is dubai actually a country? Or a state? Whats the difference?

By johnDubai is a state or an emirate, primarily the same thing.

The Country United Arab Emirates is made up of seven states or emirates namely: Abu Dhabi (capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al Khaimah, Umm al Quwain, Fujairah.

Each of the states has different rulers and the laws of one state doesn't pertain to the other. But overall the country has a president, who is normally the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

There are also few other places such as Al-Ain (small town falls under the state of Abu Dhabi), Khorfakkan, etc.

Dubai is a city in the United Arab Emirites.
Yes, it is a city. it is also the richest city on the face of this planet. Simply put, the city is on top of one of the largest concentrations of oil on the planet. They are so rich, they are building artificial islands right off the coast called the palm, and the world (Mainly because the shape of the island is made to look like the world). They are also in the process of building the largest structure on the planet, The Burj Dubai. It is an extremely futuristic looking building that is going to be 808 meters tall, which is about 2651 feet, or about half a mile. It will be twice as high as the empire state building.
chris the oil has run out, thats the reason they are promoting tourism. Its not a place i would recomend!
Dubai is a city - a very big one!
Country is UAE. It has 7 states.
7 states are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Kheima, Ajman, Alein, Fujeirah

Dubai is a city and state at the same time.
Is a city which is very crowded , hot and expensive. I don't like that.