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Do not fill this in! ==Economy== {{Main|Economy of Dubai}} [[File:Burj_Khalifa_2021.jpg|thumb|[[Burj Khalifa]] and [[Downtown Dubai]]]] [[File:Downtown Dubai skylines (Pexels 2403251).jpg|thumb|[[Sheikh Zayed Road]]]] [[File:Dubai Marina 04.jpg|thumb|[[Dubai Marina]]]] One of the world's fastest growing economies,<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/dubai-enters-top-five-ranked-fastest-growing-economies|title = Dubai enters top five ranked fastest growing economies|last = Everington|first = John|date = 22 January 2015|work = The National|access-date = 24 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150311081706/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/dubai-enters-top-five-ranked-fastest-growing-economies|archive-date = 11 March 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Dubai's gross domestic product is projected at over US$177 billion in 2021, with a growth rate of 6.1% in 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.zawya.com/story/Dubai_GDP_growth_seen_at_61_in_2014-ZAWYA20140604041903/|title = Dubai's gross domestic product is expected to reach $107.1 billion, posting a growth rate of 6.1% in 2014 and exceeding Dubai government's estimates of 5%, according to Citibank.|date = 14 June 2014|work = Zawya Thomson Reuters|access-date = 24 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150331161429/http://www.zawya.com/story/Dubai_GDP_growth_seen_at_61_in_2014-ZAWYA20140604041903/|archive-date = 31 March 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> Although a number of core elements of Dubai's trading infrastructure were built on the back of the oil industry,<ref name=oilgas2>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/marketplace/ibi/dubai.htm |title=Dubai – Overview |work=USA Today |access-date=22 July 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808211435/http://www.usatoday.com/marketplace/ibi/dubai.htm |archive-date=8 August 2007}}</ref> revenues from oil and natural gas account for less than 5% of the emirate's revenues.<ref name="oilrev" /> It is estimated that Dubai produces {{convert|50000|to|70000|oilbbl}} of oil a day<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/dubais-oil-discoverydubais-debt_440035.html |title=Dubai's oil discovery and Dubai's debt |publisher=Moneycontrol.com |date=5 February 2010 |access-date=20 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530195048/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/dubais-oil-discoverydubais-debt_440035.html |archive-date=30 May 2013}}</ref> and substantial quantities of gas from offshore fields. The emirate's share in the UAE's total gas revenues is about 2%. Dubai's oil reserves have diminished significantly and are expected to be exhausted in 20 years.<ref name=oilgas>{{cite web|url=http://www.uae.gov.ae/Government/oil_gas.htm#Dubai|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705161411/http://www.uae.gov.ae/Government/oil_gas.htm#Dubai|archive-date=5 July 2008 |title=UAE Oil and Gas |publisher=Uae.gov.ae |date=19 June 1999 |access-date=31 July 2009}}</ref> Real estate and construction (22.6%),<ref name="Ddooo" /> trade (16%), ''[[entrepôt]]'' (15%) and financial services (11%) are the largest contributors to Dubai's economy.<ref name=dubchamber>[http://www.dcci.gov.ae/content/Bulletin/Issue10/SectorMonEn_ISSUE10.pdf Prospects of Dubai Economic Sectors] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216052206/http://www.dcci.gov.ae/content/Bulletin/Issue10/SectorMonEn_ISSUE10.pdf |date=16 February 2008}}. Dubai Chamber of Commerce. 2003.</ref> Dubai's non-oil foreign trade stood at $362 billion in 2014. Of the overall trade volumes, imports had the biggest share with a value of $230 billion while exports and re-exports to the emirate stood at $31 billion and $101 billion respectively.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url = http://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/dubai-s-foreign-trade-steady-at-dh1-331-trillion-in-2014-2015-03-23-1.585144|title = Dubai's foreign trade steady at Dh1.331 trillion in 2014|date = 23 March 2015|work = Emirates 24{{!}}7|access-date = 24 March 2015|url-status=live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150327014004/http://www.emirates247.com/business/economy-finance/dubai-s-foreign-trade-steady-at-dh1-331-trillion-in-2014-2015-03-23-1.585144|archive-date = 27 March 2015|df = dmy-all}}</ref> By 2014, China had emerged as Dubai's largest international trading partner, with a total of $47.7 billion in trade flows, up 29% from 2013. India was second among Dubai's key trading partners with a trade of $29.7 billion, followed by the United States at $22.62 billion. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was Dubai's fourth trading partner globally and first in the GCC and Arab world with a total trade value of $14.2 billion. Trade with Germany in 2014 totalled $12.3 billion, Switzerland and Japan both at $11.72 billion and UK trade totalled $10.9 billion.<ref name=":3" /> [[File:Jebel Ali Port 2 Imresolt.jpg|thumb|[[Port of Jebel Ali]]]] Historically, Dubai and its twin across Dubai Creek, Deira (independent of Dubai City at that time), were important ports of call for Western manufacturers. Most of the new city's banking and financial centres were headquartered in the port area. Dubai maintained its importance as a trade route through the 1970s and 1980s. Dubai has a free trade in gold and, until the 1990s, was the hub of a "brisk smuggling trade"<ref name="britannica">[https://web.archive.org/web/20130903094953/http://concise.britannica.com/dday/print?articleId=31319&fullArticle=true&tocId=9031319 "Dubayy"]. ''Encyclopædia Britannica''. 2008.</ref> of gold [[ingot]]s to India, where gold import was restricted. Dubai's [[Jebel Ali]] port, constructed in the 1970s, has the largest human-made harbour in the world and was ranked seventh globally for the volume of container traffic it supports.<ref name="jebelali">{{cite web |url=http://aapa.files.cms-plus.com/Statistics/WORLD%20PORT%20RANKINGS%2020081.pdf |title=World Port Rankings – 2008 |publisher=American Association of Port Authorities |date=15 April 2008 |access-date=5 May 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704163225/http://aapa.files.cms-plus.com/Statistics/WORLD%20PORT%20RANKINGS%2020081.pdf |archive-date=4 July 2010}}</ref> Dubai is also a hub for service industries such as information technology and finance, with industry-specific [[free economic zone|free zones]] throughout the city.<ref name="Business-Dubai.com">{{cite web|url=http://business-dubai.com/services/business-setup/Dubai-Free-zones/|title=Free Zone Authorities in Dubai|publisher=Business-Dubai.com|access-date=15 November 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117021420/http://business-dubai.com/services/business-setup/Dubai-Free-zones/|archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> [[Dubai Internet City]], combined with [[Dubai Media City]] as part of TECOM (Dubai Technology, Electronic Commerce and Media Free Zone Authority), is one such enclave, whose members include IT firms such as [[Hewlett Packard Enterprise]], [[HP Inc.]], [[Halliburton]], [[Google]], [[EMC Corporation]], [[Oracle Corporation]], [[Microsoft]], [[Dell]] and [[IBM]], and media organisations such as [[Middle East Broadcasting Center|MBC]], [[CNN]], [[BBC]], [[Reuters]], [[Sky News]] and AP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Community Directory of Companies|url=https://dic.ae/the-community/community-directory|access-date=2021-03-10|website=Dubai Internet City|archive-date=6 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306230339/https://dic.ae/the-community/community-directory|url-status=live}}</ref> Various programmes, resources and value-added services support the growth of startups in Dubai and help them connect to new business opportunities.<ref>{{cite web|title=New report highlights Dubai's startup ecosystem|url=http://www.tradearabia.com/news/BANK_379387.html|access-date=2021-03-10|website=www.tradearabia.com|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301074002/http://tradearabia.com/news/BANK_379387.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Dubai Financial Market]] (DFM) was established in March 2000 as a secondary market for trading securities and bonds, both local and foreign. As of the [[fourth quarter of a calendar year|fourth quarter]] 2006, its trading volume stood at about 400 billion shares, worth $95 billion in total. The DFM had a [[market capitalisation]] of about $87 billion.<ref name=pop4 /> The other Dubai-based stock exchange is [[NASDAQ Dubai]], which is the international stock exchange in the Middle East. It enables a range of companies, including UAE and regional small and medium-sized enterprises, to trade on an exchange with an international brand name, with access by both regional and international investors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nasdaqdubai.com/exchange/about-us/overview|title=Nasdaq Dubai {{!}} Exchange Overview|website=www.nasdaqdubai.com|access-date=2 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102172348/http://www.nasdaqdubai.com/exchange/about-us/overview|archive-date=2 January 2017}}</ref> [[Dubai Multi Commodities Centre|DMCC]] (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) was established in 2002. It is the world's fastest-growing free zone and been nominated as "Global Free Zone of the Year 2016" by The Financial Times Magazine. Dubai is also known as the City of Gold because a major part of the economy is based on gold trades, with Dubai's total gold trading volumes in H1 2011 reaching 580 tonnes, with an average price of US$1,455 per troy ounce.<ref>gold-dubai (22 February 2016) {{cite web |url=http://gold-dubai.com |title=Gold rate in Dubai |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303031957/http://gold-dubai.com/ |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> A ''City Mayors'' survey ranked Dubai 44th among the world's best financial cities in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citymayors.com/economics/financial-cities.html |title=Citgy Mayors: World's best financial cities |publisher=Citymayors.com |date=10 June 2008 |access-date=26 August 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817144812/http://www.citymayors.com/economics/financial-cities.html |archive-date=17 August 2009}}</ref> while another report by ''City Mayors'' indicated that Dubai was the world's 27th richest city in 2012, in terms of [[purchasing power parity]] (PPP).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citymayors.com/economics/usb-purchasing-power.html |title=World's richest cities by purchasing power |publisher=City Mayors |access-date=23 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506064245/http://www.citymayors.com/economics/usb-purchasing-power.html |archive-date=6 May 2008}}</ref> Dubai is also an international [[financial centre]] (IFC) and has been ranked 37th within the top 50 global financial cities as surveyed by the MasterCard Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index (2007),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/wcoc/pdf/index_2007_us.pdf|title=Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index 2007|access-date=4 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325052433/http://www.mastercard.com/us/company/en/wcoc/pdf/index_2007_us.pdf|archive-date=25 March 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1st within the Middle East. Since it opened in September 2004, the Dubai IFC has attracted, as a regional hub, leading international firms and set-up the NASDAQ Dubai which lists equity, derivatives, structured products, Islamic bonds ([[sukuk]]) and other bonds. The Dubai IFC model is an independent risk-based regulator with a legislative system consistent with English common law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.difc.ae/laws-regulations|title=Laws & Regulations {{!}} Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)|website=www.difc.ae|access-date=16 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226124125/https://www.difc.ae/laws-regulations|archive-date=26 December 2016}}</ref> In 2012, the Global City Competitiveness Index by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] ranked Dubai at No. 40 with a total score of 55.9. According to its 2013 research report on the future competitiveness of cities, in 2025, Dubai will have moved up to 23rd place overall in the Index.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/07/02/hot-spots-2025-dubai-moves-up-to-23rd-place/ |title=Hot Spots 2025: Dubai Moves Up to 23rd Place Dubai Chronicle |publisher=Dubaichronicle.com |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=10 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017051658/http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/07/02/hot-spots-2025-dubai-moves-up-to-23rd-place/ |archive-date=17 October 2013}}</ref> Indians, followed by Britons and Pakistanis are the top foreign investors in Dubai realty.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/Indians-top-foreign-investors-in-Dubai-realty/articleshow/21504494.cms|title=Indians top foreign investors in Dubai realty|work=The Times of India|access-date=10 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923050205/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/Indians-top-foreign-investors-in-Dubai-realty/articleshow/21504494.cms|archive-date=23 September 2013}}</ref> Dubai has launched several major projects to support its economy and develop different sectors. These include Dubai Fashion 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/06/18/dubai-fashion-2020-to-be-unveiled-soon/ |title=Dubai Fashion 2020 To Be Unveiled Soon Dubai Chronicle |publisher=Dubaichronicle.com |date=18 June 2013 |access-date=10 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024055620/http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/06/18/dubai-fashion-2020-to-be-unveiled-soon/ |archive-date=24 October 2013}}</ref> and [[Dubai Design District]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rfz.ae/dubai-design-district-freezone |title=Rockefeller Zone |publisher=Rfz.ae |date=17 May 2021 |access-date=4 May 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115134424/https://www.rfz.ae/ |archive-date=15 November 2021}}</ref> expected to become a home to leading local and international designers. The AED 4 billion first phase of the project was completed in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/06/09/construction-buildings-dubai-design-district/ |title=Construction of 10 buildings in Dubai Design District already underway |publisher=Dubaichronicle.com |date=9 June 2013 |access-date=10 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820024421/http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/06/09/construction-buildings-dubai-design-district/ |archive-date=20 August 2013}}</ref> ===Real estate and property=== [[File:Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai (5374118618).jpg|thumb|Dubai Creek, which separates [[Deira, Dubai|Deira]] from [[Bur Dubai]], played a vital role in the economic development of the city.]] In September 2019, Dubai's ruler Sheikh [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] ordered to establish the Higher Committee for Real Estate Planning to study and evaluate future real estate construction projects, in ordered to achieve a balance between supply and demand,<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohammed bin Rashid issues directives to establish a committee to ensure balance between supply and demand in the real estate sector |url=http://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/media-center/news/2/9/2019/%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AF-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%AA%D8%B4%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%B6%D8%A8%D8%B7-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B4%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%82-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B2%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B6-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B7%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B2-%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B9.aspx |website=www.mediaoffice.ae |access-date=7 September 2019 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105135600/https://www.mediaoffice.ae/404?item=%2fmedia-center%2fnews%2f2%2f9%2f2019%2f%d9%85%d8%ad%d9%85%d8%af-%d8%a8%d9%86-%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%b4%d8%af-%d9%8a%d9%88%d8%ac%d9%87-%d8%a8%d8%aa%d8%b4%d9%83%d9%8a%d9%84-%d9%84%d8%ac%d9%86%d8%a9-%d9%84%d8%b6%d8%a8%d8%b7-%d8%a5%d9%8a%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%b9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d8%b4%d8%a7%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%b9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%a5%d9%85%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%af%d8%a8%d9%8a-%d9%88%d8%ae%d9%84%d9%82-%d8%aa%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%b2%d9%86-%d8%a8%d9%8a%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%b1%d8%b6-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b7%d9%84%d8%a8-%d9%88%d8%aa%d8%b9%d8%b2%d9%8a%d8%b2-%d8%ac%d8%a7%d8%b0%d8%a8%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%82%d8%b7%d8%a7%d8%b9&user=extranet%5cAnonymous&site=GDMOwebsiteMainWWW |url-status=live}}</ref> which is seen as a move to curb the pace of construction projects following property prices fall.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Batrawy |first1=Aya |title=Dubai to curb pace of construction projects as prices fall |url=https://www.apnews.com/76375d175bc048baabe4056025be75dd |website=AP NEWS |access-date=7 September 2019 |date=2 September 2019 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904204821/https://apnews.com/76375d175bc048baabe4056025be75dd |url-status=live}}</ref> The government's decision to diversify from a trade-based, oil-reliant economy to one that is service- and tourism-oriented made [[real estate|property]] more valuable, resulting in the property appreciation from 2004 to 2006. A longer-term assessment of Dubai's property market, however, showed depreciation; some properties lost as much as 64% of their value from 2001 to November 2008.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Dubai's Palm Jumeirah sees prices fall as crunch moves in |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/constructionandproperty/3489393/Dubais-Palm-Jumeirah-sees-prices-fall-as-crunch-moves-in.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=20 November 2008 |access-date=20 November 2008 |first=Louise |last=Armitstead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201011113/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/constructionandproperty/3489393/Dubais-Palm-Jumeirah-sees-prices-fall-as-crunch-moves-in.html |archive-date=1 December 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> The large-scale real estate development projects have led to the construction of some of the tallest skyscrapers and largest projects in the world such as the [[Emirates Towers]], the [[Burj Khalifa]], the [[Palm Islands]] and the most expensive hotel, the [[Burj Al Arab]].<ref name=burjalarab>{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/545499.stm |title=World's Tallest Hotel Opens Its Doors |work=BBC News |date=1 December 1999 |access-date=31 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090619185856/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/545499.stm |archive-date=19 June 2009}}</ref> Dubai's property market experienced a major downturn in 2008<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=17 March 2012|title=Dubai: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly|url=http://drshem.com/2011/09/25/dubai-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418063228/http://drshem.com/2011/09/25/dubai-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/|archive-date=18 April 2012|access-date=17 March 2012|website=}}</ref> and 2009 as a result of the slowing economic climate.<ref name="Propertywire.com" /> By early 2009, the situation had worsened with the [[Great Recession]] taking a heavy toll on property values, construction and employment.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/middleeast/12dubai.html "Laid-Off Foreigners Flee as Dubai Spirals Down"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111092442/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/world/middleeast/12dubai.html |date=11 January 2017}} article by Robert F. Worth in ''The New York Times'' 11 February 2009.</ref> This has had a major impact on property investors in the region, some of whom were unable to release funds from investments made in property developments.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/housing-property/jlt-owners-still-waiting-for-homes-promised-in-2007-1.526478|title=JLT owners still waiting for homes promised in 2007|date=12 November 2009|last=Hanif|first=Nadeem|work=Gulf News|access-date=10 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114053950/http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/housing-property/jlt-owners-still-waiting-for-homes-promised-in-2007-1.526478|archive-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> {{as of|2009|February}}, Dubai's foreign debt was estimated at $80 billion, although this is a tiny fraction of the sovereign debt worldwide.<ref>Warner, Jeremy (27 November 2009) [http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100002318/dubai-is-just-a-harbinger-of-things-to-come-for-sovereign-debt/ Dubai is just a harbinger of things to come for sovereign debt] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330173433/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100002318/dubai-is-just-a-harbinger-of-things-to-come-for-sovereign-debt/ |date=30 March 2010}}. The Telegraph</ref> In Dubai, many of the property owners are residents or genuine investors. However, the 2020 Data from the [[Center for Advanced Defense Studies|centre for Advanced Defense Studies]] (C4ADS) exposed that a number of real estate owners in the city were either facing international sanctions or were involved in criminal activities. Some others were public officials, with a minimal possibility of purchasing it with their known incomes. The report, "Dubai Uncovered" mentioned names of 100 [[Russian oligarchs]], public officials and Europeans involved in [[money laundering]]. Benefiting from Dubai's lack of real estate regulations, a number of corrupt people owned a house away from home, laundered their illicit money, and even invested to store their wealth. Names of some of such questionable figures included [[Daniel Kinahan]], [[Alexander Borodai]], Roman Lyabikhov, Tibor Bokor, [[Ruslan Baisarov]], Miroslav Výboh and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/dubai-uncovered-data-leak-exposes-how-criminals-officials-and-sanctioned-politicians-poured-money-into-dubai-real-estate|title=Dubai Uncovered: Data Leak Exposes How Criminals, Officials, and Sanctioned Politicians Poured Money Into Dubai Real Estate|access-date=3 May 2022|website=OCCRP}}</ref> ===Tourism and retail=== {{See also|Tourism in Dubai|List of tourist attractions in Dubai}} [[File:Hotel Atlantis at Sunset, The Palm - Dubai (49510861268).jpg|thumb|[[Atlantis The Palm, Dubai|Hotel Atlantis in Dubai]]]] [[File:Ain Dubai, light show of the ferris wheel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.jpg|thumb|[[Ain Dubai]]]] Tourism is an important part of the Dubai government's strategy to maintain the flow of foreign cash into the emirate. Dubai's lure for tourists is based mainly on shopping,<ref>{{cite web | title=Bargain-hunting Fashionistas Descend onto Dubai | url=http://drshem.com/2012/01/05/bargain-hunting-fashionistas-descend-onto-dubai/ | date=17 March 2012 | access-date=17 March 2012 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418063828/http://drshem.com/2012/01/05/bargain-hunting-fashionistas-descend-onto-dubai/ | archive-date=18 April 2012 | df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Shopping in Dubai |url=http://www.gateway-dubai.com/lifestyle-dubai/shopping/shopping-in-dubai/ |work=Shopping Galore in Dubai |date=17 October 2013 |access-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017113310/http://www.gateway-dubai.com/lifestyle-dubai/shopping/shopping-in-dubai/ |archive-date=17 October 2013}}</ref> but also on its possession of other ancient and modern attractions.<ref>{{cite web |title=104 Attractions in Dubai |url=https://www.holidayfactors.com/travel-blog/places-to-visit-in-dubai/ |date=25 September 2017 |access-date=27 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161851/https://www.holidayfactors.com/travel-blog/places-to-visit-in-dubai/ |archive-date=6 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2018, Dubai is the fourth most-visited city in the world based on the number of international visitors and the fastest growing, increasing by a 10.7% rate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/most-visited-cities-in-the-world-2018-9|title=The 20 most visited cities around the world in 2018|last=Murray|first=Tom|website=Business Insider|access-date=17 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119174322/https://www.businessinsider.com/most-visited-cities-in-the-world-2018-9|archive-date=19 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The city hosted 14.9 million overnight visitors in 2016, and is expected to reach 20 million tourists by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=14.9 million overnight visitors for Dubai in 2016|url=http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/tourism/14-9-million-overnight-visitors-for-dubai-in-2016-1.1974824|work=Gulf News|date=7 February 2017 |access-date=29 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529062634/http://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/tourism/14-9-million-overnight-visitors-for-dubai-in-2016-1.1974824|archive-date=29 May 2017}}</ref> A great tourist attraction in Dubai is the [[Burj Khalifa]], currently the tallest building on [[Earth]]. Although, [[Jeddah Tower]] in [[Jeddah]], [[Saudi Arabia]] is aiming to be taller. [[File:DubaiMallAquariumDSC 7260.JPG|thumb|[[The Dubai Mall]] Aquarium]] [[File:Dubai fountain during a show (Pixabay).jpg|thumb|[[The Dubai Fountain]] in Burj Khalifa lake, Downtown Dubai]] Dubai has been called the "shopping capital of the Middle East".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/efik45ljkd/most-visited-cities-in-the-world-2012-8/ |title=Most Visited Cities In The World 2012 |work=forbes |access-date=2 December 2013 |first=Deborah L. |last=Jacobs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203011132/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efik45ljkd/most-visited-cities-in-the-world-2012-8/ |archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> Dubai alone has more than 70 shopping centres, including the world's second largest shopping centre, [[The Dubai Mall|Dubai Mall]]. Dubai is also known for the historical [[souk]] districts located on either side of its creek. Traditionally, [[dhow]]s from East Asia, China, Sri Lanka, and India would discharge their cargo and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks. Dubai Creek played a vital role in sustaining the life of the community in the city and was the resource which originally drove the economic boom in Dubai.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dubai.ae/en/aboutdubai/Pages/DubaiHistory.aspx |title=Dubai History |publisher=dubai.ae |access-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203013549/http://www.dubai.ae/en/aboutdubai/Pages/DubaiHistory.aspx |archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> {{as of|2013|September}}, Dubai creek has been proposed as a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2013/September/nationgeneral_September157.xml§ion=nationgeneral |title=Dubai Creek for World Heritage List |work=Khaleej Times |access-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004340/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data%2Fnationgeneral%2F2013%2FSeptember%2Fnationgeneral_September157.xml§ion=nationgeneral |archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> Many boutiques and jewellery stores are also found in the city. Dubai is also referred to as "the City of Gold" as the [[Dubai Gold Souk|Gold Souk]] in Deira houses nearly 250 gold retail shops.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Krane|first=Jim|title=City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism|publisher=St. Martin's Press|date=September 2009|isbn=978-0-312-53574-2|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/cityofgolddubaid0000kran}}</ref> [[File:Burj Al-Arab (13996844503).jpg|thumb|View of the Palm Jumeirah and [[Burj Al Arab]]]] Dubai Creek Park in Dubai Creek also plays a vital role in Dubai tourism as it showcase some of the most famous [[tourist attractions in Dubai]] such as Dolphinarium, Cable Car, Camel Ride, Horse Carriage and Exotic Birds Shows.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capturedubai.com/dubai-creek-park/ |title=Dubai Creek Park |work=Capture Dubai |access-date=12 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220210017/http://www.capturedubai.com/dubai-creek-park/ |archive-date=20 February 2016}}</ref> Dubai has a wide range of parks like Safa park, Mushrif park, Hamriya park, etc. Each park is uniquely distinct from the other. Mushrif park showcases different houses around the world. A visitor can check out the architectural features of the outside as well as the inside of each house. Some of the most popular beaches in Dubai are Umm Suqeim Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, JBR Open Beach, Kite Beach, Black Palace Beach and Royal Island Beach Club. [[Mastercard]]'s Global Destination Cities Index 2019 found that tourists spend more in Dubai than in any other country. In 2018, the country topped the list for the fourth year in a row with a total spend of $30.82 billion. The average spend per day was found to be $553.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.consultancy-me.com/news/2314/at-30-billion-dubai-takes-in-the-most-global-tourist-dollars-by-far|title=At $30 billion, Dubai takes in the most global tourist dollars by far|access-date=6 September 2019|website=Consultancy-ME|date=6 September 2019|archive-date=15 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915010723/https://www.consultancy-me.com/news/2314/at-30-billion-dubai-takes-in-the-most-global-tourist-dollars-by-far|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2019, Dubai loosened its liquor laws for the first time, under which it allowed tourists to purchase alcohol from state-controlled stores. Previously, alcohol was accessible only for locals with special licences. The crucial policy shift came as the [[United Arab Emirates]] witnessed a severe economic crisis that led to a drop in alcohol sales by volume.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hotworldreport.com/world-news/dubai-loosens-liquor-laws-as-uae-alcohol-sales-slump/|title=Dubai loosens liquor laws as UAE alcohol sales slump|access-date=24 October 2019|website=Hot World Report|archive-date=30 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030085950/https://hotworldreport.com/world-news/dubai-loosens-liquor-laws-as-uae-alcohol-sales-slump/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, the UAE was ranked amongst 20 most dangerous places for the LGBTQ tourists to visit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2021/03/23/crime-report-20-riskiest-places-for-gay-travelers-and-the-5-safest/|title=Travel Safety Report: 20 Worst Places For Gay Travelers|access-date=23 March 2022|website=Forbes}}</ref> In 2022, there were cases where a number of LGBTQ tourists who travelled to Dubai faced issues and were deported. In March 2022, a Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon visited Dubai for her performance at the Expo 2020, was sent back because she identified as a woman while her passport stated her gender as male.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/pkpw4v/transgender-model-dubai-airport|title=Trans Model Says She Was Deported at Dubai Border Because of Her Male Passport|access-date=21 March 2022|website=Vice|date=21 March 2022}}</ref> In another case, a French influencer on [[TikTok]] and [[Snapchat]], Ibrahim Godin was sent back from Dubai, because the authorities assumed his male friend travelling with him as his boyfriend. Ibrahim filed a complaint for "public defamation because of sexual orientation" and an investigation was opened by the [[Vesoul]] police. He said, "Dubai is not all pretty, all rosy as we see on social networks."<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/societe/lgbt/le-gars-avec-toi-ce-serait-pas-ton-petit-ami-un-influenceur-francais-porte-plainte-apres-avoir-ete-refoule-de-l-aeroport-de-dubai_5201806.html|title="The guy with you, isn't that your boyfriend?": a French influencer files a complaint after being turned away from Dubai airport | access-date=16 June 2022|website=France Info|date=16 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tiktok.com/@ibrahim.470/video/7099023722740288773|title=Ibrahim Godin TikTok video about trip to Dubai|access-date=18 May 2022|website=TikTok}}</ref> ===Expo 2020=== {{See also|Expo 2020}} [[File:Dubai Expo Sign.jpg|thumb|Sign of Expo 2020 Dubai UAE at [[Dubai International Airport]]]] On 2 November 2011, four cities had their bids for Expo 2020<ref name=":6" /> already lodged, with Dubai making a last-minute entry. The delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions, which visited Dubai in February 2013 to examine the Emirate's readiness for the largest exposition, was impressed by the infrastructure and the level of national support. In May 2013, Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan was revealed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/05/22/dubai-expo-2020-master-plan/ |title=Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan |publisher=dubaichronicle.com |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=23 June 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622152423/http://www.dubaichronicle.com/2013/05/22/dubai-expo-2020-master-plan/ |archive-date=22 June 2013}}</ref> Dubai then won the right to host Expo 2020 on 27 November 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kerr|first=Simeon|title=Jubilant Dubai wins bid to host 2020 World Expo|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/648e8632-5781-11e3-b615-00144feabdc0.html|work=Financial Times|date=27 November 2013|access-date=7 March 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219082238/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/648e8632-5781-11e3-b615-00144feabdc0.html|archive-date=19 February 2014}}</ref> The main site of Dubai Expo 2020 was planned to be a 438-hectare area (1,083 acres), part of the new ''Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali'' urban development, located midway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inexhibit.com/case-studies/expo-dubai-2020-a-preview/ |title=EXPO Dubai 2020 – a preview |work=Inexhibit magazine |access-date=9 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217022200/http://www.inexhibit.com/seed/expo-dubai-2020-a-preview |archive-date=17 February 2016}}</ref> Moreover, the Expo 2020 also created various social enlistment projects and monetary boons to the city targeting the year 2020, such as initiating the world's largest solar power project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gulfbusiness.com/dewa-launches-worlds-largest-concentrated-solar-power-project/|title=Dubai launches world's largest concentrated solar power project – Gulf Business|date=2 June 2016|publisher=gulfbusiness.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602184917/http://gulfbusiness.com/dewa-launches-worlds-largest-concentrated-solar-power-project/|archive-date=2 June 2016}}</ref> The Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021 for 173 days where there would be 192 country pavilions featuring narratives from every part of the globe, have different thematic districts that would promote learning the wildlife in the forest exhibit too many other experiences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://maintenance.expo2020dubai.com/|title=Expo 2020, Maintenance Page|website=maintenance.expo2020dubai.com|access-date=23 September 2019|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713211353/https://maintenance.expo2020dubai.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the impact of [[COVID-19]] the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to begin in 2021 (the new dates are 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/444082-expo-2020-dubai-set-to-be-postponed-by-one-year-report|title=Expo 2020 Dubai to seek one-year postponement|website=Arabian Business|date=30 Mar 2020 |access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331160951/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/444082-expo-2020-dubai-set-to-be-postponed-by-one-year-report|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Abbas|first=Waheed|title=Dubai Expo confirms new dates: Oct 1, 2021 until Mar 31, 2022|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/expo-2020-dubai-dates-set-to-be-postponed |date=4 May 2020 |access-date=15 January 2021|website=Khaleej Times|archive-date=4 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504180053/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/expo-2020-dubai-dates-set-to-be-postponed|url-status=live}}</ref> Dubai has targets to build an inclusive, barrier-free and disabled-friendly city, which opened as [[Expo City Dubai]]. The city has already brought in changes by introducing wheelchair friendly taxis, pavements with slopes and tactile indicators on the floor for the visually impaired at all the metro stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai/dubai-inches-closer-to-becoming-worlds-best-city-for-the-disabled-1|title=Dubai inches closer to becoming world's best city for the disabled|access-date=3 August 2019|work=Khaleej Times |first1=Saman |last1=Haziq |date=3 Aug 2019 |archive-date=3 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803055658/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai/dubai-inches-closer-to-becoming-worlds-best-city-for-the-disabled-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. 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