Exploring Dubai

This page is intended for those faculty, staff, students, and visitors arriving in Dubai for the first time, who are unfamiliar with it.

Dubai is a modern, cosmopolitan city of wealth and diversity. It is growing at a tremendous rate and the skyline is constantly changing. Dubai is first, and foremost, a regional hub for business and commerce.

Demographics

The modern emirate of Dubai was created consequent with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. However, written accounts documenting the existence of the city have existed at least 150 years prior to the formation of the UAE. Dubai is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates and is roughly at sea level (16 m/52 ft above). The emirate of Dubai shares borders with Abu Dhabi in the south, Sharjah in the northeast, and the Sultanate of Oman in the southeast. Hatta, a minor exclave of the emirate, is surrounded on three sides by Oman and by the emirates of Ajman (in the west) and Ras Al Khaimah (in the north). The Persian Gulf borders the western coast of the emirate. Dubai is positioned at 25.2697° N 55.3095° E and covers an area of 4,114 km² (1,588 mi²). Dubai lies directly within the Arabian Desert.

For those planning to come to MSU Dubai, we have provided a list of recommended sources from which you can begin your exploration of the city and the country.

Recommended Sources

  • www.uaeinteract.com is an official UAE government-supported site with information and current news reports in the areas of business, government, culture, education, recreation, travel, shopping, history and traditions, and more
  • www.dubai.ae is an official government site in both Arabic and English
  • www.justlanded.com is a good resource designed for expatriates; it includes tips and information regarding logistical aspects of living in Dubai like health care, travel, housing, educational opportunities, culture, and a host of other information
  • www.nationsonline.org contains not only information but photo galleries
  • www.dubaicityguide.com is an excellent site for expatriates with practical tips on how to get a residency visa, how to get a mobile phone connection, how to hire domestic help, get a UAE driver's license, shop for specific items, manage pets, etc.
  • www.expatriates.com caters specifically to expatriate interests; there are sections for both the UAE and Dubai City.
  • www.emirates.org is another general information site on the UAE
  • www.lonelyplanet.com has general travel information about Dubai and the surrounding areas in the UAE, good site for getting information about vicinity outside of Dubai, good day trips and transportation advice
  • www.aafsw.org tips for living abroad for foreign service officers and their families for everything from health to culture shock and adjustment, to overcoming jet lag
  • www.expatguide.info general guide to challenges of living abroad
  • www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/index.htm US Department of State site for general information and updates about official US policies and positions, security and travel warnings related to the Gulf States
  • www.travel.state.gov for advice and general tips for traveling and living abroad
  • www.gulfnews.com for general news and reports.

Recommended Guides in Print

  • Dubai: The Complete Resident's Guide, 11th edition, 2007, (ISBN: 10 976-8182-88-1)
  • Time Out Dubai - lists social, cultural and recreational activities
  • Dubai: Red Tape - for logistics issues (ISBN: 10 976-8182-99-7)