Dubai

Dubai is the most populous and second largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi. The city of Dubai dates back to 1095 AD, when it was first mentioned in a historic record. In 1833 the Al Maktoum dynasty took over the city, thereby creating a new indepent emirate. The dynasty has been ruling over the Dubai emirate since then. In 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after Britain left the Persian Gulf.
The population in Dubai consists by 85% of foreigners who work in the Emirate. The economy of Dubai depends on oil only for 6% of its GDP, the remainder being generated mainly by services (international trade) and tourism. Dubai is currently undergoing through a rapid development phase with a large number of ongoing construction projects, the most well known being the creation of artificial islands off Dubai's coast for residential purposes and the construction of the world's tallest skyscraper, the Al Burj. From a tourist perspective Dubai offers great beaches (best time for visiting is November to April, after it becomes too hot) and lots of shopping opportunities in Dubai's countless malls and shopping complexes.