# Dubai

/duˈbaɪ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dubai
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the city

noun · CEFR A2

the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, famous for the Burj Khalifa and luxury shopping.

For teachers: the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the emirate of the same name.

- Many people visit Dubai to see the world's tallest building.
- Dubai has transformed from a small fishing port into a global metropolis and a primary destination for international luxury tourism.

Usage: Proper noun; usually used without an article.

### 2. the emirate

noun · CEFR B1

one of the seven states that make up the country of the United Arab Emirates.

For teachers: one of the seven constituent emirates of the United Arab Emirates, located on the coast of the Persian Gulf.

- The emirate of Dubai is known for its rapid economic growth.
- While the city is the most famous part, the emirate of Dubai also includes significant areas of desert and a small exclave in the mountains.

Usage: Proper noun; often referred to as 'the emirate of Dubai' in formal contexts.

## Examples

- Many people visit Dubai to see the world's tallest building.
- The conference in Dubai attracted thousands of international investors interested in the city's growing technology sector.
- As a global city and business gateway of the Middle East, Dubai has transformed from a small fishing port into a cosmopolitan metropolis characterized by ambitious architectural projects.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.