Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the Persian Gulf. The city is the capital of the emirate of the same name and is sometimes referred to as Dubai City. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. The Dubai emirate covers around 3,900 sq km, while the city itself is roughly 35 sq km.

Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 6% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate's revenues are from tourism.

Dubai has become world famous through its innovative real estate projects, sports events, conferences and Guinness world records.