Is Saudi Arabia and Dubai Same Country?

By Robert Palmer

Saudi Arabia and Dubai are two countries located in the Middle East region. Despite being geographically close to each other, they are two separate countries with distinct cultures and political systems. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

Geography

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, covering an area of 2.15 million square kilometers. It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Yemen.

On the other hand, Dubai is one of the seven emirates that make up UAE. It covers an area of 4,114 square kilometers and is located on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf.

Population

According to the World Bank data from 2020, Saudi Arabia has a population of over 34 million people while Dubai has a population of around 3.4 million people.

Religion

Islam is the predominant religion in both Saudi Arabia and Dubai. However, there are some differences in their religious practices. In Saudi Arabia, Islam is strictly followed according to Sunni Wahhabi interpretation while Dubai’s interpretation is more liberal.

Culture

Saudi Arabia has a conservative culture where women are required to wear abayas (long black robes) and cover their heads while in public places. On the other hand, Dubai has a more cosmopolitan culture where women can dress as they wish as long as it’s not too revealing.

Economy

Saudi Arabia has one of the richest economies in the world due to its vast oil reserves. It’s also home to some of the world’s largest companies such as Aramco and SABIC. In contrast, Dubai’s economy relies heavily on tourism and real estate industries.

Tourism

Dubai is known for its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, shopping malls, and artificial islands. It’s a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. In contrast, Saudi Arabia has only recently opened its doors to tourism and is still in the process of developing its tourism industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Saudi Arabia and Dubai are both Muslim countries located in the Middle East, they are two separate countries with distinct cultures, economies, and political systems. It’s important to understand these differences to avoid confusion between the two countries.