The fastest-growing city on earth, where the combination of vision and money makes it a thrilling experience to be a part of, the rulers of Dubai (headed by Emir Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum) are spending overwhelming sums on construction by building the tallest building in the world, luxury hotels, and huge shopping malls.

They have also earmarked Dubai as becoming the playground of the world by developing Dubailand, an underwater hotel and the largest observation wheel in the world. Given the scale of its ambition, it could well become the most important place on the planet.

Dubai can either refer to one of the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, or the emirate's main city, sometimes called "Dubai city" to distinguish it from the emirate. Dubai has the largest population and is the second largest emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. There is a consultative council whose members the ruling family nominates. A group of five old Arab families controls the entire Emirates.

Politics and Culture:
As a Muslim country, Dubai has strict underlying rules which should not be abused as a result of providing a fairly comfortable "western" society where woman can drive, alcohol can be sold in certain areas and traditional Muslim dress regulations are relaxed (avoid low cut tops and short skirts).

Dubai's inhabitants do not expect foreign men to wear Arab garments, and western dress is the norm. Men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts in the street, as it is excessively casual and thought of in poor regard, although with the development of tourism, this attitude is softening. Residents seldom wear suits in the Gulf, except for important business meetings and related social events. Standard wear in the office is a shirt (usually long-sleeved), tie and lightweight trousers.

Dubai has large expatriate Hindu, Sikh, and Christian communities. Non-Muslim groups can own their own houses of worship, where they can practice their religion freely, by requesting a land grant and permission to build a compound.

It is important and respectful to be aware of the laws of the country:

• Do not offer alcoholic drinks to an Arab, unless you are certain that he drinks alcohol;
• Do not walk on a prayer mat or in front of a person at prayer and try not to stare at people who are praying;
• Do not try to enter a mosque without first asking permission;
• Avoid blasphemy, particularly in the presence of Muslims. There are many non-Gulf Arabs working in Dubai, who are not always as tolerant as locals are;
• Do not put an Arab in a position where he might suffer a 'loss of face' in front of other Arabs;
• Do not beckon to Arabs with a finger, as this is particularly impolite (they use this gesture to summon a dog);
• Avoid any types of shouting, drunkenness or displays of aggression, as residents do not tolerate it;
• No public displays of affection;
• Respect Ramadan practices: In the daytime non-Muslims should refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in public places. Restaurants are not open for lunch, bars open at around 7 pm and shopping malls are open later.