The capital and largest city of the Dubai emirate, one of the richest in the United Arab Emirates, which attained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, is Dubai, formerly known as Dubayy. Various viewpoints exist on the term "Dubai's" genesis. Others believe it alludes to the daba, a kind of local locust, while some believe it refers to a market that originally stood close to the city. Dubai is frequently referred to as the leading port in the Middle East and has recently been compared to Singapore and Hong Kong. 15.5 square miles make up the area (357square km). 2,919,180 people live in the globe (as of 2021).