Dubai is one of the most popular Middle East tourist destinations that has been exploding in popularity recently.
The city was named the number one most popular tourist destination in the world by TripAdvisor and tourism numbers have been steadily climbing.
According to the latest tourism data from Dubai’s government, more than 4.67 million visitors came to Dubai from January through March of this year, putting Dubai on track to break its previous tourism record of 16.73 million visitors in 2019.
While tourists are flocking to Dubai, many of them are not from the United States. Tourists from the Americas only make up 7% of Dubai’s visitors, with the majority of visitors coming from Europe and Asia.
Here are the top reasons Americans should consider visiting Dubai next:
1. Great Stopover Destination
Dubai is a great destination for a stopover. Since it’s one of the major airport hubs in the Middle East, Dubai is a popular place for flight connections.
If you have a long flight to Asia or Oceania, why not break it up with a multi-day stopover in Dubai? You can see and do a lot in just 2 or 3 days.
Airlines like Emirates even offer special packages for travelers with layovers of 10 to 24 hours that include a free hotel stay and airport transportation.
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2. Affordable Luxury
Dubai is known for being an ultra-luxurious travel destination, but what many people don’t realize is that it comes at a fraction of the price of comparable destinations.
For example, the cost of a five-star hotel in Dubai is often less than half what it would be in New York, London, Paris, or Tokyo.
Things like dining out and nightlife can quickly add up, but the overall cost of a luxury vacation in Dubai is still surprisingly low.
3. Unique Activities
There are so many unique activities you can do in Dubai, like visiting the Palm Jumeirah island development or Global Village, a sort of theme park representing 90 countries.
Going to the beach is another one of the best things to do in Dubai. The city is known for its beach clubs and activities like kayaking, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding in the Persian Gulf.
4. See The Desert
One of the most popular activities in Dubai is visiting the desert. The Arabian Desert is just outside Dubai. It’s amazing to watch the city fall away as you are engulfed by the vast, empty desert.
Taking a desert safari is one of the top things to do in Dubai. These day tours often include activities like riding a camel or sandboarding.
5. Unbelievable Architecture
Dubai is famous for its modern, glitzy architecture. The city is home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to its observation decks.
The Aura Skypool, located atop The Palm Tower, is the highest infinity pool in the world and also worth a visit. You also can’t miss the famous Dubai Fountain, which puts on a nightly show.
6. Nightlife And Entertainment
Finally, Dubai is known as a great nightlife and entertainment destination. Although the UAE is a Muslim country, tourists are allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai at licensed hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Dubai also recently removed its 30% municipality tax on alcohol sales, meaning going out in Dubai is now a lot cheaper.
Even if you aren’t interested in drinking, Dubai has plenty of great nightlife options, including world-class restaurants, shows, and attractions.
These are some of the top reasons why travelers are flocking to Dubai. Before you go, be sure to read these 7 important tips about visiting Dubai first.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com