How Big Is Dubai?
UAE · Asia
Area
4,114 km²
1,588 mi²
Population
3.3M
Density
809/km²
Founded
1833
Dubai Size Overview
Dubai covers an area of 4,114 km² (1,588 mi²) in UAE, Asia. City in the United Arab Emirates. The city is often called "City of Gold". To put this in perspective, Dubai is roughly the same size as Rhode Island. In more relatable units, that's about 576,000 American football fields, 70 times the area of Manhattan, or 39 times the area of Paris.
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. It is on a creek on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. As of 2025, its population stands at 4 million, 92% of whom are expatriates. The wider urban area includes Sharjah and has a population of 5 million people as of 2023, while the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area has a population of 6 million people.
With a population of 3.3 million, Dubai has a population density of 809 people per km².
Dubai has a history stretching back to 1833. The city is renowned for Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, and Burj Al Arab.
Dubai has a hot desert climate, with summer temperatures averaging 36°C and winters around 19°C. The city's main public transit system is the Dubai Metro.
Did You Know?
- Dubai's population reached 4 million in 2025, with 92% of residents being expatriates rather than UAE nationals.
- The Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area now houses 6 million people as of 2023, sprawling along the Persian Gulf coast.
Compare Dubai with Other Cities
Dubai vs Singapore
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Dubai vs Hong Kong
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Dubai vs Mumbai
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Dubai vs Cape Town
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Dubai vs Riyadh
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Compare Dubai with any city using our interactive map tool.
Cities Similar in Size to Dubai
Dubai covers 4,114 km². Cities with a similar urban footprint include Karachi (3,527 km²), Hanoi (3,359 km²), Istanbul (5,461 km²), Cairo (3,085 km²), or Lima (2,672 km²).