Dubai

From desert sands to a glittering metropolis: the inside story of Dubai s transformation. In just two decades; Dubai has reinvented itself from a small; poor and quiet fishing village to a dazzling city with a vibrant urban life. How did this happen? Home to more than 200 nationalities particularly those from the Indian subcontinent the emirate s choice to welcome expatriates has paid off. Cultivating an open and welcoming culture; Dubai manages to attract people from all over the world; heartily embracing any entrepreneurial contribution they wish to make. The emirate is now also known for its cosmopolitan melting-pot culture; and its enabling environment to conduct business; and this; along with the tax-free system and hassle-free infrastructure; makes it a much sought-after site for multinational enterprises who want a base in Asia. Unlike the Gulf emirates that can count on petroleum wealth; Dubai has wound its way to prosperity by planning carefully and executing those plans methodically. Its airline and luxury construction have made it a popular destination for luxury tourism. Projects like the Burj al-Arab; the Palm Jumeriah and the Burj Khalifa; along with events like the world s richest horserace the Dubai World Cup and the Dubai Shopping Festival; have sustained tourist interest and focused the world s attention on the emirate. Pranay Gupte draws on his deep knowledge of the region and its leading personalities to trace the city-state s extraordinary and fabulous journey.