Palm Jumeirah Is Visible From Space

Palm Jumeirah is a collection of man-made islands in Jumeirah, Dubai, set in the waters of the Persian Gulf. As the world’s largest artificial island development, it’s known for immaculate private beaches, impressive waterfront villas, and high-end hotels. From the air, the design is unmistakable, it forms the shape of a palm tree.

The islands were built through land reclamation, with engineers forming the base using rock quarried from the nearby Hajar Mountains. Pulling off a project of this scale was a bold feat of engineering by any standard. Construction began in 2001, and the roughly $12 billion development took about six years to complete.

Meet the UAE’s Minister of Happiness

In 2016, the United Arab Emirates introduced a brand-new role: Minister of State for Happiness. The government appointed Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi to lead the office, with a mission to align policies, plans, and public programs so they work together toward a more satisfied, thriving society.

It sounds unusual at first, but the position fits neatly with the UAE’s ambition to be among the happiest places on earth. And yes, there’s a global yardstick for that: the World Happiness Report. In recent rankings, the UAE has placed 26th overall and first among Arab countries. The UN-backed report draws on public opinion surveys collected across 157 countries.

24-Karat Gold Leaf, Everywhere You Look

The Burj Al Arab is widely touted as the world’s only official seven-star hotel. It also ranks among the tallest hotels on the planet at 1,053 feet, although about 39% of that height is made up of space that isn’t usable. The hotel rises from the man-made Jumeirah Island and links to the mainland by a private, sweeping bridge.

True to Dubai’s signature flair for luxury, the Burj Al Arab’s interior is finished with 24-karat gold leaf, enough to cover more than 40,000 Mona Lisa paintings. And it doesn’t stop there; even the floors make a statement, laid in exclusive Italian Statuario marble.

Dubai’s Show-Stopping Police Car Fleet

Dubai has a well-earned reputation for luxury, and the city has long positioned itself as a favorite destination for those who enjoy the finer things. One of its most eye-catching sights is the police car lineup. And in Dubai, it is not even surprising to see high-end vehicles cruising the streets in the hands of everyday drivers.

In 2013, Dubai Police added a Lamborghini “Aventador” to its growing collection. From there, the fleet expanded with an impressive range of supercars, including a Bentley “Continental GT,” a rare Ferrari “FF,” a Mercedes-Benz “Brabus G-Wagon,” and an Aston Martin “One-77.”

Profanity on WhatsApp

The UAE is widely considered very safe, but travelers should still be mindful of local laws they might break without realizing it. Dubai, in particular, has firm expectations for public behavior. One clear example is profanity, which is not allowed. Violations can carry penalties of up to a year in jail or a 10,000 dirham fine (about $2,722).

Those rules also apply online. Using offensive language on WhatsApp or other digital platforms is against the law. If reported and proven, it can lead to a six month prison sentence or a fine ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 dirhams (roughly $27,226 to $136,132).

No Snacks or Sips on Public Transport

Dubai is known for a few surprising rules, and one that catches many people off guard is the ban on eating or drinking on public transport. With the city packed with restaurants and cafes where locals and visitors can grab a bite, there is really no need to snack in places that are not meant for it.

The idea behind the rule is simple: keep the metro clean, sanitary, and free of litter. If you are spotted with food or a drink, you could face a fine of up to 100 dirhams. One passenger from Yemen was even fined for chewing gum. We understand why the rules exist, but getting ticketed for gum still feels a bit over the top.

Aladdin’s Magic Lamps

The tale of Aladdin and his enchanted lamp has been told, retold, and reinvented countless times. At heart, it’s the ultimate rags-to-riches adventure, featuring a young dreamer, a lovely princess, and a genie who can turn wishes into reality, all from inside a humble lamp. The story has Middle Eastern roots and became widely known through the collection called “Arabian Nights.”

No matter how enthusiastically we rub one, we’re not likely to summon a genie, but these lamps still make wonderful gifts and memorable souvenirs. They’re easy to spot in Dubai’s traditional souks, where browsing is half the fun. Just remember, bargaining is part of the experience, so it’s worth warming up those haggling skills before you go.

Kava Pots and Coffee Service Sets

Kava is a bold, dark coffee drink and a beloved local staple. It is so woven into Arab culture that it is traditionally presented in elegant, finely crafted pots and cups. The vessels used to serve kava are often finished with gold or silver, and some are even decorated with semiprecious stone inlays.

The small cups are commonly made from silver or copper, with rims trimmed in gold or silver, and the full set is typically carried on slender trays of silver or gold. In many Arab households, these pieces are treasured, and it is not unusual for them to be passed down as cherished family heirlooms.

Attar Perfume Oils

Across Arab and Muslim communities, personal cleanliness and good grooming are taken seriously. It is not unusual to catch a trail of rich, distinctive fragrance as you pass men and women on the street. Traditionally, many believed attar could invite good spirits and ward off harmful ones, while also serving as a bold, memorable expression of personal style.

You can find these oils throughout Dubai, especially in the city’s perfume souks. One standout stop is the souks along Sikkat al-Khali Street, where rows of bottles hold every scent imaginable. You can also browse for fragrances at Geant hypermarket, The Gardens Mall, and BurJuman Center.

Wild Animals as Exotic Pets

For years, owning wild animals has served as a flashy status symbol among some wealthy people in the Middle East. Social media has put plenty of it on display; tigers being led on leashes, lions photographed lounging in the back of luxury cars, and even a clip of five tigers roaming along a beach.

In 2017, the UAE government banned the practice as the risks became impossible to ignore. One widely reported incident involved a cleaner who was attacked by lions after the owner left without properly securing them. Under the law, these animals may only be kept in approved facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, and licensed breeding and research centers.

The Gold ATM

In May 2010, the UAE introduced something that sounded almost too good to be true: the world’s first gold ATM, unveiled at a hotel in Abu Dhabi. Word spread fast, and curious visitors gathered within minutes to see it in action. Instead of handing out banknotes, the machine dispenses small gold bars, much like a regular ATM delivers cash.

Built in Germany, the ATM shows live gold prices on its screen and was installed inside one of Abu Dhabi’s most lavish landmarks, the Emirates Palace Hotel. It offers tiny bars in one, five, and ten gram sizes. For anyone who would rather skip a trip to the jewelry store, it’s a quick, convenient option, and the machine is kept under constant watch by high-security cameras.

Camel Parking, Dubai Style

Dubai sits in the desert, so spotting a camel in or around the city is not as surprising as you might think. Emiratis have long cherished these animals; without them, life in the sands would have been far tougher. Back when Dubai was still a modest town, people depended heavily on the “ship of the desert” for daily survival.

Even as the city grew into a modern metropolis, that affection never faded. Today, camels are typically kept on farms beyond the city limits, still respected and proudly viewed as a living symbol of the nation’s cultural heritage. They have also become a favorite draw for visitors, and it is common to see tourists enjoying a camel ride.

Showstopping Luxury Bathrooms

Dubai has a way of doing everything on a larger scale. The city is famous for bold architecture, polished glamour, and a taste for the finer things. We have all seen the headline-making hotels and iconic towers, and the bathrooms follow the same playbook. Some of these spaces feel like they are ten times the size of the average bathroom back home.

One of the priciest bathrooms on the planet can be found at the XXII Carat Club Villas in Dubai. This is luxury turned up to its highest setting, featuring a rich marble finish and a $1 million bathtub carved from Amazonian rock crystal. The villas themselves sit around the $10 million mark. There are only 22 of them, set on the Palm Jumeirah islands.

Gold-Plated Cell Phones

In Dubai, spotting solid-gold everything is practically part of the scenery. It is a city built on big success, and plenty of residents enjoy trying to top one another with ever flashier symbols of prosperity. Still, you have to wonder, just how heavy would a truly solid-gold phone feel in your hand?

This particular showpiece was produced by Caviar as a tribute to Sheikh Zayed. Nicknamed the “Gold Sheikh,” the phone is crafted from pure gold, then finished with diamonds, detailed engravings, and ornate touches. It belongs to Caviar’s Tsar collection, a series honoring influential leaders and the founders of nations and dynasties. Only seven were made, and each one carries a $37K price tag.

Extra-Wide Cars

In the UAE, it is pretty normal to see people driving seriously large vehicles. Plenty of homes have a driveway or garage lined with multiple 4×4s. Part of that comes down to big families, because when you are moving a full crew, extra seats and cargo space are not a luxury, they are a necessity. Another factor is that fuel has traditionally been much more affordable in Dubai than in many other places.

Of course, when you have the means, you might also want something custom and truly one of a kind, whether that is a car, a home, or even a phone. Still, the Jeep shown here takes things to an extreme. It is wildly impractical, and in some countries it would not even be street legal. In the United States, for example, passenger vehicles are generally limited to about 8.5 feet in width.

Taking Your Camel for a Stroll

The United Arab Emirates is largely desert, and camels remain a meaningful part of the nation’s heritage. For generations, these hardy animals made life in the sands possible. That is why this photo turned heads, it is a perfect little contrast. The camel stands for the old ways, while the Mercedes SUV is a clear symbol of modern life.

Even today, some families in Dubai still keep these humped companions and occasionally take them out for walks. For many visitors, camel rides and camel walks are a classic part of the experience. Others keep their animals on farms outside the city, holding on to a tradition that still matters.

Luxury Horse Stalls

Horses hold a special place in UAE culture. For generations, these powerful animals have represented honor, chivalry, and nobility. Arabian horses, in particular, are widely admired as one of the world’s purest and most celebrated breeds. It’s no surprise that riding remains a beloved sport, closely tied to the nation’s heritage.

Most of us picture barns and stables as practical spaces, simple stalls built from brick or wood, with plain, earthy floors. So when this photo started making the rounds online, plenty of people assumed these polished horse stalls had to be in Dubai. In reality, they’re located in Jiangsu, China, at the Heilan International Equestrian Club.

Free Meals, No Questions Asked

For all the sparkle and luxury the Middle East is often associated with, the gap between those who have plenty and those who are struggling can still be striking. Some reports have even ranked the region among the worst for inequality. In response, governments have rolled out various measures aimed at easing poverty and supporting families in need.

Back in 2013, Ansar Mall in Dubai set up a simple, practical idea: a free food shelf where anyone short on cash could take essentials at no cost. Stocked during Ramadan with everyday staples, from fresh yogurt to Arabic bread, the shelf was designed to lend a hand to the less fortunate. The mall also kept the approach straightforward, no one was stopped or questioned for taking what they needed.

Grooms Wanted: A Traditional Matchmaking Story

Arranged marriage can feel unusual in many Western societies, but for plenty of families in the UAE, it is a respected path to building strong, dependable ties between households. Some of these matches grow into real affection and genuinely happy unions. At the same time, divorce carries a social stigma, and women often have limited avenues for leaving a marriage.

Traditionally, fathers take the lead in organizing introductions and selecting potential husbands for their daughters. Newspaper advertisements are not unheard of, especially when families hope to connect with a stable, well-established household. Many marriages in the UAE still follow long-standing customs, and it remains common for people, both men and women, to marry at a young age.

Over-the-Top Hotel Suites

Dubai has become one of the world’s best-known travel hotspots. It often tops the list, with New York close behind and London not far after that. And if you’re spending time in this stunning city of sand and skyline, you might just find yourself checking into one of its famously lavish hotels.

The Burj Al Arab is among the most spectacular places you can book. It’s widely recognized as a top-tier, five-star property, the highest rating a hotel can earn. Still, it’s hardly the only option for travelers who want the deluxe treatment, places like the Bulgari Resort Dubai also deliver, with rooms starting around $3,117 per night.

Dubai’s Superbus

Getting around Dubai is pretty straightforward. The city runs one of the world’s longest fully automated metro systems, with two operating lines, the Red Line and the Green Line. And if rail isn’t your thing, the bus network is another solid option: comfortable, reliable, and built to link up with the city’s biggest landmarks.

Back in 2011, a team of Dutch engineers unveiled what was billed as the world’s first “superbus.” Part bus, part limousine, this hybrid machine can hit speeds of up to 155 miles per hour. It seats just 23 passengers, and it was designed to slash the trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi down to about 30 minutes.

When Traffic Jams Turn Into a Luxury Car Parade

Traffic gridlock is a fact of life in crowded cities across the globe. Dubai has its own twist, though, because a slow crawl there can look less like a commute and more like a supercar showcase. Many people in the UAE enjoy a level of comfort and prosperity that stands out compared with many other parts of the world.

As a result, these vehicles are not only a way to get from place to place, they are also a statement. This desert metropolis is built for high-end driving, with smooth conditions, well-kept roads, and accessible financing for buyers who want to make the leap. One surprising detail: roughly 3,000 supercars are reportedly abandoned each year by their owners.

Farewell, Fish

One sign you will almost certainly spot while riding the Dubai Metro is the no-fish notice. Metro staff do not want passengers bringing fish, whether alive or not, onto the train. Given the heat, and the very real chance of a lingering odor, it is easy to see why.

If you are caught carrying fish on the Metro, authorities can issue a fine of at least 100 dirhams. The Dubai Metro earns near five-star ratings on Tripadvisor, and visitors consistently say it is one of the easiest ways to get around the city. Judging by how smoothly it runs, those firm rules seem to be doing their job.

Giant Skyscrapers

Dubai is famous for its sky-high skyline, with some of the tallest towers anywhere on Earth. The city’s architecture is genuinely breathtaking, with a sleek, forward-looking style that can make visitors feel as if they have arrived in the future. It is also home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Opened in 2010, the Burj Khalifa rises to an astonishing 2,722 feet, surpassing the previous record holder, Taipei 101. It was created by the same architectural firm behind Chicago’s Sears Tower, another former champion in the race for the tallest building in the world.

Starbucks at Its Most Spectacular

Emiratis are famous for their appreciation of coffee, and in Dubai, café culture is woven into everyday life. So it makes perfect sense that Starbucks, the world’s largest coffee chain, would have a presence in the emirate’s best-known city.

You’ll find this particular Starbucks inside Ibn Battuta Mall, and it looks nothing like the familiar layouts seen in most countries. Instead, the space leans all the way into grandeur, with striking domed ceilings and beautifully detailed tilework. And while it may feel one of a kind, it’s actually just one of more than 100 Starbucks locations spread across the UAE.

Dubai’s Police Boats

We have all seen the jaw-dropping supercars in the Dubai police fleet, so it is no surprise their patrol boats are just as impressive. This one is billed as the world’s fastest police boat, with a price tag around $400,000. It was presented to the force as a gift from Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan.

Built to carry just four to six people, the boat can reach speeds of up to 85 nautical miles per hour. It is made for pursuing suspects and supporting rescue missions. The hull uses lightweight carbon fiber, the same high-performance material found in racing machines, and its sharp, streamlined profile looks a bit like a Lamborghini that decided to take to the water.

High Above the City: Mile-High Tennis

Dubai is packed with jaw-dropping architecture, and choosing a single standout is no easy task. Most of us enjoy a solid game of tennis, but picture serving and volleying on a court 1,000 feet above the ground. In the emirate, that is not just a daydream, it is a real experience.

In true Dubai fashion, the city raised the bar to impress both locals and visitors. Perched at the Burj Khalifa, this tennis court began life as a helipad. In 2005, tennis legends Roger Federer and Andre Agassi were invited to step onto this sky-high stage for a friendly match above the city.

Kayaking on a Surfboard

In Dubai, daily life is closely shaped by faith and tradition. It is perfectly normal to see locals and visitors enjoying activities while dressed modestly, even in situations where people elsewhere might wear something different. The city has also found a niche many destinations struggle to serve well: halal-friendly tourism.

This corner of travel is enormous; Muslims represent roughly a quarter of the world’s population. It is also a community that often needs thoughtful accommodations while on the road. Dubai fits that bill naturally, since the city’s public life and services are designed to align with Islamic guidelines.

Desert Skiing, Dubai Style

When most of us picture skiing, we imagine places like France, Italy, Switzerland, or the United States. Dubai usually does not make that shortlist, considering roughly 80% of it is desert. Still, the emirate is famous for bold ideas, and it has managed to give locals and visitors a genuine place to hit the slopes.

That place is Ski Dubai, an indoor resort inside the Mall of the Emirates. Since opening in 2005, it has offered a 278-foot-tall mountain and runs with a range of lengths and difficulty levels. The resort even has penguins, which are let out of their enclosures for a few hours each day.

Full Moon Drum Circle

A drum circle is exactly what it sounds like, a group of people gathered in a ring, playing drums and other percussion instruments together. The whole idea is simple: share a rhythm and, in the process, feel a little more connected. There is no conductor calling the shots, and you will typically see a mix of ages, cultures, and backgrounds all keeping the beat side by side.

If you are vacationing in Dubai, you might stumble across a drum circle right on the beach. The folks already in the circle are usually quick to wave you in and make room. It is a warm, welcoming way to build community, and many people find it a great stress reliever, too. Often, it all unfolds under a full moon, which some believe adds a calming, restorative touch to the experience.

A Mall With Its Own Aquarium

Dubai is known for going big, especially when it comes to shopping. The city is home to 35 malls, and The Dubai Mall is one of the most famous, often ranked among the largest in the world. It is also packed with attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

This enormous aquarium features more than 140 species of marine life. Inside, you will find over 400 sharks along with plenty of other sea creatures, including octopuses. And for anyone in an adventurous mood, there is even the chance to enter the tank and swim alongside the animals for an up close, unforgettable experience.

Dubai Mall’s Underwater Zoo

Right inside Dubai Mall, travelers can also visit an underwater zoo. It sits on the mall’s second level, directly above the aquarium. Once inside, guests move through three distinct habitats: the Living Ocean, the Rainforest, and the Rocky Shore.

The Rocky Shore zone recreates that lively strip where land and sea collide, home to sea otters, giant crabs, and other coastal characters. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are opportunities to reach out and touch some of the animals, though it’s best to keep your hands well away from anything that could cause harm, like piranhas or eels. One of the biggest highlights is watching the divers up close as they feed the sea life.

The Thrill of Camel Racing

Camel racing is a beloved sport across many corners of the globe, including North Africa, Australia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Western Asia, and the Horn of Africa. At the professional level, it is every bit as organized and competitive as horse racing, drawing curious visitors and, in some places, offering spectators the option to place bets.

Out in the Dubai desert, travelers can still experience a sleek, modern take on this time-honored tradition. From the grandstands, you get a front-row view of a sport that has been woven into Emirati life for generations. The atmosphere is lively and electric as the gates swing open and a pack of 60 camels surges forward at full stride, with the crowd watching every thrilling second.

Gold-Plated Motorcycle

Motorcycle fans are going to get a kick out of this. Dubai has a well-earned reputation as a playground for luxury, so it only makes sense that the first truly golden motorcycle would make its debut there. Back in 2013, Danish bike builder Lauge Jensen unveiled a new creation, a gold-plated machine fittingly nicknamed “Goldfinger.”

The company typically builds motorcycles to order, but this time they crafted one specifically to show off in Dubai and Monaco. Not long after the exhibitions, a buyer snapped it up, for a cool $850,000. The bike’s 850 components were each hand gold-plated, and it even featured tiny diamonds adding up to 7 carats.

Limousine Ambulance Service

An ambulance exists for one reason, to get someone who needs urgent medical attention to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. These trips are about speed and care, not luxury or comfort, because the goal is saving lives. Still, in a city as polished and forward-thinking as Dubai, the story takes a slightly different turn.

There, feeling under the weather doesn’t automatically mean giving up on dignity and ease. That is why the city offers limousine-style vehicles as part of a patient transport service, carrying people to and from medical facilities. It is not designed to replace emergency response. Instead, it serves patients who need a hospital visit for mild to moderate concerns and prefer a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The Gold Cupcake

Meet the “Golden Phoenix,” widely billed as the world’s priciest cupcake. It’s served at Bloomsbury’s Cupcakes in Dubai and was introduced to mark the opening of the brand’s new Dubai location. With a $1,000 price tag, it’s hard to argue it isn’t in a league of its own.

This chocolate treat starts with premium Amedei Porcelana chocolate and fragrant Ugandan vanilla beans. From there, it goes full luxury, finished with 23-carat gold leaf and a sprinkle of edible gold dust. After the big reveal, the cupcake drew plenty of online criticism, with some people saying that eating gold felt excessive and that the money behind it could have been put to better use.

The Burj Khalifa

Dubai has built a reputation for breathtaking skyscrapers that pair bold design with cutting-edge engineering. Here, the unofficial rule seems to be simple: if it can be taller, it should be. Standing among the world’s highest structures is the Burj Khalifa, a tower that shattered record after record when it opened in January 2010.

The roughly $2 billion project was created to draw global attention and help place Dubai firmly on the world stage. Beyond its striking look, the tower’s distinctive, upside-down ‘Y’ layout was thoughtfully engineered to handle powerful winds, even at its remarkable 2,716-foot height.

Dubai’s Air-Conditioned Bus Stops

If any city knows how to look after its people, it’s Dubai. Healthcare is completely free for Emirati citizens. That said, most of the people who live and work in the city are expatriates, many of them employed as laborers. In fact, only around 11% of residents are Emiratis.

Citizens also enjoy a long list of benefits, including tax-free income, subsidized fuel, generous government-backed retirement plans, and free higher education. Sounds almost too good to be true, right? And when it comes to everyday comfort, Dubai doesn’t leave people baking at the curb, the city even offers air-conditioned bus stops so riders can cool down while they wait.

Mercedes, Fully Iced

Mercedes-Benz cars have long been a symbol of luxury. The German automaker is known for building innovative vehicles, and it consistently goes the extra mile to deliver an experience that feels enjoyable, comfortable, and safe. These cars also bring plenty of muscle to the table, thanks to powerful engine options and strong performance features.

Now picture a Mercedes-Benz covered in diamonds, the kind of headline-grabbing extravagance that fits right in with Dubai’s larger-than-life reputation. In 2007, this sparkling showpiece was revealed at a Dubai auto show to mark the 50th anniversary of the company’s “SL” line. The car is owned by Saudi Prince (Amir) al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, who Forbes has listed among the world’s wealthiest individuals.

A Tower of Tortoises

People in the UAE have a well-known soft spot for animals. You have probably heard about the fascination with big cats, and of course there is the long-standing love for camels. That care extends to tortoises, too. Across the country, conservation work is underway to protect these threatened reptiles, and taking them or collecting their eggs is illegal.

When you spot reptiles piled up like this, it is easy to assume a person arranged them. That might be true in some cases, but turtles also stack themselves naturally. They do it to soak up beneficial UV rays, which help them stay healthy and warm beneath that sturdy shell.

Uber, but Make It Luxury

Just about everyone, everywhere, knows the Uber app. It is the easy way to call a ride whenever you need one and head wherever you are going. Even without owning a car, you can get around comfortably and safely without relying on public transportation.

In Dubai, though, the experience levels up. When you book an Uber, you can choose a luxury vehicle instead of a standard ride. With high-end cars everywhere in the UAE, it is no shock that some of them have rolled right into the ride-hailing scene. Sure, it costs a bit more, but comfort and style have a way of feeling worth it.

Driving Across the Water

Most of us probably never realized vehicles like this even existed. It looks like a car, but the moment it reaches the water it transforms into a speedboat. The idea took off during World War II, when Volkswagen developed amphibious vehicles for military use. Since then, the concept has come a long way, and the designs keep getting smarter and more refined.

Shown here is the Gibbs Aquada, an amphibious ride that can reach speeds of up to 99 miles per hour. The Aquada runs on a 2.5L Rover engine. One sheik is such a fan that he reportedly owns six of these machines, with a combined value of more than $800,000.

Beating the Traffic

Like any major city, Dubai can still grind to a crawl at rush hour, even with its impressive roads and planning. The city has been expanding at a remarkable pace, and with that growth comes an ever rising number of cars. It can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to arrive somewhere on schedule.

Still, in a place with deep pockets, there is often a convenient fix. One example is a helicopter taxi service that can lift passengers above the gridlock and drop them where they need to go. It is open to anyone who can pay for it. And with Dubai home to more than 52,000 millionaires, plenty of residents can comfortably make that option work.

Pure 24K Shine

In Dubai, the ultra-wealthy never seem to run out of creative ways to enjoy their fortunes. One of their favorite outlets is car customization, taken to eye-catching extremes. If the goal is to turn heads, it is hard to beat a finish that involves gold and high-end gemstones.

A Jeep Cherokee may not share the same pedigree as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, but that did not stop one owner from giving his a full 24-karat paint treatment to make it unforgettable. And it is hardly a one-off, Saudi billionaire Turki Bin Abdullah is known for a stable of exotic rides, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom dressed in gold.

Making Louboutin Look Modest

What says “serious money” quite like a stiletto made of solid gold? A French designer created these high heels, and most of them ended up being sold in Dubai. That hardly comes as a shock, people in the UAE have long prized gold, and it’s a classic way to put wealth on display. Still, you have to wonder whether a shoe like this might be a little heavy for an evening out.

The design doubles as both a heel and a vintage cassette. Even so, they don’t take the crown for the priciest heels on the planet. Italian designer Antonio Vietri unveiled the Moon Star high heels in 2019, with a reported value of $20 million.