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Exchange in the United Arab Emirates: where is Dubai located?

written by
Natasha Machado
14/8/2025
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5 min
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Have you ever wondered where exactly Dubai is, this futuristic metropolis that has won the hearts of students from all over the world? Strategically located between three continents, Dubai offers much more than impressive skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls. It is a destination that combines modernity, tradition and unique opportunities for those seeking to perfect English in a truly international environment.

Dubai: Gateway between East and West

Dubai is located on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf and is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Its privileged location positions it as a natural bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa, making it one of the most important commercial centers in the world.

The city borders Abu Dhabi to the south, Sharjah to the northeast, and has the Sultanate of Oman as its neighbor to the southeast. This strategic geographical position helped transform Dubai into an international hub for business, tourism and, increasingly, education.

Who is it for thinking about studying English in Dubai, it is important to understand that the city is located in the GMT+4 time zone, that is, 7 hours ahead of Brasília time. This means that you'll be at a completely different pace, but one that fits perfectly with the region's cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Dubai's unique geography

The geography of Dubai is fascinating and directly influences the experience of those who choose the city for study. Located at approximately 25°N latitude and 55°E longitude, the city enjoys a desert climate that can be challenging, but also offers unique advantages.

The emirate is divided by Dubai Creek, a natural arm of the sea that cuts through the city historically. On one side is Deira, where traditional commerce and historic souks are concentrated. On the other, Bur Dubai, which houses some of the oldest residential neighborhoods and the city's cultural center.

The waterfront extends for about 72 kilometers, offering golden sandy beaches that have become one of the region's best-known postcards. For international students, this means easy access to water activities and a lifestyle that balances studies with moments of relaxation by the sea.

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is a federation comprised of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi (the capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Each emirate has its own personality and distinctive features, but Dubai stands out as the region's economic and tourist hub.

While Abu Dhabi emerges as the world's new cultural capital, Dubai maintains its status as a metropolis of business and innovation. This division of specialties between the emirates creates a unique environment where students can experience different facets of modern Arab culture.

The proximity between the emirates allows exchange students to easily explore other cities during their stay. A drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi only takes about an hour and a half, offering perfect opportunities for cultural weekends and regional exploration.

Why Dubai's location is strategic for exchange students

Dubai's geographical position offers unparalleled advantages for international students. Located at the crossroads of ancient commercial routes, the city has developed a transportation infrastructure that facilitates connections to almost anywhere in the world.

Dubai International Airport is one of the busiest airports globally, offering direct flights to more than 240 destinations. That means you can easily plan trips during your course vacation, exploring from Bali's beaches to the European mountains, all with convenient connections.

For Brazilian exchange students, this connectivity represents a unique opportunity to expand geographical horizons while studying. Countries like India, Thailand, Turkey, and Egypt are just a few hours' flight away, making it possible to experience multiple cultures during a single exchange experience.

Dubai's multicultural environment

Dubai's strategic location has attracted people from all corners of the world, creating a truly multicultural society. Over 85% of the population is comprised of expatriates of more than 200 different nationalities. This cultural diversity is directly reflected in the educational experience.

At a typical English school in Dubai, you can meet classmates from South Korea, France, Brazil, Russia, and Nigeria, all in the same classroom. This natural exposure to different accents, cultures, and perspectives accelerates language learning in an organic and fun way.

The languages spoken in the United Arab Emirates reflect that cultural diversity. Although Arabic is the official language, English functions as a lingua franca in business, education, and everyday life. This creates a perfect environment for constantly practicing English, from the conversation with the taxi driver to academic discussions in the classroom.

Climate advantages and lifestyle

Dubai's location close to the Tropic of Cancer results in a climate that, while warm, offers unique advantages for students. The months of October to April have ideal temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

During this period, which coincides with the traditional academic year, you can take advantage Dubai's best student neighborhoods without the extreme summer heat. Areas such as Dubai Marina, JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) and DIFC (Dubai International Financial Center) offer not only quality of life but also easy access to major schools and universities.

The Dubai lifestyle allows you to balance studies with rich cultural experiences. The city offers everything from traditional Arab souks to modern shopping centers, ensuring that exchange students have access to both local culture and international comfort.

Regional connections and exploration opportunities

Dubai's geographical position opens doors to incredible discoveries in the Middle East region. During your exchange, you can easily plan weekend trips to fascinating destinations such as Oman, with its mountains and wadis (oases), or even to Qatar, especially interesting after the 2022 World Cup.

For the more adventurous, countries like Jordan (with Petra), Lebanon (known for its cuisine) and even Egypt (with the pyramids) are just a few hours' flight away. This ease of regional exploration transforms an exchange experience in Dubai into a true journey through the Arab world and the Middle East.

The connections are not limited to the region. The location allows economic travel to destinations such as Maldives, Seychelles, and even European cities such as London or Paris, often competitively priced due to the volume of air traffic passing through Dubai.

World-class educational infrastructure

Dubai's strategic location attracted not only multinational companies but also internationally renowned educational institutions. The city is home to American, British, and Australian university campuses, as well as language schools with a globally recognized international standard.

This concentration of educational institutions creates a competitive and stimulating academic environment. English language students can easily network with university students from different fields, attend academic events, and even consider continuing their studies at one of the local universities.

The modern transport infrastructure makes it easy to access educational institutions. The Dubai metro system, considered one of the most modern in the world, connects the main areas of the city, including important academic zones. Save on transportation in Dubai becomes simple when you understand how to take advantage of this efficient infrastructure.

Professional opportunities in a diversified economy

Dubai's location as a hub between continents has helped to develop a diversified economy that goes far beyond oil. Sectors such as finance, tourism, technology, logistics and international trade offer interesting opportunities for exchange students who wish to combine studies with professional experience.

While studying English, many students get unpaid internships or part-time job opportunities in multinational companies. Exposure to different business cultures, from formal British to relaxed Australian, prepares students for truly global careers.

The best job opportunities in Dubai for 2025 are closely linked to the geographical position of the city. Global logistics companies, international airlines, multinational consultants, and technology startups choose Dubai precisely because of its strategic location.

Preparing for your Dubai journey

Understanding where Dubai is located is just the first step in planning a transformative exchange experience. The city offers a unique combination of modernity, tradition and opportunities that few destinations can match.

Cultural diversity, international connections, and world-class infrastructure make Dubai so much more than just a destination for learning English. It's a platform to expand your worldview, build an international network of contacts, and prepare for a global career.

Whether walking through traditional spice souks, admiring the view of the Burj Khalifa, or practicing English with colleagues from all continents, your Dubai experience will be shaped by this unique location that connects worlds, cultures, and opportunities.

Be Easy

Make your dream of studying in Dubai a reality with Be Easy! Our specialized team is ready to guide you through every step of the process, from choosing the ideal course to your arrival in this fascinating metropolis. We offer full visa, accommodation, and cultural orientation support, ensuring that you make the most of the unique opportunities that only Dubai can offer. Contact us and discover how we can make your exchange journey in the United Arab Emirates an incredible experience!

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy