Dubai vs Shenzhen - City Size Comparison

Is Dubai Bigger Than Shenzhen?

In terms of area, Dubai is 2.1x the size of Shenzhen. Dubai spans 4,114 km² (1,588 mi²) while Shenzhen covers 1,997 km² (771 mi²) — a difference of 2,117 km². You could fit Shenzhen inside Dubai approximately 2 times.

About Dubai

A global city and business hub in the Middle East. Known as "City of Gold", Dubai covers 4,114 km² with a population of 3.3 million. The city was established in 1833. Dubai is known for Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, among other attractions. The city's main transit system is the Dubai Metro.

Dubai went from a small fishing village to a global metropolis in just 50 years

About Shenzhen

China's tech capital and a major innovation hub. Nicknamed "China's Silicon Valley", Shenzhen has an area of 1,997 km² and is home to 17.6 million people. The city dates back to 1979. Visitors come for Tech industry (Huawei, Tencent, DJI), Shenzhen Bay, Window of the World theme park, and much more. Getting around is easy with the Shenzhen Metro.

Shenzhen grew from a fishing village of 30,000 people to a megacity of 17 million in just 40 years

Population Density

Dubai has a population density of 809 people per km² — a relatively spread-out city. Shenzhen, with 8,793 people per km², is a densely populated city. Shenzhen is dramatically more crowded, with 10.9x the population density.

Climate & Time Zone

Dubai has a hot desert climate while Shenzhen experiences humid subtropical conditions. When it's noon in Shenzhen, it's 8:00 AM in Dubai — a 4-hour time difference.