Crossword Genius

Designate superior emirate (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dubai

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'emirate' is the definition.
(Dubai is an emirate of the UAE)

'designate superior' is the wordplay.
'designate' becomes 'dub' (I've seen this in another clue).
'superior' becomes 'ai' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'dub'+'ai'='DUBAI'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dubai that I've seen before include "Middle Eastern destination" , "capital and port" , "Gulf city/state" , "Gulf emirate and port city" , "Country" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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