Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, which is the most populous of the 7 monarchies that make up the United Arab Emirates. Founded as a small fishing village in the 18th century, the city grew fastly in the early 21st century with a focus on tourism and luxury, boasting the second tallest five-star hotel in the world and the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which is over half a mile long. It is a city and emirate of the UAE famous for its luxury shops, ultramodern architecture and vibrant nightlife.