Dubai

Dubai has been ruled by the Al Maktoum family since 1833; the emirate is a constitutional monarchy. Dubai citizens participate in the electoral college to vote representatives to the Federal National Council of the UAE.

The ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is also the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and member of the Supreme Council of the Union (SCU). Dubai appoints 8 members in two-term periods to the Federal National Council (FNC) of the UAE, the supreme federal legislative body.

Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National’s lifestyles. It is highly important that when tourists visit Dubai they must respect and behave suitably, as the minority group of Emiratis are very protective over their culture and traditions.

One of the world’s fastest growing economies core elements of Dubai’s trading infrastructure were built on the back of the oil industry Contrary to popular belief, Dubai does not have an oil-based economy. The little oil wealth it did enjoy between the 1960’s and the 1990’s was used to enhance other sectors of its economy by building physical infrastructure.

Trade remains at the core of Dubai’s economy, with the city operating two of the world’s largest ports and a busy international air cargo hub. The Jebel Ali free-trade zone was established in the 1980’s to attract industrial investment; activities based there include aluminum smelting, car manufacturing, and cement production.