Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dubai is situated on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Abu Dhabi to the south, Sharjah to the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast.
Dubai's history dates back to the pre-Islamic era, but it truly began to flourish in the 19th century with its trading activities, particularly in pearls and spices. In 1971, Dubai joined the newly formed United Arab Emirates, along with six other emirates.
Dubai has transformed itself from a traditional trading port to a global business hub. Its economy is diversified, with key sectors including real estate, tourism, aviation, financial services, and trade. The city is known for its impressive skyline, featuring iconic structures such as the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
Dubai is a major tourist destination, known for its luxury shopping, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Attractions include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and the Dubai Fountain.
The city hosts numerous events and festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival.
While Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, it retains its Islamic traditions and values. Visitors are expected to respect local customs and laws. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Traditional clothing includes the dishdasha for men and the abaya for women.
Dubai has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. The Dubai Metro is a modern and efficient public transport system. Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports globally, connecting the city to various destinations worldwide.