27 Embarrassing Dubai Photos You Need to See

## Exotic Animals as Status Symbols

With a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $105 billion (2015), the people of Dubai understand how to flaunt wealth like no other. For a long time, one of the most spectacular symbols of this was keeping exotic wildlife like baboons, monkeys, or even lions.

However, the obsession with exclusive animals as status symbols led to a dark side: many of these animals were illegally smuggled out of their natural habitats. For ethical and legal reasons, the government eventually imposed a ban. Now, violations are punishable by six months in jail or a fine of $136,000.