The future of Dubai

ORIGINS OF A DYNAMIC ECONOMY

The story of Dubai’s growth is one of sheer determination and unprecedented global ambition. A centre
for fishing, pearling and sea trade since the early 1800s, Dubai was well established as one of the
region’s top trading ports by the beginning of the 20th Century. The Deira souk, which stands to this day,
was one of the largest in the region at this time. It attracted businessmen and visitors from around the
world, creating a sizeable expatriate population, and in that respect, mirroring the Dubai we know
today.

Striking oil in 1966, Dubai was transformed forever. Oil revenues were used to fund massive
infrastructure projects such as Jebel Ali Port, which helped establish Dubai as the biggest trading hub in
the MENA region, and the expansion of Dubai International Airport, which would eventually become the
world’s biggest international aviation hub.

MODERN DAY METROPOLIS

Dubai’s rapid transformation into the city we know today has been as remarkable as it has been swift.
During the 1990s and 2000s, the city grew at a relentless pace, with landmark developments such as the
Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa putting it on the map as one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises. In
the last decade, Dubai has emerged as a major global tourism destination, as evidenced by the massive
growth in numbers visiting the emirate from across the world. This has spurred unprecedented
development in the city’s hotel and hospitality sectors

TOURISM IN DUBAI
The city of high-rises, mega malls and luxury resorts, Dubai has invested billions into developing the
world’s best tourism infrastructure and frequently tops the list of Guinness World Records for its
superlative landmarks and iconic attractions. Among these are the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa,
and the highest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), on Bluewaters Island.

"There are 237 skyscrapers in Dubai, the 4th highest city by number and height!"
The world’s 4th most visited city, Dubai offers an enticing array of bucket-list adventures, from
skydiving to unforgettable Dubai safari excursions. Other world-famous attractions to visit in Dubai
include the Dubai Opera House, Dubai Museum, and Dubai Miracle Garden, the world’s largest natural
flower garden.

Dubai is also home to the UAE’s largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall, which is equivalent in size to 50
soccer fields and one of the best places to go in Dubai to shop for luxury brands!
ONE OF THE WORLD’S SAFEST CITIES
Dubai and the UAE consistently rank among the world’s safest destinations to live, work and visit.
Following the implementation of world-leading health initiatives to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, the
UAE was among the first countries in the world to offer free vaccines to its citizens and is now the
second-highest vaccinated country in the world. Dubai earned the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from the World
Travel & Tourism Council for its efforts to combat the pandemic.

Dubai’s stable economy and peaceful political climate make it one of the best places to invest. The Real
Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department provide strong governance, allowing
property investors the chance to capitalize on the city’s phenomenal growth under controlled
regulation.

FUTURE AMBITIONS
As the region’s most dynamic city, Dubai has set out ambitious growth plans for the next decade. Already
the Middle East’s top destination for foreign investment, Dubai is aiming to become the world’s smartest
city by 2021; the most visited city by 2025; and the global hub of the Islamic economy within the next
decade. As a result, there’s never been a better time invest in Dubai’s future.