Dubai

About Dubai

Dubai can either refer to one of the seven emirates that constitute United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, or that emirate's main city, sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate. The modern emirate of Dubai was created with the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. However, written accounts documenting the existence of the city have existed at least 150 years prior to the formation of the UAE. Dubai shares legal, political, military and economic functions with the other emirates within a federal framework, although each emirate has jurisdiction over some functions such as civic law enforcement and provision and upkeep of local facilities. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. As of 2007, 800 new residents were setting up home in Dubai every day. With Abu Dhabi, it is one of only two emirates to possess veto power over critical matters of national importance in the UAE. Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty since 1833. The city's current ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

Revenues from petroleum and natural gas contribute to less than 3% of Dubai's US$ 46 billion economy (2006). A majority of the emirate's revenues are from the Jebel Ali free zone (JAFZ) and, increasingly, from tourism and other service businesses. Dubai has attracted world-wide attention through innovative real estate projects and sports events. However, this increased attention, coinciding with its emergence as a world business hub, has also highlighted human rights issues concerning its largely foreign workforce.

Dubai is the fastest growing city and tourism destination in the World. In the past two decades Dubai has emerged as a regional business hub and trade destination with a massive geographical reach from West Africa across the entire Middle East and through to Central Asia. Dubai is the place to do business in the region. The city itself boasts population growth estimated at more than 30,000 new residents a month and this has contributed to hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in infrastructure and property development. The city is a fascinating place where the modern and traditional stand side by side. Dubai offers some of the worlds best shopping, golf courses, beaches, fantastic hotels and bustling souks all combining to make this one of the world's most exciting cities.