Dubai is situated on the south east coast of the Persian Gulf. It is part of a massive urban area consisting of Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai.

Together with the other six Emirates in the region, Dubai was a British Protectorate from 1820 – 1971. The 7 Emirates formed the Trucial States in 1963 which were still a British Protectorate. Six of the states, excluding Ras al Khaima, formed the United Arab Emirates in 1971. These states were joined by Ras al Khaima in 1972.

Dubai issued its own stamps from 1963 until 1972. From 1 January 1973, a Union Postal Administration was formed by the 7 Emirates and stamps of the United Arab Emirates have been used since then.