The Most Common Information Before a First Trip to Dubai

Where is Dubai on the map

Dubai Palm Island
Aerial view of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in Dubai, with its palm-like structure stretching into the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Imagine you're playing a global game of Hide and Seek and you desperately need to find Dubai. On which map should your eyes land? Look no further than the Middle East, friend! Dubai is a gleaming gem located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. No, it's not hiding behind the sofa – it’s nestled right there in the United Arab Emirates, which is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west and south, and Oman to the southeast.

This cosmopolitan sanctuary is also a proud member of the global "Center Stage Club," sitting prettily at 25.2048° N latitude and 55.2708° E longitude. So, grab your explorer hat, Chuck Magellan, and set sail to the thrilling Ports of Dubai!

How big is Dubai

The question should be, "How grand is Dubai?" But let’s stick with the script. Picture a dinosaur's footprint – that's not quite how big Dubai is, but it helps the imagination, doesn't it? In actual numbers, Dubai stretches over an impressive territory of about 4,114 square kilometers. Not bad for a city that was once a sleepy fishing village, right?

A considerable part of its area, around 3,885 square kilometers, dwells on the mainland while the remaining, approximately 229 square kilometers, is archipelago comprised of natural and man-made islands. These islands include the iconic Palm trilogy and the World Islands, an archipelago of 300 islands made by human hands, each representing a different country.

How many people live in Dubai

Dubai is not just a city of towering skyscrapers and glittering malls, but also a melting pot of cultures. And it's quite a big pot, indeed! As of the recent count, Dubai is home to around 3.38 million people. But don’t expect to meet many locals while you're there. Indigenous Emiratis make up only about 15% of the population.

The remainder? Well, they're a beautiful patchwork quilt of expatriates from all across the globe. So, in Dubai, you're just as likely to hear snippets of Tagalog conversation in the spice market as you are to spot a sari-clad woman haggling over Persian rugs. It's like a bustling display of humanity’s variety, knit together by the shared adventure of living in one of the world's most enthralling cities. From the allure of its historic heart to the siren song of its ultra-chic modern neighborhoods, Dubai calls them all to make this dynamic city their home!