Dubai has seen a lot of changes over the last decade. Until recently, visitors could only buy and drink alcohol in certain licensed venues, like Social by Heinz Beck, pictured. But as of July 2019, non-Muslim tourists aged 21 and over can get a license to purchase alcohol from registered stores.
Dubai has seen a lot of changes over the last decade. Until recently, visitors could only buy and drink alcohol in certain licensed venues, like Social by Heinz Beck, pictured. But as of July 2019, non-Muslim tourists aged 21 and over can get a license to purchase alcohol from registered stores.
Courtesy Social by Heinz Beck
The Emirate was once considered near-impossible to navigate without a car, but that is changing. The Dubai Metro opened in September 2009, a driverless and fully automated service.
The Emirate was once considered near-impossible to navigate without a car, but that is changing. The Dubai Metro opened in September 2009, a driverless and fully automated service.
Tom Dulat/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Much of the Metro is currently under construction, with an extension due to open ahead of Expo 2020.
Much of the Metro is currently under construction, with an extension due to open ahead of Expo 2020.
Tom Dulat/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Dubai has not traditionally been considered a cyclist's city, but it now has dedicated car-free circuits and cycle paths. Pictured, <br />The Dubai Tour is an annual road bike race that has taken place since 2014.
Dubai has not traditionally been considered a cyclist's city, but it now has dedicated car-free circuits and cycle paths. Pictured,
The Dubai Tour is an annual road bike race that has taken place since 2014.
Tom Dulat/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Dubai might seem as if it has sprung up overnight, but the city is increasingly trying to highlight its history. The newly revitalized historical district gives a taste of old Dubai. The district includes the Al Fahidi Neighborhood (pictured) and several museums.
Dubai might seem as if it has sprung up overnight, but the city is increasingly trying to highlight its history. The newly revitalized historical district gives a taste of old Dubai. The district includes the Al Fahidi Neighborhood (pictured) and several museums.
KARIM SAHIB/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Dubai has ambitions to become a world leader in renewable energy. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park will be large enough to power 50,000 homes, and is the centerpiece of Dubai's plan to generate three-quarters of its energy from renewable sources by 2050.
Dubai has ambitions to become a world leader in renewable energy. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Solar Park will be large enough to power 50,000 homes, and is the centerpiece of Dubai's plan to generate three-quarters of its energy from renewable sources by 2050.
STRINGER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The World Islands archipelago -- a collection of 300 private islands, just off the Dubai coastline -- is finally coming to life.
The World Islands archipelago -- a collection of 300 private islands, just off the Dubai coastline -- is finally coming to life.
William L. Stefanov, NASA-JSC
The "Heart of Europe" island of the World archipelago is currently under construction. It will feature 10 waterfront "palaces."
The "Heart of Europe" island of the World archipelago is currently under construction. It will feature 10 waterfront "palaces."
The Heart of Europe
Dubai is on the frontline of virtual reality innovation. The VR Park at the Dubai Mall opened in March 2018. Its virtual experiences range from paragliding to exploring zombie-infested mazes.
Dubai is on the frontline of virtual reality innovation. The VR Park at the Dubai Mall opened in March 2018. Its virtual experiences range from paragliding to exploring zombie-infested mazes.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Visitors can also try out virtual sports, build their own spaceships, and take part in virtual shoot outs, like in this Walking Dead game.
Visitors can also try out virtual sports, build their own spaceships, and take part in virtual shoot outs, like in this Walking Dead game.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Institutes such as the Al Zahra Hospital are promoting healthcare tourism. Al Zahra says it screens thousands of medical tourists each year.
Institutes such as the Al Zahra Hospital are promoting healthcare tourism. Al Zahra says it screens thousands of medical tourists each year.
STEFFI LOOS/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
King's College Hospital London opened a state-of-the-art 100-bed facility in Dubai Hills this year, with specialisms including fetal surgery and healthcare for airline staff.
King's College Hospital London opened a state-of-the-art 100-bed facility in Dubai Hills this year, with specialisms including fetal surgery and healthcare for airline staff.
Courtesy of King's College Hospital Dubai