Dubai: Location, Population & Status in the UAE
Dubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Emirate | Dubai (one of 7) |
| Coordinates | 25.20°N, 55.27°E |
| Population (2023 est.) | 3.54M (emirate); ~3.6M metro |
| Rank in UAE | #2 by population (after Abu Dhabi emirate); #1 by city population |
| Area | 4,114 km² (emirate); 35 km² (city core) |
| Time Zone | GST (UTC+4), no DST |
Historical Note
Formerly spelled Dubayy. Fishing/pearling village → British Trucial States (1892) → UAE founding member (1971) → global hub (1990s–).
Modern Identity
- Economy: Non-oil >95% GDP (trade, tourism, finance, real estate, aviation, logistics).
- Landmarks: Burj Khalifa (828m), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Museum of Future.
- Airport: DXB — world's busiest international passenger hub (pre-COVID: 86M).
- Port: Jebel Ali — largest man-made harbor, top 10 global container port.
- Free Zones: 30+ (JAFZA, DIFC, DMCC, DSO, DIC) — 100% foreign ownership, tax exempt.
Dubai ≠ Abu Dhabi (capital, 160 km SW). Dubai = commercial/tourism engine; Abu Dhabi = political/oil capital.
Wanderlust World