Garba on Burj Khalifa observation deck sparks online backlash

A group of Indian tourists has come under fire after a video of them performing garba atop Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa observation deck went viral, sparking widespread criticism on social media.

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The short clip, originally posted by Dubai-based content creator The Walking Lens, shows the group dancing in a circle to the upbeat Gujarati song Chogada from the 2018 Bollywood film Loveyatri. While some praised the energy and cultural expression, many users condemned the act as inappropriate for the setting.

“A viral video shows tourists dancing to the Chogada song on top of the iconic Burj Khalifa,” read the caption of the Instagram post that triggered the debate.

Several comments slammed the performance as disrespectful, arguing that public landmarks — especially internationally significant ones like the Burj Khalifa — should not be treated as personal entertainment venues. “Why is this glorified? We must learn to respect the sanctity of public places,” one user remarked. Another added, “Stop embarrassing the rest of us.”

Critics emphasised the need for cultural sensitivity and proper public conduct, especially in foreign countries. Some also noted that such behavior could reinforce negative stereotypes about tourists.

There has been no official response yet from Burj Khalifa management or Dubai authorities, but the incident has sparked a wider conversation on tourist etiquette and responsible behaviour abroad.