I’ve been asked the question, “Is Dubai a country” more times that I can count.

The truth is, it’s not. Dubai is NOT a country; it’s an emirate (a territory ruled by an emir) that belongs to the United Arab Emirates, and this IS a country.

What is the UAE: 

The UAE, short for the United Arab Emirates, is a country in the Middle East composed of seven smaller regions called’Emirates,’ which function similarly to states.

A common misconception is that Dubai is a country, but in reality, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE.

The seven emirates that constitute the UAE are:

1. Abu Dhabi
2. Dubai
3. Sharjah
4. Ajman
5. Fujairah
6. Ras al Khaimah
7. Umm al Qaiwain

Each emirate has its own ruler, and together they form the Federal Supreme Council, which governs the country.

Is Dubai the capital of the UAE? 

No, Dubai is not the capital of the UAE. 

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, not a random place somewhere in Africa, as is a very common misconception.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi is also the largest emirate.

Dubai is renowned for its modern architecture, vibrant economy, and tourism. 

Is Dubai a country inside the UAE?

Is Dubai a country? No, Dubai is not a country at all.

As we’ve just established, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country we know as the United Arab Emirates or the UAE.

What continent is Dubai located in?

Dubai is in the continent of Asia. It is part of the Middle East region, situated on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

Where is the UAE located on a map?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, on the Asian continent.

The UAE borders the following countries:

• Saudi Arabia to the south and west.
• Oman to the southeast and northeast.

Additionally, the UAE has coastlines along the Persian Gulf to the north and the Gulf of Oman to the east.

Is the Middle East a continent?

No, the Middle East is not a continent, and Dubai is part of Asia, specifically the Middle East region.

Here’s a simple explanation:

• Continent: Dubai is in Asia.
• Region: Within Asia, Dubai is in the Middle East.

So, while Dubai is geographically located in Asia, it belongs to the Middle Eastern part of the continent.

Why does Dubai have its own flag? It’s a little confusing

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other emirates each have their own flags to represent their identities, heritage, and governance within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Here’s a simple explanation:

1. Historical Significance: Each emirate has its own unique history, culture, and traditions, which are represented by their flags.
2. Autonomy: While the UAE is a single country, each emirate maintains a degree of autonomy and self-governance. The individual flags signify this autonomy.
3. Representation: The flags are a way for each emirate to display its distinct identity, pride, and values. They are used in local events, government buildings, and official functions within each emirate.

In addition to their own flags, all seven emirates also recognise and use the UAE’s national flag, representing their unity and collective identity as one country.

Is the UAE worth visiting?

If you’re interested in exploring diverse cultures, the UAE is worth visiting.

Many visitors head straight to the popular city of Dubai,  where the most attractions and things to do are located.

Dubai offers a more liberal atmosphere than much of the UAE, making it a gentle introduction to the region. Women do not need to cover up with scarves or wear long covered styles of clothing.

Please take note that it does come with a price-tag, however, we argue the point that you can still visit Dubai on a budget!

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Is it cheap to get to Dubai?

Well, that all depends on where you’re coming from. However, Dubai’s airport is an excellent stopover destination hub, making it a convenient and attractive choice for travellers.

There are also some budget-friendly flights on Skyscanner from Dubai to many key cities and popular countries. This is one of the biggest pros of visiting the UAE.

Why is Dubai and the UAE so wealthy?

Dubai’s wealth can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Oil Revenue: While Dubai’s oil reserves are relatively small compared to other emirates like Abu Dhabi, the initialdiscovery of oil in the 1960s provided significant revenue that helped to kick-start the city’s development.
2. Diversified Economy: Dubai has strategically diversified its economy beyond oil. It has become a global hub fortrade, finance, tourism, and real estate.
3. Tourism: Dubai’s tourism industry is a major contributor to its wealth. The city is famous for its luxury hotels, shopping malls, and attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and indoor skiing at the Mall of the Emirates.
4. Real Estate and Construction: The real estate boom, characterised by ambitious projects like the Burj Khalifa and artificial islands like the Palm Jumeirah and The World, has drawn significant investment and fueled economic growth.
5. Aviation and Logistics: Dubai’s strategic location makes it a key global transit hub. Emirates Airline and the city’sairports, including Dubai International Airport, are among the world’s busiest, facilitating tourism and trade.
6. Business-Friendly Policies: Dubai’s business-friendly environment, with low taxes and minimal regulations, has attracted foreign investment and multinational corporations, further boosting its economy.
7. Financial Services: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has established Dubai as a major economic centre in the region, attracting banks, investment firms, and other financial services companies.

These combined factors have transformed Dubai into one of the wealthiest cities in the world, with a diversified and powerful economy.

Do you need a visa for the UAE?

Whether you need a visa to visit the UAE depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and most EU countries, can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 or 90 days. 

Other nationalities may need to apply for a visa before travelling. 

It’s always best to check the specific visa requirements for your country before planning your trip to the UAE. Check iVisa for some assistance.

Is Dubai safe?

Yes, Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world for tourists and residents. The city has a low crime rate, and its strict laws and efficient law enforcement contribute to a secure environment. 

Public areas, including transportation, are well-monitored and maintained.

To give you an idea of how safe the residents in the UAE feel, my friend NEVER locks the door to his apartment, and his home has some incredible (and pricey) artwork.

Understandably, he lives in a lovely apartment complex near the beaches in Abu Dhabi, with 24-hour security staff, but it felt odd for me to leave his home unlocked for the day without a care in the world.

When is the best time to visit Dubai?

The best time to visit Dubai is during the cooler months, from November to March. The weather is pleasant during this period, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Additionally, many popular events and festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Food Festival, take place during these months, offering visitors a variety of experiences. 

However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and flights.

What are the best things to do in Dubai

For visitors, Dubai offers a plethora of attractions and activities. 

A visit to the Burj Khalifa is a must; it’s the world’s tallest building and provides breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. Reservations are recommended as this attraction is busy!

Book your observation deck entrance ticket here.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in learning more about Dubai AND visiting the Burj Khalifa, this full day tour in Dubai is the most popular option for visitors wanting to maximise their time.

The Dubai Mall, adjacent to the Burj Khalifa, offers an incredible shopping experience, complete with an aquarium and an indoor ice rink. You haven’t seen malls until you’ve seen this one! It’s quite the show-stopper!

We recommend exploring the historic Al Fahidi Neighborhood, which offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past with its traditional architecture and museums.

We highly recommend this 3-hour Old Dubai Guided Tour, which includes souks and some tastings of the local food!

A desert safari is a quintessential thing to do when you come to Dubai.

This is thrilling experience including dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional Bedouin camps.

Book your spot on this top-rated Dubai Safari tour.

Lastly, unwind at one of Dubai’s stunning beaches or enjoy the luxurious amenities of the Palm Jumeirah, a man-madeisland known for its high-end hotels and resorts. 

We recommend you take a lift to a rooftop bar (there are several to choose from), order an overpriced cocktail, and enjoy it while looking down at the mesmerising views. 

Is Dubai a country? No, but the UAE is, and you should visit one day.

Did we address the question, “Is Dubai a country?” We hope so!

We can understand how this can be unclear; people ask us the same question,” Is Bali a country?“

So, the next time a friend asks, “Is Dubai a country?” You can tell them no and then explain some key points you’ve learned here.

It’s not the cheapest country to visit, but our budget tips for Dubai will help you keep costs minimal whilst still having the time of your life!

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

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We hope you’ve enjoyed this post explaining the correct answer to the common question, “Is Dubai a country?” If you’ve got a healthy budget to splash some cash, then Dubai is the ideal destination to splurge!

Oh, and we recommend you buy an eSIM for Dubai or the UAE to stay connected! It’s easy to set up and works like a charm!

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We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.

If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.

Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.

Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read. 

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.

The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour.

Check our Group Tours first for any upcoming trips you may be interested to join, or view these deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.