Dubai: Viral dance by Indian tourists at Burj Khalifa sparks debate
A group of Indian tourists has stirred a debate after a video showing them doing the Garba on the 124th floor of the Burj Khalifa went viral.
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
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai is Quietly Building the Future of the Automotive Industry
When I first arrived in Dubai in 2008, the city was a place of bold contrasts. It was grappling with the fallout of the global financial crisis, yet there remained a quiet, determined confidence in its future. Even then, you could sense that Dubai wouldn't just recover — it would reimagine what recovery looked like. Today, that prediction has come true. Dubai has transformed into one of the world's most dynamic testbeds for mobility innovation. What was once a market focused on car ownership is now a launchpad for pioneering ideas in sustainability, digitalisation, and smart transport. This evolution isn't incidental — it's intentional, enabled by a city that's wired for vision and progress. Dubai's geographic location has long made it a global gateway. But what truly sets the city apart is its mindset: an unwavering belief in building the future before others dare to imagine it. The Roads and Transport Authority's plan to introduce air taxis by 2026 is a case in point. What may sound like science fiction elsewhere is already moving into operational planning here, converting a 45-minute commute into a 12-minute airborne journey. Beneath these headlines is a deeper reality: a regulatory and business ecosystem that supports ambition. Programmes like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Vision 2030 aren't just slogans; they are action plans that prioritize diversification, sustainability, and the seamless integration of technology into everyday life. For the automotive sector, this means Dubai offers something rare — a real-world lab where electric, hydrogen, and autonomous mobility solutions can be trialled, refined, and scaled with minimal red tape. At AGMC, we've experienced this transformation firsthand. As the official importer for BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce in the region, we've seen electric vehicle (EV) adoption gain strong momentum — thanks to a blend of consumer enthusiasm, progressive regulation, and business commitment. Today, more than 47,000 green vehicles are registered in the emirate, with fully electric cars making up the majority. Still, the path forward has its challenges. EV infrastructure remains a work in progress. While many villa residents enjoy home charging, the next wave of growth depends on scaling solutions for apartments and urban clusters. The public sector is expanding its charging network, but accelerating adoption will require coordinated efforts across government, utility providers, automakers, and real estate developers. There are also questions around EV residual value. As the market matures, the secondary resale ecosystem will need time — and data — to develop. But Dubai's unique mix of early adopters and tech-forward consumers means we're generating insights faster than many more established markets. What inspires me most, though, is the human story behind the innovation. Dubai is a global talent magnet, bringing together engineers, designers, software developers, and strategists from across continents. It is this cross-pollination of perspectives that fuels meaningful progress — not just in what we build, but how we build it. From hydrogen-powered fleets to connected mobility ecosystems and AI-optimised traffic flows, the future of transport is not on the horizon — it's already taking shape. And while flying cars may remain in the realm of fantasy, Dubai's air taxis suggest we're closer than we think. Ultimately, Dubai teaches us a vital lesson: the future doesn't just arrive — it is built, deliberately and ambitiously. And there are few places in the world where that drive to build is more evident, or more effective, than here.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Travel plans disrupted? Guide to refunds, rescheduling amid regional tensions
With rising regional tensions and airspace closures across the Middle East, many UAE residents are cancelling their summer holidays to the Caucasus and the Middle East, including popular destinations like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Jordan, and Lebanon. The uncertainty caused by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has disrupted travel plans for many. With airspace closed, flights have either been delayed or cancelled, leaving travellers anxious about getting stranded or facing last-minute changes. 'People are either postponing their plans or cancelling altogether,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. 'Travellers are opting for refunds instead of waiting. They are unsure how long the situation will last.' Avinash Adnani, managing director of Neo Travel and Tourism, observed a similar situation. 'Right now, most travellers are cancelling and waiting for more clarity,' he said. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. According to travel agents, airlines are offering full refunds in some cases. They said that if an airline cancels your flight, you are generally entitled to a full refund or can change your travel dates for free. 'Some airlines are also giving travel vouchers to use at a later date,' said Subair. However, if you cancel the trip yourself while the flight is still operating, regular cancellation rules apply, which may result in losing a portion of the amount. 'Refunds or date changes are offered only when the flight is cancelled by the airline,' said Adnani. 'If it's a voluntary cancellation, then the standard policies kick in.' Hotels and tours: 'Mostly flexible' The good news is that most hotels and tour operators are being supportive during this time, said travel aggregators. 'Hotels are mostly allowing date changes or refunds, depending on their policy,' said Subair. 'Local tours are usually refundable too.' Avinash added that in many cases, local agents in the destination countries are also doing their best to either offer full refunds or minimise losses. 'They are trying to help as much as possible,' he said. Online bookings: 'Could be tricky' For those who booked through online platforms, obtaining a refund may not be as straightforward. While possible, the process often takes time. Advice for upcoming travellers Travel experts suggest that when planning a holiday, consider destinations that are stable and currently open to tourism. 'There are plenty of beautiful and safe places to visit right now,' said Subair. 'And talk to your travel agent; they will help you book flexibly in case plans need to change again.'
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Emirates travellers can now hail Uber Rides and earn more miles under new partnership
Emirates and Uber have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore ways to make journeys more seamless for travellers. The partnership will focus on enhancing ground mobility for Emirates customers whilst offering Skywards members loyalty benefits when using Uber across select markets within the Emirates network, the airline said in a statement. Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Anabel Diaz Calderon, Vice President and Head of EMEA Mobility at Uber, signed the MoU. Emirates Skywards loyalty programme expands to include Uber Ride benefits 'Emirates is excited to join forces with Uber as part of our commitment to delivering seamless travel experiences. In the months ahead, we'll closely work together to leverage our combined capabilities in travel and technology to expand planning options, create more connected end-to-end journeys across our network, and introduce exciting new benefits for our Skywards members. We look forward to a successful partnership and the valuable opportunities it will create for our customers,' Kazim said. The partnership will further introduce several initiatives for travellers. Emirates and Uber plan to develop an integrated booking experience that combines Uber Rides Vouchers with flight bookings for airport transfers or in-city rides. The companies will explore offering Uber rides to and from airports for select Emirates customers, supporting a door-to-destination experience. Skywards members in the UAE will have opportunities to earn on rides or redeem miles for Uber app credits or vouchers through the partnership. Emirates Skywards will explore ways for members in the UAE to benefit from earning Miles on Uber rides across select markets in the Emirates network. The collaboration will include exploring opportunities around Last Mile delivery initiatives for Emirates Courier Express. This will leverage Uber's technology platform and network of global Delivery partners to enhance customer reach, speed and efficiency. 'We're thrilled to partner with Emirates, a global leader in aviation, to shape the future of travel. With tailored Uber airport rides offering seamless door-to-destination journeys and loyalty benefits for Uber and Emirates customers, this collaboration will redefine the travel experience for millions of passengers,' Uber's Calderon added. Emirates and Uber will explore leveraging cross promotional marketing campaigns across the airline's network to maximise awareness around the rollout of initiatives under the partnership.
