubai Police Cybertruck
Back in 2019, Dubai Police made a bold announcement that Tesla Cybertrucks would be joining their fleet. Fast forward five years, and they kept their word — the futuristic vehicles officially rolled into service, marking a major upgrade for the fleet!
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Bella Hadid and Huda Kattan’s Glamorous Meet and Greet
Two pro-Palestinian queens came together in Dubai, and it was everything we could’ve hoped for! Bella Hadid shared a heartfelt moment after meeting beauty mogul Huda Kattan, calling her “my sister from this life & a hundred more!” A truly iconic and powerful moment of unity and friendship.
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The “Love is Blind, Habibi” Phenomenon Boosts Dubai’s Global Influence
The regional version of Love is Blind—Love is Blind, Habibi—received even more praise than the original! It’s amazing to see homegrown content from the region making waves on the international stage, further cementing Dubai’s growing influence in global entertainment.
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Dubai Casually Announces Plans for the World’s Largest Airport
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum dropped the bombshell that Dubai is set to build the world’s largest airport at Al Maktoum International (DWC), with a massive AED 128 billion investment. Spanning 70 square kilometers, the new passenger terminals will be five times the size of Dubai International Airport, handling up to 260 million passengers — making it the largest in the world by capacity!
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The Madness of Getting Coldplay Tickets
As Paulo Coelho famously wrote in The Alchemist, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
…Well, he clearly wasn’t talking about getting Coldplay tickets.
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Sheikha Mahra Welcoming Her Baby
New-mom content is always a win, especially when it comes from royalty! Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared an adorable photo of her baby daughter, and the little princess has since captured everyone’s heart.
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The Dubai Delivery Courier Who Returned AED 17,000 to a Customer!
A recent Dubai resident had a truly unforgettable experience after ordering an electric scooter from Noon for AED 1,712. When the scooter was delivered, the resident handed over AED 1,712 plus a 38 AED tip. However, by mistake, he ended up giving the courier a total of AED 17,050!
In an act of incredible integrity, the courier later tracked the resident down and returned every single dirham. It’s a moment the new Dubai resident will surely never forget!
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Three New Salik Spots Announced… and Then Surge Pricing Too
This month, residents had to tighten their belts a bit. Two of the three new Salik toll gates were introduced—at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street.
But the real kicker? The toll gate at Dubai Mall. Ouch.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get worse, they threw in surge pricing for those very tolls. Talk about a double whammy!
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The Resilience and Unity of Dubai Shone Brightly When the City Overcame Unprecedented Rains
April 16, 2024—A day no Dubai resident will forget. It wasn’t easy, but it truly highlighted the city’s incredible spirit of unity, kindness, and resilience.
And Dubai didn’t just weather the storm—it went straight to work. The city announced a massive AED 30 billion investment in a new drainage system to handle future downpours. This ambitious project will cover the entire city, capable of absorbing more than 20 million cubic meters of water daily. Construction kicked off right away, with completion expected by 2033. Sheikh Mohammed believes it will serve Dubai for the next 100 years. Classic Dubai—turning challenges into opportunities with style!
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