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About Dubai

Welcome to Dubai - where anything is possible.

Once a small fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai shares the spotlight with some of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, the city is home to more than 200 nationalities and offers an unforgettable experience to all visitors. Whether it is by the banks of the Creek, or at the top of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai lives and breathes a sense of possibility and innovation. And with an unparalleled coastline, beautiful desert and magnificent cityscapes, memories are just waiting to be made here.

Browse through our guide for fascinating information about Dubai – find out more about its traditions, transformations and the people who call this place home. Before you're through, you'll be inspired by our journey and better equipped to be a part of our growing narrative.

A brief history of Dubai

  • 1883

    1883

    The Al Maktoum tribe establishes the fishing settlement of Dubai, continuing to rule Dubai ever since.

  • 1892

    1892

    Pearling and maritime business begins to flourish. Traders from across the world arrive in Dubai to benefit from incredible deals and rates.

  • 1912

    1912

    Dubai's first school, Al Ahmadiya is built in Deira. The original building in Al Ras remains open as a museum, showcasing what life was like more than a century ago.

  • 1958

    1958

    His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum becomes the Ruler of Dubai. He leads the emirate for 32 years and develops a major hub for international trade.

  • 1966

    1966

    Oil is discovered in Dubai, attracting foreign trade and stimulating the economy, which over several decades diversified with shipping, finance and tourism.

  • 1979

    1979

    Dubai World Trade Centre, the city's first skyscraper, opens. Formerly known as Sheikh Rashid Tower, the 38-storey building remains an icon on the city skyline.

  • 1985

    1985

    Dubai's flagship airline, Emirates, is launched. The airline carries more than 50 million passengers per year with cabin crew from 130+ countries.

  • 1990

    1990

    His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum becomes the Ruler of Dubai, following his father, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

  • 2003

    2003

    The city plays host to the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is recognised as a global financial hub.

  • 2010

    2010

    The Burj Khalifa becomes the tallest building in the world, soaring 828m high and welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

  • 2021

    2021

    The UAE is gearing up to celebrate the 50th year of the Union and host Expo 2020 from 1 October 2021 to 31 March, 2022.

Places to visit in Dubai

Discover Dubai's rich heritage

See what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which as everything from cultural activities to traditional food.

Enjoy a desert safari Try activities

See what life in Old Dubai was like during the mid-19th century at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which as everything from cultural activities to traditional food.

Zipline over Dubai Marina

This irresistible food hall concept in Souk Al Bahar features 17 beloved homegrown eateries, with delicious dishes to satisfy any craving.

Visit an indoor rainforest

The Green Planet in City Walk is a stunning biodome that houses more than 3,000 species of plants, animals and birds. Meet the sloths, swim with piranhas, be a zookeeper for a day and much more.

More information about Dubai

  • Before oil was discovered in Dubai in the late 1960s, the city's main trade was pearl diving. In the early 20th century, there were around 300 dhows working from Dubai Creek, employing more than 7,000 men. By 1917, this included almost the entire male population of Dubai.
  • Archaeological finds such as spearheads have revealed there were humans in the area that is now Dubai over 100,000 years ago. Discover more ancient history at the fascinating Saruq Al-Hadid Museum.
  • The city's oldest building is Al Fahidi Fort, whose construction dates back to 1787.
  • Dubai is home to the world's first fully functional 3D-printed building. Built in less than a month and inaugurated in 2016, The Office of the Future measures 250sqm and includes innovative working spaces, meeting rooms, a lounge and a cafe.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai was the first World Expo ever held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. The six-month celebration welcomed 192 nations and 24 million visitors, as well as global superstars including Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lewis Hamilton and many more. The futuristic Expo City Dubai continues its legacy and is well worth a visit.
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the world's busiest international airport. It handles over 90 million passengers annually, with over 6,500 flights weekly operated by over 140 airlines to more than 270 places around the world.
  • Terminal 2 of DXB has the largest solar energy system in the Middle East, reducing almost 30 percent of its energy consumption.
  • Dubai holds numerous Guinness World Records. As well as being home to the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, Dubai's other records include the world's deepest swimming pool (60.02 metres at Deep Dive Dubai) and the world's tallest landmark sign in Hatta, which at 19.28m tall is larger than the famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

What is the location of Dubai?

Dubai is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The other six emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Specifically, Dubai is positioned on the northern coastline of the UAE, facing the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by Abu Dhabi to the south, Sharjah to the northeast and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast. Dubai is easy to reach from Africa, Asia and Europe – and within an eight-hour flight for two-thirds of the world's population – which has helped to turn the city into a global hub and a popular holiday destination.

What is the population of Dubai?

Dubai currently has a population of approximately 3.6 million people, according to the Government of Dubai's Statistics Center website. People from more than 200 nationalities live and work in Dubai, helping to create a multicultural and inclusive society.

What is the flag of the UAE?

Throughout Dubai, you will see the United Arab Emirates flag flying proudly. Adopted in 1971 to mark the creation of the UAE, the flag has three horizontal stripes – green at the top, white in the middle and black at the bottom. To the left, there is a vertical red stripe. As stated on the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the green stands for hope, joy, optimism and love. The white stands for peace and honesty, the black for the defeat of enemies and strength of mind, and the red for courage and strength.

FAQ

1What is Dubai famous for?

Dubai is particularly famous for its eye-catching landmarks, including Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building), Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah (a man-made island in the shape of a palm tree) and more. The latest addition to the skyline is the stunning Museum of the Future. Dubai is also known for its picturesque beaches and desert landscapes, as well as its excellent culinary scene – bursting with diverse flavours, it offers everything from homegrown favourites to cultural staples and celebrity hotspots

2 Is Dubai cheap or expensive?

Dubai is as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. If you enjoy five-star-hotels, exclusive beach clubs and fine dining restaurants, you will need to pay accordingly. However, Dubai also offers a wide range of affordable options, from budget hotels and casual eateries to various reasonably priced (or even free) attractions, sites and entertainment options.

3What can you do in Dubai?

Dubai is a highly diverse destination that caters to all ages and interests. Beach enthusiasts can enjoy relaxing days at the seaside, while adventurers can explore the dramatic desert landscape and discover the local wildlife. The emirate also has a rich culture plus a wide range of entertainment options, theme parks and spa experiences. Dubai is world-renowned for landmarks including Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and many more.

4What are people from Dubai called?

People who come from Dubai are called Emiratis. Approximately 1.5 million Emiratis currently live in the UAE alongside a large expat population from countries across the world including India, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and more.

5 What language do they speak in Dubai?

Dubai's official language is Arabic but there are many variations prevalent in the city. Standard Arabic – the modernised version – is the one you'll encounter in all legal, administrative and government texts, as well as books and newspapers. However, English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you'll find it easy to make your way around. Other common languages here include Hindi, Urdu and Tagalog. Learn more about Dubai's spoken languages.

6 Where does it come from?

The standard chunk of Lorem Ipsum used since the 1500s is reproduced below for those interested. Sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 from "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" by Cicero are also reproduced in their exact original form, accompanied by English versions from the 1914 translation by H. Rackham.

7 Why do we use it?

Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for 'lorem ipsum' will uncover many web sites still in their infancy. Various versions have evolved over the years, sometimes by accident, sometimes on purpose (injected humour and the like).

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