Dubayy, or Dubai , Constituent emirate (pop., 2005 prelim.: 1,200,309), United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). It is surrounded by the emirates of Abū Ẓaby and Al-Shariqah (Sharjah), and it has 45 mi (72 km) of coastline on the Persian Gulf. Occupying an area of 1,510 sq mi (3,900 sq km), it is the second most populous and second largest state of the federation. Most of its population live in or near its capital, Dubai city (pop., 2007: 1,225,137). Settled in 1799 by people from Abū Ẓaby, Dubayy became a locally powerful state in the early 19th century, and until the 1930s it was known for its pearl exports. It has since been enriched by petroleum exports. Dubai city is now a centre for most of the banks and insurance companies of the U.A.E.
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