Dubai, city, northeastern United Arab Emirates, capital of the emirate of Dubai, on Dubai Creek, on the Persian Gulf. Dubai is on the western side of the creek; the eastern part of the city is known as Dayrah (Deira). The city was the residence of the British political agent for the former Trucial States from 1954 until 1971. Known as the Venice of the Gulf, Dubai is the chief port and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates. Oil drilling in the area has largely displaced the traditional occupations of pearl diving, fishing, and camel breeding. Until 1833 Dubai was tributary to the state of Abu Dhabi. Dubai is sometimes spelled Debai or Dibai. Population (1995 estimate) 674,100.
