International Trade and Business in Dubai

Dubai’s growth story, like that of Singapore, is linked to the British. Dubai’s fortuitous position in the Persian Gulf made it important for the East India Company to secure safe passage for its ships sailing between the UK and India. And they did it through agreements with local sheiks, most notably the Al Maktoum family, which still rules Dubai today. The Al Maktoum dynasty combined towering ambition with clever strategy to transform a small fishing village into the megapolis that it is today. These strategies included important steps such as removing income tax to attract businessmen to the city, building skyscrapers to attract international attention, or encouraging secularism despite being a Muslim city so people of all nationalities could feel comfortable. Dubai’s evolution into a global business powerhouse provides a compelling subject for business students to analyze the nation’s strategic initiatives and accomplishments.