Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, on the Arabian Gulf coast. Its capital, also called Dubai, is the emirate’s main urban centre. It is known for international trade, aviation, tourism and a skyline that includes the Burj Khalifa.
The population includes Emirati citizens and a large, diverse expatriate community. Arabic is the official language, while English is widely used. Emirati traditions coexist with international food, arts and cultural events. Trade, logistics, finance, real estate and hospitality drive much of the economy. Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Jebel Ali Port reflect its commercial history and growth.
Common civic concerns include housing affordability, traffic congestion, public transport access and road safety. Residents also care about healthcare, education, working conditions and reliable public services. Managing water and energy demand, extreme heat, waste and the environmental effects of rapid development are important long-term priorities.