Dubai or Dubayy refers to either

-> One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates on the Arabian Peninsula, or
-> That emirate's main city, sometimes called "Dubai City" to distinguish it from the emirate.

The ruler of Dubai is Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Vice-President of the federation of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the second largest emirate in the federation after Abu Dhabi. The emirate is located on the Persian Gulf, southwest of Sharjah and northeast of Abu Dhabi.

Dubai's enormous constructions and developments in various industries through innovative real estate projects, sports events, shopping festivals and conferences has attracted world-wide attention for Dubai City, establishing it as the world's leading business hub.

Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 10% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate's revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and now, increasingly, from tourism.

Dubai has a rich cultural scene with art museums, film festivals (Dubai film festival) and performing arts centers, in addition to being a shopper's delight, hosting the annually held Dubai Shopping Festival. Dubai is a city of excitement waiting to be explored holding the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century.

Geography : The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai city is a bustling metropolis, while outside the city itself the Emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterized by desert vegetation.

Population : Current population approx. 1.67 million, set to increase to 3.5 million by 2010. 80% comprises of Expatriates - Arab, Asians, European, and others.

Climate : Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some five days a year. Temperatures range from a low of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to a high 118 degrees. The mean daily maximum is 75 degrees Fahrenheit in January rising to 105 degrees Fahrenheit in July.

Local time : Dubai Time is + 4 Hours GMT or 4 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time. GMT is used for all 24 of the world's time zones.

Dubai lies between 55°16 East and 25°16 North.

You can get the right Dubai Time by dialling 140 (English) amd 141 (Arabic)

Language : The official language is Arabic, Arabic and English are commonly used in business and commerce. Hindi and Urdu are also widely used.

Religions : 96% Muslim, Hindu, Christian, 4% other

Country Dialing Code : 971

Internet Country Code : .ae

Currency : Emirati Dirham (AED)

Exchange Rates : Emirati dirhams per US dollar 3.67

Electricity : 220 or 240 volts AC 50HZ