UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states on the southwest shore of the Arabian Gulf. The largest is sedate oil-rich Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, home to the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, now emerging as a regional leader in culture and the arts, and in the development of sustainable energy.

Next door is far-from-sedate Dubai, famous for its spectacular skyline - including the iconic sail shaped Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building - for its luxurious beach hotels, for bustling gold and spice markets, and for its dynamic international trading and financial centres.

Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai are home to many expatriate workers who have helped design and build the modern infrastructure, and help keep the wheels of commerce and finance turning. Foreign residents outnumber Emiratis by about 4 to 1, and this adds a vibrant cosmopolitan feel to the UAE's traditional Islamic culture.

A generation ago, these marvellous city states were little more than harbours and decaying pearl fishing villages, backing onto a hinterland of endless desert. The story of how their transformation occurred, and how they are to continue to prosper in a changing and volatile world, is fascinating.

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