| Dubai's well oiled industry has been in business for | | | | new airport is being envisaged to remove the |
| thirty decades. All Arab nations benefited from the | | | | congestion of new arrivals. The opening of port |
| discovery of oil. But not all desert kingdoms were | | | | Rashid and Jebel Ali Free Zone also have contributed |
| able to survive and increase their economic status. | | | | to the economic development. |
| UAE, a combination of seven states has emerged as | | | | Right from airspace (aviation) to ground space (real |
| a leader in the region. Oil may have catapulted the | | | | estate), tourism, energy, hospitality, financial services |
| economy, but it is the diversification to other | | | | the investment opportunities are plenty. All this |
| avenues that has brought many investors. The rulers | | | | development is being noticed because of the |
| have a broader mission and futuristic vision to meet | | | | aggressive identity branding. Construction activities |
| challenges of the 21st century. Dubai has become an | | | | like the famed Palm Islands, luxury hotels and villas |
| economic paradise for multinationals that have dipped | | | | and endorsement of golf courses have been in world |
| revenues in other parts of the world. The country is | | | | news. The rich Arab culture is being showcased |
| as Islamic as any other Arabic nation. The rulers have | | | | worldwide. The government companies like Dubai |
| set an example for others to become pathfinders of | | | | Holding and Dubai World dominates most of the |
| new revenues. As Dubai is on the global investor's list | | | | mega-project development and business in the region. |
| the ruling family has the onus of not letting the | | | | But others have also made their mark. Some of the |
| bubble burst on their faces. | | | | know big business groups include Majid Al-Futtaim, |
| Granted, the oil prices have doubled and they are | | | | Emaar Properties and French group Carrefour. |
| flush with cash. But the speed breakers of reckless | | | | The government's move to popularise Dubai as a |
| progress can topple the applecart. Sheikh Rashid | | | | mega destination for business, tourism, education and |
| al-Maktoum, father of the country's current ruler, | | | | job opportunities have been tremendous. The |
| Sheikh Mohammed knew the oil would not last so he | | | | shopping festivals, film festival, traditional racing and |
| diversified. A wise move. Today Dubai is an epitome | | | | adventure sports have attracted many globe |
| of how an economy can survive in a hostile | | | | trotters. As Dubai becomes more hospitable to new |
| neighbourhood. The entire exercise to expand began | | | | visitors, it is also keen to keep in tact its Arab |
| with the development of the airport. In 1985, nearly | | | | identity. It will, in no way deviate from the neo |
| ten million dollars were invested in creating the | | | | Arab-Islamic culture in the name of development. |
| Emirates Airlines. It became famous with its name | | | | Locals are still given preference. But at the same |
| etched on the Arsenal soccer stadium. The sum of | | | | time, the expatriates are welcome to work, relax |
| 100 millions dollars was a small price to pay for it! | | | | enjoy and contribute to the forex and local economy |
| Today the numbers of visitors have increased and a | | | | of the land. |