Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE.
The UAE is a country located in the Middle East, while Dubai is a city within one of its emirates. In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between Dubai and the UAE.
Dubai
Dubai is a city located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. It is known for its luxurious hotels, towering skyscrapers, and extravagant shopping malls. Dubai has become a popular tourist destination because of its warm climate and attractions like the Burj Khalifa, which is currently the tallest building in the world.
The United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country located in Western Asia. It is made up of seven emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE has become an important global center for trade because of its strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa.
History
The UAE was established as a federation in 1971 after gaining independence from Great Britain. At that time, there were six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.
Ras Al Khaimah joined later in 1972. Each emirate was ruled by its own monarch or sheikh who had control over their own internal affairs.
Government
The UAE has a federal system of government where each emirate has some level of autonomy but also follows federal laws set by the central government based in Abu Dhabi. The President of UAE serves as both head of state and head of government. The Federal National Council (FNC) is the advisory council of the UAE and consists of 40 members appointed by their respective emirates.
Economy
The UAE has a thriving economy, which is largely based on oil and gas exports. However, in recent years the country has been diversifying its economy by investing in industries like tourism, finance and construction. Dubai, in particular, has become a hub for international business and tourism.
Culture
The UAE is known for its rich culture and heritage. The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken as well.
Islam is the official religion of the country and plays an important role in daily life. Dubai is known for being a cosmopolitan city with a diverse population from all over the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dubai is a city within one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, it should not be mistaken as synonymous with UAE itself. Understanding these differences can help visitors to Dubai or the UAE to better appreciate their unique character and history.