Dubai's first oil exports in 1969 were followed by a period of rapid development that laid the foundations for today's modern society. Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues, despite being relatively modest by the standards of the region, were deployed to maximum effect.

His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his brother, Their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry. The result is that Dubai is constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.

The UAE became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. It is a member of the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), World Trade Organisation and other international and Arab organisations, including the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council (AGCC), whose other members are Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

In its foreign relations, the UAE's stance is one of non-alignment but it is committed to the support of Arab unity.

In matters unrelated to diplomacy and defence, each emirate enjoys considerable autonomy in managing its own affairs.

In business, the government of Dubai is committed to liberal, free market policies and to the creation of a business environment conducive to commercial activity.

This approach is well illustrated by the incentives available to investors in the Jebel Ali and Airport Free Zones and by the continuing high level of public sector investment in the infrastructure.

Key reasons for doing business in Dubai:

•    Personal and company tax free

•    Emerging markets in all sectors

•    Virtually crime free

•    Superior infrastructure

•    Centrally located for Asia and Europe

Info courtesy www.dubaitourism.ae