Since the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, Dubai has developed rapidly from an oil and gas based state to a broadly based market economy. A 30 year development plan provided for substantial investment in education and infrastructure (transport and telecommunications) and has led to rapid growth in trade and inward investment.

Dubai offers a world-class airline (Emirates Airlines), world-class tourism (over 30 five-star hotels and the world's first seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab) and world-class sporting events: The Dubai World Cup (the world's richest horse race), the Dubai Desert Classic (golf) and the Dubai Rugby Sevens.