In addition to being a leading global city, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the country known as the United Arab Emirates or simply the “Emirates” or the “UAE.”

Established in December, 1971, the seven emirates of UAE are Abu Dhabi (which serves as the capital), Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. Each emirate is governed by an absolute monarch; together the monarchs make up the Federal Supreme Council. One of the seven monarchs is selected as the President of the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two of the seven emirates to have veto power over critical matters of national importance in the United Arab Emirates legislature.

Although English is widely used, Arabic is the official language of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

Islam is the official religion of Dubai and the UAE.

UAE nationals, called Emiratis, make up only 10-15 percent of the Dubai population. The other 85 percent of residents are expatriates, many of whom either have been in the country for generations or were born in the UAE. Approximately 85 percent of the expatriate population is Asian, chiefly Indian (51%), Pakistani (16%), Bangladeshis (9%) and Filipinos (3%.)
Dubai is approximately 52 feet above sea level and covers an area of 1,588 sq. miles. About 88 sq. miles of Dubai are the result of land reclaimed from the sea.

The currency of Dubai is the dirham. Currently, 1 US Dollar equals 3.67 United Arab Emirates Dirham.

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa – rising to a height of 2,722 feet – is the world’s tallest building.

Visitors to Burj Khalifa can pay to visit one of two outdoor observation decks.