Dubai Today

Visionary leadership, high quality infrastructure, zero taxes and low import duties have been a winning formula for Dubai transforming itself into a business and tourism hub.

The Emirates oil production formed the backbone of the economy for many years; however, looking for sustainability, the Dubai government began to invest heavily in diversifying its own economy. With aims to achieve only 10% GDP from its oil sector, the emirate moved forward and in 2006 with Dubai’s leisure, tourism and commercial sectors, oil represented only 3% of the GDP in 2006, aggressively surpassing their target.

Population: With Dubai’s population continually expanding, the need for Dubai residential property and living accommodation has increased, driving up rentals and land prices Despite the recent downturn, Dubai has stabilised its economy and continues to hold targets that endeavour to increase its population. Plans are currently in place to see Dubai’s population expand to 1.9million by 2010 and exceed 5 million by 2020, all facilitated by the growing tourism.

Transport: Dubai’s commitment to facilitate the increasing number of residents and visitors to the emirate has been demonstrated through its investment infrastructure.

As of June 2009 Dubai International Airport had over 5,600 weekly flights operated by nearly 100 airlines to over 200 destinations across all six continents, coupled with Emirates airline expansion, Dubai is well positioned to facilitate high demand and is sustaining its tourism levels.

Dubai Metro, which was partially opened in September 2009, was put in place to alleviate traffic levels. It is one of the worlds most advanced urban transport links and connects key areas of Dubai. More than 110,000 people, nearly 10 per cent of Dubai’s population, used the Metro in its first two days of operation, and almost 367,000 passengers ride Dubai metro in its first week.