Location: On the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf, in the UAE.
Status: One of the 7 emirates of the UAE; it’s the most populous city.
Known for: Ultra-modern architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and futuristic innovation.
Burj Khalifa – Tallest building in the world (828 meters).
Burj Al Arab – Luxury hotel shaped like a sail; often called a “7-star hotel”.
Palm Jumeirah – Man-made island shaped like a palm tree, filled with resorts.
Dubai Marina – Upscale waterfront district with high-rise buildings and a canal.
The Dubai Mall – One of the largest shopping malls globally, featuring an aquarium and indoor ice rink.
Dubai Fountain – Choreographed fountain show near Burj Khalifa.
While Dubai is modern and cosmopolitan, it still respects Islamic traditions.
Dress modestly in public places, especially malls and government areas.
Alcohol is served in licensed venues (hotels, bars, clubs).
Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
Friday is a holy day; weekends are Friday–Sunday.
Originally built on oil wealth, Dubai’s economy now thrives on:
Tourism
Real estate
Aviation (home to Emirates Airlines)
Trade & finance
Technology (Smart City initiatives, Blockchain strategy)
It’s a hub for business in the Middle East and hosts global expos and conferences.
Desert safaris, skydiving over the Palm, dhow cruises, and shopping festivals are major draws.
Hosts global events like Expo 2020 (held in 2021–2022 due to COVID-19).
Home to theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts.
Hot desert climate.
Summers (May–Sept): Extremely hot, temperatures often exceed 45°C (113°F).
Winters (Nov–March): Pleasant, 20–30°C (68–86°F), peak tourist season.
Population: ~3.6 million (as of 2024)
Majority are expats (over 85%) from countries like India, Pakistan, Philippines, UK, etc.
A highly diverse, globalized society.
Dubai Metro: Fully automated, efficient, and affordable.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) widely used.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest in the world.
