Dubai (Arabic: دبي, Dubayy) is one of the largest cities in the United Arab Emirates. According to recent estimates, Dubai has a population of over 3.5 million within the city proper and around 4.5 million in the metropolitan area. Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, the city stretches along the shores of the Persian Gulf and covers an area of approximately 4,114 square kilometers (1,588 square miles). Dubai is a major economic and financial hub in the region and plays a significant role in the UAE’s cultural and technological development.