Set between Europe and Asia, Dubai is the jewel in the crown of the United Arab Emirates. It offers visitors an oasis from the surrounding desert.

At the same time, it remains mostly sunny and warm throughout the year. Dubai is the second largest of the seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujaira, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain) and is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. Dubai's population in 2001 was approximately 1,029,000.