Dubai has topped the list as the world’s most picturesque city to explore after dark, capturing the top spot among global destinations renowned for their night time beauty.
In a recent study conducted by Travelbag, Dubai has been crowned the world’s most picturesque city by night. The study analysed a combination of factors including Instagram hashtags, light and noise pollution levels, and safety ratings for walking alone at night across 136 cities worldwide.
Travelbag is a holiday company that specialises in creating personalised long-haul travel experiences. Founded in 1979, it focuses on tailoring itineraries to destinations and provides customised travel plans, catering to a variety of interests, including cultural tours, beach vacations, road trips, and safaris.
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According to the study, Dubai leads among long-haul destinations for its stunning night time views. The #dubaiatnight Instagram hashtag has over 27,387 tags, showcasing the city’s picturesque evenings.
“Dubai’s night time transformation is truly mesmerising. As night falls, Sheikh Zayed Road, with its towering skyscrapers and dynamic cityscape, becomes a glowing corridor,” said Fozil Rakhimov, an Uzbek tourist who often visits Dubai.
“The Marina waterfront is adorned with countless lights from luxury yachts, restaurants, and high-rise apartments in the surroundings. The reflections of these lights create a magical effect that enhances the beauty at night,” added Rakhimov.
Dubai also excelled in safety, ranking fourth globally with a safety score of 83.4 out of 100, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the city’s beauty without concerns. According to Travelbag’s findings, Dubai’s combination of safety and ambiance makes it a standout destination for night exploration.
Several factors contribute to Dubai’s strong safety rating. The city maintains a well-developed infrastructure, including well-lit streets and public areas, monitored by extensive security measures. Law enforcement and emergency services are readily accessible and responsive, ensuring quick assistance if needed. Dubai’s strict regulations and enforcement of laws contribute to a low crime rate, enhancing overall safety perceptions among visitors.
Zsuzsa Vinczeller, a tourist who visited Dubai, described her feelings for the city. She said: “I’m very grateful that I had the chance to visit Dubai. It has its own beauty, as every city does. Of course, some of the buildings are incredible, and I love their architecture.
“Everyone I talked to who lives there, from taxi drivers to office workers, loves Dubai and they would love to stay there long term, so that must mean something,” added Vinczeller.
Many residents and tourists have posted photos and videos on social media, captioning how the city turns magical at night.
Regines Blog, an Instagram user was impressed by Dubai Marina’s Skyline and how it comes alive at night. She posted: “Dubai – Marina Harbour – beautiful Skyline in the nighttime.”
Kevin Kelly shared a series of posts on Instagram from Burj Khalifa, where one can see the entire city glowing.
He captioned his post: “Not only is Burj Khalifa the world’s tallest building but it has also broken two other impressive records: tallest structure, previously held by the KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, and tallest free-standing structure, previously held by Toronto’s CN Tower.”
Theresa Schiffhauer posted a photo on her social media handle, the beauty of DIFC.
The post read: “Evening strolls with City Views. Dubai is such a multifaceted place – like every week I find new gems. Have you ever been to DIFC? If not, you have to visit! There are so many incredible restaurants and you will get stunning views.”