Dubai
Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, transformed in just a few decades from a modest trading port into a global center of finance, tourism, and architectural innovation.
Dubai's economy was historically based on pearl diving and trade before the discovery of oil in the 1960s provided capital for rapid infrastructure development and diversification of the economy.
Recognizing that its oil reserves were limited compared to neighboring emirates, Dubai's leadership invested heavily in tourism, real estate, and finance, transforming the city's skyline with ambitious projects.
The city is home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world at over 2,700 feet, and has become a major global hub for business, luxury tourism, and international trade.