Located on the South East coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai is the largest and most highly populated city in the United Arab Emirates.

Dubai is one of 7 Emirates that make up the UAE. Originally these 7 Emirates were known as Trucial States, named by the British in reference to the treaty relations established by them in the 19th Century. The decision by the British to withdraw their involvement from the Trucial States in the late 1960's resulted in the formation of the UAE. The federation initially consisted of six Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. The seventh Emirate, Ras Al Khaimah joined in early 1972.

Although probably best known as an oil producing country, in fact oil only now accounts for about 5% of their revenue. Prior to the discovery of oil in 1966, Dubai was best known as a trade hub. In particular, the pearl trade which thrived right up until the 1930's when the depression and the introduction of cultured pearls left the trade irreparably damaged.

By the 1960's Abu Dhabi had already found large quantities of oil. Keen to find their own, Dubai set about a large exploration process, eventually finding oil albeit in small quantities. The revenue gained from these small quantities was enough for Dubai to embark on a period of expansion, with a view to reestablishing itself as a major trade hub.

Dubai is now a modern, thriving metropolis, boasting some of the biggest and most elaborate construction projects, including the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. It therefore probably comes as no surprise that the country comes with an impressive price tag, with their hotel rooms rates as some of the most expensive in the world.