A video showing a group of Indian tourists performing Garba at the observation deck of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa has gone viral, drawing sharp criticism from viewers worldwide. Shared by Dubai-based content creator @the_walking_lens_, the clip features tourists dressed in coordinated yellow T-shirts dancing to the hit Gujarati song Chogada.
The group appeared to be part of an organised tour, taking a moment to break into traditional Garba inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. While some applauded the cultural enthusiasm, many others were quick to point out the lack of decorum in such a high-profile public setting.
Comments poured in from Indians and global users alike, with many expressing embarrassment and frustration. “Stop embarrassing the rest of us,” one user commented. Another wrote, “Respect the sanctity of public spaces. This is not the place for dancing.”
Even self-identified Gujaratis disapproved. “As a Gujarati, this is embarrassing. We don’t even do this randomly at home,” one comment read. Critics argued that cultural pride doesn’t justify ignoring public etiquette, especially while travelling abroad.
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This is just the latest in a series of viral videos featuring Indian tourists abroad. Past incidents include wedding processions that blocked traffic in New York, eating biryani with hands on the London Underground, and loud gatherings on Finnish trains.
The incident also comes at a time when several European cities are openly protesting tourist behavior. Cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Venice have launched crackdowns against what they call “disrespectful tourism,” including loud crowds, cultural insensitivity, and overuse of public spaces.
Celebrating culture is important but doing so respectfully and contextually is essential. The Burj Khalifa video has reignited a global conversation: tourists represent their country abroad, and mindful behavior matters more than ever.
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