The capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the city of Dubai is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, and is synonymous with size and pushing the limits – first, largest, tallest. Aside from this, the attraction of the metropolis is a dreamy world of sites and unheard-of luxuries; shopping centres, nightlife, and cutting-edge hotels. 

Famous constructions include Burj Khalifa, The Palm, Burj Al Arab, The World Island. Although Dubai strictly safeguards its traditional practices, it allows space for other religions to breathe, a rare quality amongst the conservative Arab world. The combination of all this means Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan mega power, a global city, and travel, business, and cultural hub of the Middle East.

Geography

Dubai is situated in the UAE – United Arab Emirates on the north-east coast, south of the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. The capital Abu Dhabi is approximately an hour and a half’s drive along the coast. It has excellent connections from its international airport making it an ideal stop over en-route to international destinations from the UK. Dubai is the second largest emirate within an urban area of 3885 sq km and the city is 35 sq km in size.

The Dubai Creek divides the city into two regions – Deira and Bur Dubai. Dubai Creek is a natural 15.2 km inlet from the Persian Gulf, around which the city’s trade developed. Deira is the region north of the Creek and to the south is Bur Cubai which is where the coastal tourist and residential developments lie.

• Climate

  Dubai has two distinct summer and winter months but year-round warmth. Summer months between June and August the average lowest temperatures are around 30C and in the winter months 20C with an average of 8 to 10 hours of sunshine a day. But can reach up to an average of 41C in the peak of the summer months. There is very little rain and this usually occurs in the winter months of a couple of days’ only. Nights are relatively cooler and areas near the coast experience an average of 50-60% humidity. The best time to visit Dubai is generally between October and February.

• Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in London Tel: 020 7581 1281

  Population: 3.38 million (UN, 2020)

  Area: 35 sq km

  Major languages: Arabic. English is widely spoken.

  Main religion: Islam

  Currency: Arab Emirates Dirham

  Internet domain: .ae

  International dialling code: +971

  Voltage: 230V

  Plug size: British three pin plug – type G.