Dubai

Dubai is the UAE's business and tourism capital, a desert city that rebuilt itself in a generation into a hub for finance, aviation, and luxury retail. It draws a huge expat population, most of the workforce is foreign-born, alongside tourists chasing the skyline, the malls, and the beaches. Unlike Abu Dhabi, the federal capital and more conservative seat of government, Dubai leans commercial and cosmopolitan, built to attract international business and visitors.

Machboos, spiced rice with meat or fish, is the closest thing to a local Emirati staple, though the food scene is dominated by the diversity of its residents, from Lebanese to South Asian cuisine. Alcohol is available only in licensed venues, not corner stores, and public affection or swearing can draw fines. Modest dress is expected outside beach and pool areas, even though the city itself feels international.