Planning and Management
Dubai is often seen as a model city
for other Arab cities and nations around it – a beacon of light. Many
view Arab countries like the U.A.E. with suspicion, commonly associating them
with to radical fundamentalist Islam terrorists groups (Lee). These views
in no way apply to Dubai, thanks to many contributing factors. Dubai and the
entire United Arab Emirates owes its political and economic successes to a
state-run system of politics, connections with foreign corporation giants,
and a relatively uncorrupt and stable government.
"Salaam" - The Arab symbol for peace, something cherished in the
UAE.
Dubai benefits from a political culture
that allows for openness and welcomes new market solutions as a way to think
beyond an oil-based economy (Lee). Dubai gained its autonomy from the UAE's
federalist government that has allowed its own rulers to make direct, and
often times wise, choices in governance (Lee). Dubai has benefited immensely
from the tolerant environment set up by its rulers, much of its success owed
to the open mindset among its citizens that has been practiced since the U.A.E.
gained independence (Lee).
Dubai attracts many foreign businesses with its no tax policy.
Dubai is governed under a dictatorship – very much a hierarchical system. Most democratic nations like the United States would not agree upon such a structure of government, but the U.A.E. has proved to the world it is able to thrive on such a system. Political corruption has remained at a minimum in the U.A.E. when compared to other countries of the region. Lucky for its citizens, Sheikh Zayed, Dubai’s first leader, ruled as a kind, compassionate, and generous dictator, and allowed tolerance for other religions and pushed for a more moderate foreign policy that allowed the U.A.E. to avoid unrest and economic turmoil, which differentiated themselves from their Arab neighbors (Lee).
Shiekh Zayed, first president of the UAE until his death in 2004.
Also not facing the U.A.E. but facing
their Arab neighbors is religious extremism (Lee). Dubai's diverse population,
largely consisting of immigrants, coupled with the moderation and tolerance
promoted by its leaders and the high standards of living have reduced anti-US
feelings that are otherwise prevalent in most Arab countries (Lee). In addition,
women in Dubai are allowed to enter the business field, unlike most women
in other Arab states who remain silenced within gender roles (Lee).
A member of the International Business Women's Group in Dubai.
Dubai also attracts many large foreign
investors like Microsoft and CNN due to the city’s free trade zones
and immense profit from its no taxation policy and soft rules with reference
to foreign ownership (Lee). As the Harvard International Review best concludes,
Dubai is “a rich city-state not governed by democratic rule, an Arab
country looking positively forward due to a strong economy, and an open society
that is an example for the region” (Lee).
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