Until the 1820s, Dubai was referred to as Al Wasl. The origins of the word Dubai are discussed, some postulate a Persian origin, and others Arabic. According Fedel Handhal, researcher of the history and culture of the UAE, Dubai could come from the word Daba (a derivative of Yadub), “something that flows,” referring to the Khor Dubai (the river of the Greek geographers Zara) saline stream whose banks were established in the Bani Yas tribe from which descends from the Al Maktoum dynasty rulers of the emirate.

Dubai is governed by a fully empowered Emir, title character and hereditary monarchy. Currently, the emir is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This ruler is also Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. He is married to Princess Haya bint Al-Hussein, daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and sister of current King Abdullah II of Jordan.