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City GuideJuly 13, 2026

About Dubai

Dubai, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, has transformed itself from a small desert fishing village into one of the most spectacular and ambitious cities on Earth in just a few decades. Gleaming skyscrapers, man-made islands, and record-breaking attractions have made it a global symbol of ambition and luxury.

A Brief History

Dubai's history stretches back over 4,000 years, but it was the discovery of oil in 1966 that triggered its dramatic transformation. Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and later his son Sheikh Mohammed, Dubai invested its oil revenues into building world-class infrastructure, a global airline, and an economy centered on trade, tourism, and finance. Today, oil accounts for less than one percent of Dubai's economy.

Record-Breaking Landmarks

The Burj Khalifa, completed in 2010, is the tallest building in the world at 828 meters and offers views stretching over 95 kilometers from its observation deck. The Palm Jumeirah, a palm-tree-shaped artificial island visible from space, is home to luxury hotels, residences, and the iconic Atlantis resort. The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, contains an aquarium, an ice rink, and a massive indoor waterfall.

A Multicultural City

Despite being in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities on Earth. Over 90 percent of its population are expatriates, representing over 200 nationalities. This diversity is reflected in the city's food scene — from Emirati machboos and camel milk to Japanese omakase and Peruvian ceviche.

Desert Adventures

Beyond the glass towers, Dubai is surrounded by the dramatic red dunes of the Arabian Desert. Desert safaris, dune bashing, camel rides, and overnight stays in Bedouin camps offer a glimpse into the traditional life that existed before the oil boom.

Why Visit Dubai?

Dubai is a city of superlatives — the tallest, the largest, the most luxurious. But it is also a city of contrasts, where the call to prayer echoes across glittering modern skylines and where ancient souks still sell gold and spices just as they did centuries ago. Dubai is proof that with vision and ambition, almost anything is possible.