Dubai

Dubai is the economic heart of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most influential cities in the Arab world. While Abu Dhabi serves as the political capital and the country’s primary oil hub, Dubai stands for trade, innovation, tourism, and global connectivity - positioning itself as a dynamic bridge between East and West.

Dubai: Historical Development

Although Dubai’s modern story is relatively young, it is defined by remarkably rapid transformation.
The first settlements emerged in the 18th century around the natural inlet of Dubai Creek, where Bedouin tribes traded pearls, dates, and fish. In 1833, the Al Maktoum family established themselves in Dubai, marking the foundation of the Emirate. From early on, the city embraced open trade policies, building strong commercial ties with India, Persia, and East Africa.

When the pearl industry collapsed in the 1930s, Dubai faced significant economic hardship. However, the discovery of modest oil reserves in the 1960s provided new opportunities for development. Rather than relying solely on oil, Dubai strategically invested its revenues in trade, ports, education, and infrastructure - laying the groundwork for long-term diversification.

Under Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (1958–1990), Dubai’s transformation accelerated. Key milestones included:
The expansion of Jebel Ali Port, which became one of the world’s largest man-made deep-water harbors.
The development of Dubai International Airport, strengthening the city’s role as a global transport hub.
The construction of the first high-rise buildings along Sheikh Zayed Road, shaping the foundations of the modern skyline.

From the 1990s onward, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum continued and intensified this ambitious vision. Landmark projects such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Metro, Expo City, and the Museum of the Future propelled Dubai onto the world stage. Today, Dubai has become a global brand - synonymous with innovation, luxury, efficiency, and bold architectural ambition.

Dubai: Culture & Distinctive Character

Dubai is a city of contrasts - yet tradition and modernity coexist in remarkable harmony. In the historic Al Fahidi district, the legacy of seafarers and merchants lives on through wind towers, narrow alleyways, traditional courtyards, and museums that reflect life before rapid modernization. Just beyond, a skyline of glass and steel represents a new era - young, digital, and globally connected.

Cultural Highlights

• Hospitality (Karam): Guests are traditionally welcomed with dates and Arabic coffee, often accompanied by genuine warmth and generosity.
• Majlis Tradition: Informal sitting gatherings where community members discuss politics, religion, and daily life - symbolizing dialogue and openness.
• Islamic Celebrations: Religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha shape the annual calendar and hold deep social significance.
• Ramadan ist eine Zeit der Gemeinschaft, und deshalb ist die Stadt am Abend oft besonders festlich und lebendig.

Daily life in Dubai is international, safe, and highly organized. During the hot summer months, much of social life moves indoors to air-conditioned spaces. In the cooler winter season, outdoor living returns - whether at the beach, in parks, at markets, or during open-air festivals - adding to the city’s dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere.

Dubai: Recommended Experiences

Dubai: Good to Know Before You Go

Dubai: Highlights (Must-Sees)

Dubai: Activities & Experiences

Dubai: Location, Map & Surroundings

Dubai is situated in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, directly along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. It is one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), playing a central role within the country. The city stretches for approximately 70 km along the coastline and extends up to 30 km inland - placing both the sea and the desert within easy reach. This unique setting allows Dubai to combine beachfront living with dramatic desert landscapes just beyond the urban skyline.

Dubai: Additional Information

Population

The Emirate of Dubai is home to around 3.6 million residents, and the wider metropolitan area, including commuters and surrounding work regions, reaches over 4 million. Dubai is famously international: only around 10–12% of the population are Emirati citizens, while the vast majority are expatriates. Many residents come from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, as well as the Philippines and countries across the Arab world - including Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon - alongside communities from Europe and North America.

This diversity shapes everyday life, from language to cuisine. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely used in daily life, business, and education. Many other languages are also common, including Urdu, Hindi, Tagalog, and French.

Dubai is known for its open, international outlook, where many cultures live side by side. At the same time, society remains rooted in Islamic values - emphasizing respect, family, helpfulness, and a polished public demeanour. The city is also widely regarded as very safe, with low crime and a strong focus on cleanliness and order - creating an atmosphere of trust and warm hospitality for both residents and visitors.

National Significance within the United Arab Emirates

Dubai is the economic heart of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most influential cities in the Arab world. While Abu Dhabi is the political capital and the country’s main oil centre, Dubai is defined by trade, innovation, tourism, and global connectivity. Today, the UAE’s economy relies only minimally on oil - less than 5% - with prosperity driven instead by free zones and logistics, as well as financial services, real estate, culture, and technology. Dubai alone hosts more than 70 international free zones, including:

The emirate has over 70 international free zones, which include, for example:

• Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA): the largest free zone in the Middle East
• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): a global financial hub with its own legal framework
• Dubai Media City & Dubai Internet City: leading clusters for media, start-ups, and tech companies
• Dubai Design District (d3): a creative centre for fashion, design, architecture, and the arts

As a major node for air and sea freight and a year-round destination for conferences, trade fairs, and global events. Dubai positions itself as one of the world’s most connected cities.

Society & Everyday Life

Daily life in Dubai is shaped by community traditions and strong hospitality. Majlis gatherings - social sitting circles - remain a valued part of Emirati culture, serving as spaces for conversation, consultation, and decision-making. Visitors are often welcomed with Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates, a classic gesture of respect.

Key celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the UAE National Day (2 December) bring the city to life with festivities, fireworks, parades, and cultural events. During Ramadan, the rhythm of the city shifts - especially in the evenings - when Iftar tents, night markets, and special programs create a vibrant atmosphere where spirituality and togetherness come beautifully together.