Fun facts about Dubai
5 facts - tap any card to flip it and learn more.
The poet Ahmad Mohammad Obaid traces the word 'Dubai' to its alternative meaning of 'baby locust' due to the abundance of locusts in the area before settlement.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates.
From the “Etymology” section
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dubai was established as a pearling and fishing village in the early 18th century.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates.
From the “History” section
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dubai's sandy desert consists mostly of crushed shells and coral, making it fine, clean, and white.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates.
From the “Geography” section
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0
The Dubai Municipality was established in 1954 for purposes of city planning and citizen services.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates.
From the “Government” section
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0
As of 2013, only about 15% of Dubai's population was made up of UAE nationals, with the rest comprising expatriates, primarily from Asia.
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates.
From the “Demographics” section
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photo: Tim Reckmann from Hamm, Deutschland · CC BY-SA 3.0