Burj Khalifa
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Dubai (/ d uː ˈ b aɪ /, doo-BY; Arabic: دبي, romanized: Dubayy, IPA:, Gulf Arabic pronunciation:) is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the country's seven emirates.
22 hours ago · Welcome to Dubai. Beautiful beaches, record-breaking attractions and experiences like no other – Dubai is the place to be in 2024. It's no wonder we are the first city to be named Tripadvisor's #1 Top Destination in the World for three years running. Let's explore! See what's new.
- Overview
- Character of the city
- Landscape
- City site and layout
- Climate
- People
Dubai, city and capital of the emirate of Dubai, one of the wealthiest of the seven emirates that constitute the federation of the United Arab Emirates, which was created in 1971 following independence from Great Britain. There are several theories about the origin of the name Dubai. One associates it with the daba—a type of locust that infests the...
Dubai is a city of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, where big business takes place alongside sun-seeking tourism. Because of its large expatriate population, it feels like a Middle Eastern melting pot, and the atmosphere is generally tolerant. Religious affiliations are not a prominent aspect of city life. Islam is the majority religion, but churches and Hindu temples coexist with Dubai’s mosques.
Dubai is a relatively crime-free place where administrative efficiency and openness to business have encouraged astounding growth. However, criticism of Dubai’s authoritarian government and ruling elite is not tolerated, and there persists an atmosphere of discreet corruption.
The western area of Dubai benefits from small stretches of sandy beaches, which have helped to catalyze the city’s tourism industry. Dubai’s rulers have sought to increase the city’s limited seafronts, and, in the absence of natural offshore islands, developers were encouraged to construct giant man-made islands off the coast of the city. The most famous of these is Palm Jumeirah, which has the shape of a palm tree. Others include the “World” islands, a cluster of small islands positioned to resemble a world map when viewed from above.
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Dubai straddles a natural inlet called Dubai Creek on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf. For more than a century, the area was Dubai’s centre, because of the early city’s reliance on fishing, pearl diving, and maritime trade. Lining the creek are the oldest buildings in Dubai, most of which date from the 1960s and are rarely more than two stories in height. In the Bastakiyyah quarter, on the western shore of the creek, some much older buildings have been restored, and many of these feature the distinctive wind tower design that was imported by Persian merchants early in the 20th century.
The new city centre is a string of skyscrapers lining Sheikh Zayed Road. Notable among these are the Emirates Towers, which were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s and which house a hotel and government offices. Close to Sheikh Zayed Road is the Dubai International Financial Centre, housed in a futuristic arch-shaped building, and the Burj Khalifa, which at the time of its official opening in 2010 was the world’s tallest building; it was named after the president of the United Arab Emirates and emir of Abu Dhabi, Khalifa ibn Zayed Al Nahyan. To the west of the skyscrapers lie several affluent suburbs, most of which house substantial villas. On their periphery lies the Burj al-ʿArab, a giant sail-shaped tower which is home to a luxury hotel. Farther west are new clusters of skyscrapers surrounding a man-made marina and several man-made lakes.
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Like much of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai has a year-round hot climate. Humidity is high in the summer months and moderate the rest of the year. The coldest winter month is usually January, with lows of about 15 °C (49 °F), while the hottest summer month is July, with highs of more than 40 °C (104 °F).
Dubai’s population has grown steadily over the past two centuries, from just a few thousand local inhabitants to well over two million. Most of the early population increases were due to merchants from neighbouring countries choosing to relocate to Dubai’s business-friendly environment. In the later 20th century the city’s construction boom led to a huge increase in the number of South Asian labourers and an influx of skilled expatriates from all over the world who play an important role in Dubai’s multi-sector economy. Expatriates in the city vastly outnumber native Emiratis. With the exception of the labourers, who are housed in work camps beyond the city limits, expatriates of various nationalities are spread across Dubai. Although Arabic is the official language, English is, in practice, the lingua franca.
The local population is predominately Muslim, and most of the expatriate population is also Muslim, although there are significant Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities. Given the tolerance of the ruling family toward non-Muslims and the city’s focus on business, the various communities coexist harmoniously, although there have been occasions when foreign residents have broken decency codes or drug-use prohibitions.
- Christopher Davidson
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.
- What 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,...
- 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 nee...
- What 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 advent...
- What 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 fro...
- Why do people love Dubai?People love Dubai because of its diversity, offering an incredible mix of entertainment, beaches and city life for all ages and cultures. The year-...
- Why do people move to Dubai?As well as stunning scenery and holiday vibes, Dubai offers a welcoming professional environment that attracts investors, entrepreneurs and talents...
- 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'...
- What was the original name of Dubai?The earliest recorded mention of Dubai was in a book about geography in the year 1095. It was also referred to as 'Dibei' in the annals of a pearl...
Aug 14, 2022 · 1. Burj Khalifa. add to favorites. Standing 828m high, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and one of Dubai's must-visit attractions. The majestic building is located in the heart of the city and is a hub of activity day and night.
Jun 4, 2021 · You won't be short of things to do in the sci-fi-esque land of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls and palatial beach resorts. Dubai embraces sunshine, innovation and cultural dynamism, and is known as a shopping haven with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.
United Arab Emirates, Middle East. Dubai is a stirring alchemy of profound traditions and ambitious futuristic vision wrapped into starkly evocative desert splendor. Best Time to Visit. Best Things to Do. 01 / Attractions. Must-see attractions. Burj Al Arab. Dubai.
