Dubai is a city known for its luxurious lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and desert landscapes. But when it comes to its geographical location, there is some confusion as to whether Dubai is part of the Middle East or not. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to that question in detail.
What is the Middle East?
Before we delve into whether Dubai is part of the Middle East or not, let’s first define what the Middle East actually means. The Middle East refers to a region that spans across southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa. It includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Israel, and Turkey.
Where is Dubai located?
Dubai is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in southwestern Asia. It borders Oman to the southeast and Saudi Arabia to the south. The city sits on the Persian Gulf coast and has a hot desert climate.
Is Dubai part of the Middle East?
The answer to this question depends on how you define the Middle East. If you consider the region to include all countries that are geographically situated in southwestern Asia and northeastern Africa, then yes, Dubai is part of the Middle East.
However, if you consider the term “Middle East” to be more culturally or politically oriented rather than geographical, then it becomes a bit more complicated. Some people argue that because Dubai has a highly diverse population with many expatriates from different parts of the world, it doesn’t necessarily fit within traditional notions of what constitutes a “Middle Eastern” country.
Dubai’s cultural identity
Dubai’s cultural identity can be traced back to its history as a trading hub in the Persian Gulf region. Over time, it has been influenced by various cultures such as Indian, Iranian, and Arab. Today, Dubai’s population is made up of people from over 200 nationalities, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
The UAE’s political alliances
Another factor that can influence how we perceive Dubai’s place within the Middle East is its political alliances. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a part, has strong economic and political ties with both the Middle East and other regions such as Europe and Asia. This means that although Dubai is located in the Middle East geographically, it may have more in common politically and economically with countries outside of the region.
Conclusion
So, is Dubai part of the Middle East? The answer depends on your perspective.
Geographically speaking, yes, Dubai is located within southwestern Asia and therefore falls within the bounds of what we traditionally consider to be the Middle East. However, when considering cultural identity and political alliances, it may not fit neatly into our preconceived notions of what a “Middle Eastern” country should be like. Regardless of how we choose to label it, there’s no denying that Dubai is a unique city with a rich history and culture all its own.