The city of Dubai, also called Dubayy, is the capital of the emirate of Dubai. This is one of the seven emirates that make up the federation of the United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 1971 after independence from Great Britain. The city of Dubai has a complicated history, which has led to numerous explanations for its name. Some say it alludes to a market that used to be outside of the city; while others say it has something to do with the daba. Daba is a species of locust that plagues the region. Dubai has emerged as the Middle East’s preeminent entrepôt in recent years, earning comparisons to Singapore and Hong Kong. Amounting to 3,415 acres (35 square km). In addition, it has an estimated 2017 population of 2,919,178..