The UAE’s biggest hits of 2024…
‘That’ Dubai chocolate
The hype around the viral ‘Dubai’ chocolate spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the globe, from Europe to India and beyond. The FIX chocolate bar first dropped in 2021, but it really went global in 2024. Social media was flooded with videos showcasing those chunky bars packed with pistachio-kunafa goodness.
Mr Beast on the Burj Khalifa
MrBeast has now joined an exclusive club as just the eighth person ever to scale the entire height of the Burj Khalifa, all the way to the top, alongside big names like Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Sheikh Hamdan, and of course, that pretend Emirates cabin crew member. His stunt was part of a bigger video where he compares travel experiences ranging from a budget-friendly $1 to a luxe $500,000.
The great rains of April
They predicted rain, and sure enough, it came — in a big way. The country experienced a record-breaking downpour over just 24 hours, surpassing even the UAE’s official rainfall data dating back to 1949. The rains kicked off late on April 15, ramped up on April 16, and officially wrapped up on April 17. In one day, the city saw more rain than it usually gets in an entire year, leaving everyone in awe.
The Hanging Gardens of Sharjah
One attraction that had everyone buzzing this year: The Hanging Gardens of Sharjah in Kalba, which became a total viral sensation on What’s On. In case you’re not in the know, it’s a massive 1.6 million square-foot garden packed with over 100,000 trees, plus a waterfall and even a skatepark. Why did it blow up in Dubai? Hard to say, but hey, when people want something, they really want it!
The Coldplay ticket gold rush
We don’t think any artist announcement has sparked as much chaos in the city as Coldplay did. It wasn’t Coldplay themselves taking over social media — it was the frenzy of people battling to snag tickets to one of their multiple sold-out shows in the capital. It was literally all anyone could talk about.
The Dubai Sphere
A trio of iconic Las Vegas hotels – The MGM, Bellagio, and Aria – are set to land in Dubai’s massive leisure megaproject, The Island by Wasl. Meanwhile, while Abu Dhabi will host the official Middle Eastern version of the mind-blowing Vegas Sphere, The Island is getting its own, sleek, Sphere-inspired entertainment venue, curved in all the right places. Talk about dodging SOMO (Sphere Of Missing Out).
The magical baby shark
One unforgettable day, visitors at the Dubai Aquarium were lucky enough to witness a truly special moment: the rare birth of a baby shark. The event was captured and quickly went viral across social media. A number of visitors were there to see it live, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone involved. Born on July 31, the little shark instantly became a celebrity.
Reality TV found its mUAEse
The US TV hit Love is Blind got a local twist with Love is Blind, Habibi, a Dubai version of the show that quickly gained attention. We also saw the return of Dubai Bling and The Real Housewives of Dubai for their second seasons, packed with enough drama to make you binge-watch for hours. Love is Blind, Habibi surprisingly received some positive reviews — maybe the change in scenery was just the refresh it needed.
Making waves in gaming
Hot on the heels of the announcement that the Wynn Resort Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah was granted the UAE’s first-ever casino license, the country also welcomed its very first official lottery operator. Operating under the name The UAE Lottery, the inaugural lottery license was issued this year, and of course, the buzz is real.
UNTOLD Dubai
Undoubtedly the biggest festival of the year, Untold made its first international debut in Dubai after years of dominating in Romania, leaving partygoers absolutely spellbound by its epic scale. With headliners like Major Lazer, G-Eazy, Hardwell, and Ellie Goulding rocking the stage, the festival drew a massive crowd of 185,000. Safe to say, it was a total hit.
That insane Ed Sheeran concert
It wasn’t Ed Sheeran’s first time in the UAE, but it was definitely his most unforgettable. As part of his Mathematics Tour, he took over the Sevens Stadium, transforming it into an epic concert space with a jaw-dropping revolving stage right in the center, giving fans that immersive, surround-sound experience. Many say it was a night to remember.
Ain Dubai is back baby
The world’s largest observation wheel has been out of action since March 2022, but as the final days of 2024 rolled in, it spun back to life. Nestled on Bluewaters Island, this engineering marvel—revolutionary in more ways than one—is now giving passengers a scenic ride with stunning views over JBR and Dubai Marina. Talk about wheely exciting!
J1 Beach
RIP to La Mer, and hello to J1 Beach — the latest, hottest dining hotspot in Dubai. Rumors had been swirling about the transformation of that stretch of coastline, and now we see why. With some of the best European spots on the lineup, you can now check out Gigi Rigolatto, Bâoli, Gitano, Sakhalin, and a few standout local concepts.