Dubai is well served by terrestrial radio (AM & FM) with a huge variety of stations broadcasting in the languages commonly spoken in the city; Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, Malayam and Filipino. The FM band is particularly crowded, with a new station every 2 or 3 MHz apart, some from neighbouring Emirates and Countries in the Gulf. Due to crowding of the FM band, there is often interference between stations.

General standards have improved greatly in the past few years and many stations are now at par with leading stations in major metropolitan cities in the world. However, the media in Dubai and the UAE is still heavily government regulated. Most stations, even those privately owned, are often still government controlled. In particular, all radio stations must cease normal broadcasting in the event of the death of a Sheikh or close relative of a Sheikh. This normally happens for a period of 3 days to a week, or more, depending on the standing of the deceased.