Join us on a captivating journey to the heart of the Middle East as we unravel the extraordinary transformation of Dubai. In this episode, we delve deep into the city's meteoric rise from a regional trading post reliant on oil to a buzzing global hub for investment, tourism, and technology. Discover how Dubai's strategic diversification efforts led to an economy where oil now contributes less than 1% to its GDP, a stark contrast to the 50% it once commanded. We'll explore the pivotal roles of initiatives like the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, which revolutionized trade, and examine how Dubai's strategic location and business-friendly policies catapulted it into a major player in global finance. This episode is not just about economic growth; it's a story of vision, innovation, and ambition. Tune in to see how Dubai emerged as the tech hub of the Arab world, setting a new standard for urban transformation and development.

Helpful Links:

• https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-the-united-arab-emirates-can-teach-resource-rich-countries-in-africa/
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/dubai-emerges-as-tech-hub-of-the-arab-world-11646568001
• https://web.archive.org/web/20180317113009/https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2018-01-14/dubai-s-the-very-model-of-a-modern-mideast-economy
• https://www.investmentmonitor.ai/features/where-are-the-global-islamic-finance-hubs/
• https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/dubais-stock-market-hits-8-year-high-lifted-101519465
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc5tHbEK0IQ

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