Where is Dubai located on the map and how to get there!
We understand that the question of where Dubai is located may seem like a trick title, and you’re probably thinking, “Who doesn’t know Dubai?” or at least, “Who hasn’t heard of a city like Dubai in their lifetime?”
You’re right; Dubai is one of the most famous cities globally and a top tourist destination for various reasons. However, after visiting it ourselves, we’ve realized that many people don’t know where Dubai is located on the world map, and most importantly, they’re unaware of the various ways to reach this city.
Here’s where we come in. In this post, we’ll provide answers to all these questions and share some interesting tips about this incredible city. Let’s get started.
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We’ll quickly answer the most important question:
Where Is Dubai located? – Where is Dubai located
We immediately address the most important question:
Where is Dubai located? Dubai is situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. It is part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is precisely the capital of one of the seven emirates. This famous city is located on the Arabian Peninsula, at the northeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula.
And in case you are wondering, “Is Dubai in Asia?” Yes, the answer is yes; this part of the world is considered Asia.
Where is Dubai located on the world map? – Where is Dubai located
The best way to show you where Dubai is located in the world is to provide you with this map that we’ve created. We’ve marked some world capitals as reference points to make it easier for you to orient yourself. Hopefully you find it useful and you can easily locate Dubai on the map.
Where is Dubai located in the UAE?– Where is Dubai located
Dubai is located in the United Arab Emirates, however, it is not a state in itself, it is one of the seven emirates present in the UAE
This might be interesting for you especially if you’re thinking of visiting other Emirates on the same trip or getting to Dubai from one of them or a neighboring country.
Dubai is located on the Northeast coast of the United Arab Emirates, bordering the Emirate of Sharjah to the Northeast and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to the southwest.
Its neighboring countries include Oman to the Northeast and Saudi Arabia on the other side. Below are the approximate distances from Dubai’s capital to the capitals of the other Emirates:
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi Capital: Approximately 140 km.
From Dubai to Sharjah Capital: Approximately 15 km.
From Dubai to Ajman Capital: Approximately 40 km.
From Dubai to Umm Al-Quwain Capital: Approximately 70 km.
From Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah Capital: Approximately 100 km.
From Dubai to Fujairah Capital: Approximately 150 km.
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Where is the center of Dubai located? – Where is Dubai located
Although we’ve explained that Dubai itself is an Emirate, the capital, as you already know, bears the same name.
If you haven’t visited Dubai before, we can assure you that the entire city is divided into various sectors or neighborhoods, and each one is almost a microcosm in itself.
However, if you’re wondering where the center of Dubai is located, just read more in this post.
The center of Dubai is typically considered to be the area surrounding the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the area known as Downtown Dubai. This area, excluding the old town, is where Dubai’s new development began.
How to get to Dubai? – Where is Dubai located
Airplane:
As you can imagine, flying is the most common way to get to Dubai. Most people arriving in Dubai do so through Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airport is easily accessible and well-connected, thanks to the taxi service (which is not overly expensive) and the metro line that runs throughout the city.
However, there are also other airports in the region or nearby. For example, there is Dubai World Central International Airport (DWC), where only a few low-cost airlines operate as of now.
Another alternative to consider for finding low-cost flights is Sharjah International Airport in the neighboring Emirate.
Many airlines, such as Air Arabia, operate here, connecting the Emirates to many destinations worldwide at truly affordable prices. If you decide to use this airport to get to Dubai, keep in mind that you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the neighboring Emirate or the city.
There is currently no bus service connecting the airport to Dubai city. In the past, such a service existed, but it was suspended with the arrival of the pandemic in 2019.
In September 2023, we spent around $35–40 for the journey from Dubai (DIFC) to the Sharjah airport (please consider this when buying your ticket).
The cost may vary depending on the time you choose to travel, as during peak hours, a journey that should take an average of 35–40 minutes can turn into 2-3 hours.
By land:
As mentioned earlier, you have the option to visit Dubai from neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman. Dubai, along with the other United Arab Emirates, has various land border crossings with its neighboring countries. Here are the approximate distances from Dubai’s capital to the nearest borders of neighboring countries:
- Dubai to Oman (Hatta border): approximately 140 km.
- Dubai to Saudi Arabia (via Abu Dhabi) (Al Ghuwaifat / Al Batha border): 470 km.
Note:Public transportation is limited in these areas, so crossing the borders would typically involve using a car. These distances were calculated using Google Maps. Make sure that you have the necessary travel documents and visas for border crossings, and keep in mind that rules and geopolitical situations can change.
By cruise:
Dubai has become a popular cruise destination over the years. The city offers a well-equipped cruise terminal, the Dubai Cruise Terminal, located at the Port of Rashid. Many cruise companies include Dubai as a port of call in their itineraries due to the wide range of entertainment and attractions the city offers.
By ferry:
Surprisingly, in addition to cruises, you can also use other types of watercraft to reach Dubai. Dubai is connected by sea to Iran, and there is a regular transportation service between the two countries.
Ferries operate from Dubai to various Iranian cities, such as Bandar Abbas. We discovered this option through two Italian travelers who arrived in Dubai by sea and shared their travel stories.
For this option and crossing by land, it’s essential to stay informed through official websites, as the situation may change, and border crossings can be subject to various rules and regulations.
Which are the main neighborhoods in Dubai?– Where is Dubai located
Although the city is continuously expanding, the main neighborhoods in Dubai include:
Deira: Part of Old Dubai, it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It is very popular among tourists, mainly to visit the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk.
Bur Dubai: Also in the old area of Dubai, it is famous for the natural creek that runs through the city (Dubai Creek). In addition to that, you can find the famous Dubai Museum and the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood that lines the beginning of the river.
Downtown Dubai: As mentioned earlier, it is considered the center of the new city. There are several reasons for this, one of which is the myriad of architectural marvels located in this neighborhood. For example, the iconic Burj Khalifa, or the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): Adjacent to Downtown Dubai, it is not only considered part of the city center but also the financial hub of the city, housing many global financial institutions.
Dubai Marina: A neighborhood filled with skyscrapers and modern restaurants. Dubai Marina is a modern and luxurious community that attracts millions of tourists and expats every year.
Jumeirah: This neighborhood is famous for its white sandy beaches and luxurious villas. It is a high-end residential area.
Palm Jumeirah: An artificial island shaped like a palm tree with luxury resorts and private villas, a true architectural gem.
Al Barsha: Another fairly residential neighborhood that is quite famous and frequented due to the presence of the famous “Mall of the Emirates” (the mall with the indoor ski slope).
Distance between these neighborhoods and DBX international Airport – Where is Dubai located
Considering that most tourists arrive at this airport, we thought it would be useful for you to have this information, especially if you plan to use a taxi to get to your accommodation.
Deira: 4-5 km east of DXB.
Bur Dubai: 9-10 km east of DXB.
Downtown Dubai: 15 km south of DXB.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): 10-12 km southwest of DXB.
Dubai Marina: 30-35 km southwest of DXB.
Jumeirah: 20-25 km southwest of DXB.
Palm Jumeirah: 35-40 km southwest of DXB.
Al Barsha: 25-30 km southwest of DXB.
Additional information:
The price of taxis in Dubai is 2.19 AED (0.60 $) per kilometer. Keep in mind that the final price is more or less based on the kilometers of the journey.
However, remember that when taking a “regular” taxi at the airport, there is a surcharge of 25 AED (6.80 $). Pay attention to this surcharge when precalculating your possible taxi journey. To get a fixed fare, you can use apps like Uber or Careem, although it’s not always the cheapest option.
To calculate, remember that 1 euro = 3.90 AED and 1 $ = 3.67 AED. You can use this app, xe.com, if it helps.
The metro is the cheapest option, but during peak hours, it can be quite crowded, and handling a lot of luggage can be challenging.
Conclusions– Where is Dubai located
Now that you know where Dubai is located and how to get there, we want to finish this post with a simple question:
Why visit Dubai?
Dubai is a destination for everyone. While it can be extremely expensive and luxurious at times, we have personally found that it is not more expensive than other globally famous tourist destinations. From iconic skyscrapers to traditional markets, beautiful beaches, guaranteed entertainment, and a rich Arab heritage, Dubai has something for every type of traveler and almost every budget.
What do you think of this post? Does it make you want to visit this city?
Well, at least now that you know where Dubai is located ;-). All that’s left is to buy a flight ticket.
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[…] ¿Dónde queda Dubai? | Ubicación en el mapa mundial | Ubicación en los Emiratos Árabes Unidos | ¿Dónde está el centro? | Cómo llegar allá (Dubai) | Barrios famosos en Dubai | Distancia entre barrios/Aeropuerto DXB | Conclusiones […]