Raised from the sands of the vast Arabian Desert, Dubai is so happening it's surreal – one could almost be forgiven for mistaking this ultra-modern metropolis for a mirage.
Today, Dubai is the fastest-growing city in the world. Its skyline now dotted with space-age skyscrapers and its coast lined with man-made islands that can only be described as masterpieces of architecture and design, Dubai’s ascent into the stratosphere of leading global cities has led to the creation of overnight fortunes – in turn attracting thousands more to its shores each year, in pursuit of their hopes and dreams.
The emirate of Dubai is situated in the eastern Arabian peninsula, and is one of seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In practice, however, Dubai is administered almost like an independent city-state. It is the most liberal, modern and progressive emirate in the UAE. The population of Dubai city is 2.26 million (2008), of which approximately 71% are foreigners and expatriates.