Dubai is a city on the northeastern coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the capital of the emirate of Dubai.

Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the UAE, and the principal shipping, trading, and communications hub of the Persian Gulf region.

The city is divided in half by Dubai Creek, a natural inlet from the Gulf connected by the Al Shindagha Tunnel and two bridges. On the northern and eastern sides of the creek lie Deira (or Dayrah), the traditional city center sometimes referred to as Old Dubai, and on the southern and western sides lie the more modern Bur Dubai, often simply known as Dubai.

Dubai is a land of captivating contrasts, with superb infrastructure, liberal policies (by regional standards), and excellent tourist amenities. From the timeless tranquillity of the desert to the lively bustle of the souk, Dubai offers a kaleidoscope of attractions for visitors.

The emirate embraces a wide variety of scenery in a very small area. In a single day, the tourist can experience everything from rugged mountains and awe-inspiring sand dunes to sandy beaches and lush green parks, from dusty villages to luxurious residential districts and from ancient houses with wind towers to ultra-modern shopping malls.

These contrasts though are what gives Dubai its unique flavour and personality; a bustling cosmopolitan society with an international lifestyle, yet with a culture deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia.