Dubai: Viral dance by Indian tourists at Burj Khalifa sparks debate
Wearing matching yellow outfits, the tourists performed the traditional Gujarati folk dance to the Bollywood song Chogada from the 2018 film Loveyatri. The performance was filmed and shared on Instagram on June 15 by Dubai-based content creator @the_walking_lens_, and has since drawn thousands of views and a wave of mixed reactions.
Some viewers praised the group for proudly showcasing Indian culture on a global stage. 'It's sweet to see our culture shining,' one user wrote. But others were critical, calling the dance inappropriate for a crowded tourist spot. 'Why is this glorified? We must learn to respect the sanctity of public spaces ,' one comment read.
"RIP civic sense," wrote another user.
Watch the video here:
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by The Walking Lens �| (@the_walking_lens_)
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
This is not the first time Indian tourists have danced in public spaces abroad. Earlier this month, a group of Indians drew attention in Vienna by dancing Garba on the street to music played by local performers. Social media users noted a growing trend of such impromptu cultural displays, citing other instances including Pangong Lake in India, Times Square in New York, and the streets of London.
While some expats defended these acts as harmless and joyful, others argued they can be disruptive. In the Burj Khalifa video's case, critics said the performance may have inconvenienced other visitors and ignored the need to respect shared spaces. 'Perfect example of money can't buy class,' one user commented. A longtime Dubai resident said, "I saw the video. It was lively, but it blocked the viewing area for others. Visitors purchase tickets to enjoy the views, not to navigate around flash mobs."
It is not immediately clear if the performance was pre-approved or permitted by Emaar, the Dubai-based real estate developer behind the Burj Khalifa.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Luxury travel in the UAE isn't just growing — it's evolving
There's a quiet revolution in the UAE tourism space — and it's happening at the very top. Luxury travel, which was once a subset of the broader tourism sector, is rapidly becoming one of its fastest-growing and most dynamic segments. The entry of ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals in the UAE is not only changing our economy — it's also changing the way travel is being experienced, crafted, and serviced across the region. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in UHNW migration to the UAE, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the primary destinations. These are not tourists or expats, but entrepreneurs, investors, celebrities, family offices, and industry heads who are moving their lifestyle, business, and life to this part of the world. What's attracting them? It's a combination of political stability, world-class infrastructure, favourable tax conditions, and a forward-thinking government committed to innovation. Over the past two years, the UAE has transformed from a regional luxury destination into a global powerhouse in ultra-high-end tourism. The numbers don't lie: the UAE's luxury travel market generated $16.66 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach nearly $29.6 billion by 2030, growing at a 10.4 per cent CAGR from 2025–2030 according to the latest industry data. Meanwhile, across the Middle East and Africa, luxury travel is projected to surge from $95.7 billion in 2023 to $167.4 billion by 2030, at an 8.3 per cent CAGR. This flight of elites dovetails with a broader migration of wealth. A report published by Henley & Partners projects that the UAE will see a record 6,700 millionaires relocate in 2024 — nearly double that of the US. These UHNWIs bring global spending habits and sky-high expectations that are reshaping luxury travel in the Emirates. Driving forces behind the boom 1. Wealth migration: With nearly 6,700 millionaires arriving in 2024, the UAE isn't just a lifestyle magnet — it's rewriting its luxury ecosystem. 2. Skyrocketing spend: The GCC's luxury goods market hit $12.5 billion in 2023, growing at twice the global rate. Nearly 60 per cent of the UAE's luxury travel market growth stems from these high-net-worth tourists. This new wave of residents comes with expectations. They don't just want a holiday — they want seamless, tailored, and often discreet travel experiences that match their lifestyles. For them, travel is not tourism — it's identity, status, privacy, and experience, and that has huge implications for the UAE's travel and tourism sector. At we've seen this shift firsthand as a distinct rise in premium-tier bookings — our ultra-luxury segment bookings have climbed nearly 40 per cent in the last year. There's a growing appetite for bespoke itineraries, private jet bookings, luxury cruises, ultra-premium resorts, and even curated experiences that defy the ordinary — think glamping in the Rub' al Khali under Michelin-starred catering, or a last-minute ski trip to Courchevel with private instructors and chalet chefs. These aren't outliers anymore. They're the new baseline for a small but influential segment of our clientele. The UAE is uniquely positioned to meet this demand. Not only do we have the supply — luxury resorts, exclusive desert retreats, premium airlines like Emirates and Etihad — but we also have the ambition to address this demand. Hoteliers, tourism boards, and developers are doubling down on the luxury segment. In 2024, Dubai welcomed 18.72 million overnight visitors, a 9 per cent increase year-on-year, with five-star average hotel occupancy hitting roughly 77–78 per cent. Meanwhile, over 150 luxury hotels were in operation, accounting for nearly half of the Gulf's upscale room stock. Abu Dhabi too is registering a 26 per cent surge in international hotel stays Jan–Oct 2024, compared to pre-pandemic norms. The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) are both supporting initiatives to upscale high-end products, from customized cultural tourism to luxury wellness escapes. Year on year, there is an increasing interest shown by local tourism boards, such as Sharjah Tourism, Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah, to attract tourists as well as UAE residents in booking hotel stays, exclusive experiences, niche activities & more. To be fair — it's not just domestic demand. The UAE is increasingly becoming a luxury travel hub for the wider region. We're seeing more clients use Dubai as a base for onward travel to the Maldives, the Seychelles, the Swiss Alps, or even bespoke safari experiences in Africa. The connectivity from the UAE is unmatched due to Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports being central hubs for Asia, and for UHNW individuals, time is the ultimate currency. Technology is playing a major role in enabling this shift. We're now leveraging AI to better anticipate travel preferences, customize experiences down to the last detail, and deliver hyper-personalised itineraries. We're deploying AI-driven personalisation — from predictive guest preferences to real-time digital concierges. These tools let us offer private chauffeur pickups, room scent customisations, tailored wellness alerts efficiently and at scale. What used to require a luxury concierge team can now be offered digitally — but with a human touch layered in. From private airport transfers to in-room pillow preferences, technology is letting us scale exclusivity without diluting it. We're also seeing new luxury travel trends emerge. Multi-generational family travel is big — especially post-Covid, with families looking to reconnect in meaningful, immersive ways. Wellness tourism is another booming sector, with UHNW travelers prioritizing longevity, mindfulness, and recovery. Gastronomy-driven itineraries are also on the rise, with travellers planning entire trips around culinary experiences. As UHNW tastes and wants evolve, the world of travel must evolve with them. The five-star bar has moved. Now it is all about one-of-a-kind access, privacy, and personalization. That could be a private museum tour with the curator, a helicopter drop onto a glacier for a gourmet lunch, or getting tickets to sold-out Paris week fashion shows. The travel industry needs to think bigger, move faster, and operate with the same precision as the clientele it's serving. There's also a talent challenge ahead. White-glove service is not just about training — it's about mindset. As an industry, we need more people who understand the subtle art of serving without intruding, anticipating without overpromising. The demand for luxury-literate, culturally fluent, tech-savvy professionals is only going to grow. And yet, amidst all this opulence, I believe there's a growing consciousness emerging. According to Mastercard, 38 per cent of luxury seekers in MENA are willing to pay 30–50 per cent more for sustainable features, and over 50 per cent prioritize meaningful local experiences. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important — even among the wealthiest travelers. They want their experiences to have a lower footprint, to support local communities, to give back in some way. This is not just a passing trend; it's becoming part of the luxury code. At we are currently witnessing a rise in demand for eco-luxury safaris, carbon-offset private flights, and wellness retreats. Looking ahead, I believe the UAE is just getting started. We're not only going to cater to luxury travelers — we're going to shape the future of luxury travel globally. With bold vision and relentless innovation, we can create experiences that are not only world-class — but world-defining. Luxury travel is no longer a fringe category — it's a driving force for both travelers who seek the exclusive, as well as for operators who want to be the top pick for UHNW customers. The UAE, with its unique blend of ambition, connectivity, and creativity, is perfectly positioned to lead this new era. The writer is CEO & Co-founder,
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Digital Dubai launches AI-powered 'Emirati Family', unveils first member
In a pioneering step to enhance the digital quality of life and reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for digital transformation, Digital Dubai has launched the first-ever virtual 'Emirati Family' created using artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative serves as an innovative platform for delivering government messages in a relatable, engaging, and accessible manner to all segments of society. Designed as an interactive digital interface, the AI-powered family represents Emirati society and reflects its values and aspirations. It also supports Dubai's vision of a smarter, more sustainable future. Digital Dubai introduced the project with the unveiling of the first member of the virtual family, 'The Girl', who made her debut in a short video shared across social media platforms. Dressed in traditional Emirati attire with a modern twist, the character is designed to be warm and approachable, especially for children and families, encouraging dialogue around technology, AI, and digital services. As part of efforts to encourage community participation, the character invited the public to help select her name from three options: 'Dubai', 'Mira', or 'Latifa'. The project will soon introduce additional members of the virtual family, including the father, mother, and brother, forming a complete digital representation of an Emirati household. Digital Dubai launches the first virtual Emirati family built using AI, that represents our identity, speaks various languages, and connects with all segments of society across ages and cultures. Itâ��s a step toward building a more community-centered and impactful approach towardsâ�¦ — Digital Dubai دبÙ� اÙ�رÙ�Ù�Ù�Ø© (@DigitalDubai) July 31, 2025 Powered by AI and advanced data technologies, the family will deliver engaging and educational messages about Dubai's digital services in a light and relatable manner for all segments of society. The initiative seeks to raise awareness of Dubai's advanced digital services by promoting the concept of digital life through an interactive, human-centred approach. It is designed to engage people of all ages, cultures, nationalities, and languages, through virtual characters inspired by Emirati identity and cultural values. Aligned with Digital Dubai's vision, the initiative supports the development of modern, AI-powered communication tools that reflect Emirati values while engaging new generations in their preferred digital language and style. Digital Dubai envisions these virtual characters as a relatable voice and an engaging bridge to raise awareness of digital services in an amusing, interactive, and meaningful way. The initiative supports Digital Dubai's broader goals of building a future where digital innovation enhances quality of life, promotes human well-being, and reinforces Dubai's position as a global leader in all aspects of digital living — including innovative methods of community engagement. Through this effort, Digital Dubai seeks to harness the power of AI to create a more resilient and people-centric digital future.
Cosmopolitan ME
2 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan ME
Are you ready to meet the Kay Beauty lipstick & lush that broke the internet?
Kay Beauty, India's leading celebrity beauty brand co-created by Katrina Kaif and Nykaa is bringing its most viral, best-loved icons to the UAE. The Hydra Crème Lipstick and Velvet Crème Multi-Use Blush, two of the brand's talked-about makeup must-haves, are now available in the GCC -ready to meet the region's love for glam, glow, and long-lasting comfort. With its richly diverse and beauty-forward audience, the GCC is known for celebrating high-performance products that deliver on both style and substance – making it the perfect home for Kay Beauty's signature approach to effortless, skin-enhancing makeup. Whether you're embracing dewy day glam or soft, radiant evenings, these beauty essentials are built to keep up with every mood, every moment! Hydra Crème Lipstick Our most hydrating lipstick ever- created for lips that crave comfort without compromising on color. The buttery, balm-meets-lipstick formula glides on with ease, wrapping your pout in intense moisture and luminous pigment that stays put. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Moroccan Oil, and Lychee Extract, each swipe feels like a tall glass of water for your lips. Whether you're desk-bound or on-the-go, this lipstick delivers a fresh, hydrated look without any touch-ups. It's hydration-first makeup that doesn't sacrifice pigment—that's the power of #HydraCremeMagic. Available in 16 stunning shades – from everyday nudes to bold statement hues – there's one for every mood, moment, and skin tone. Katrina's pick? Panache – a soft nude that flatters every skin tone and works for everything from coffee runs to celebrations. Velvet Crème Multi-Use Blush This cream-to-powder blush is your shortcut to that soft-focus flush. Lightweight, blendable, and buildable, the formula melts into your skin, leaving behind a blurred, second-skin finish. Infused with green tea extract to refresh and tone, it adapts beautifully to every skin tone – just tap and blend for that naturally radiant glow. With four velvety shades to choose from, there's a flattering flush for every skin tone, every mood, and every moment. Supplied With Kay Beauty, it's all about makeup that feels like second skin and lasts all day. Loved across India, and now here for the UAE, these two hero products bring together high-performance wear with skincare-infused formulas-because your beauty should always feel like you. Now available at Nysaa stores and online at Follow @kaybykatrina for more beauty updates and inspiration. ITP Media Group newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
