JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS

With 360 days of sunshine per year, tax free salaries and a vibrant, multi-cultural community, Dubai, the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, is a popular business and leisure destination. The friendly and robust business environment in Dubai has contributed to its popularity, and opportunities are abundant.

Located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is home to approximately three million residents with 6 million tourists visiting every year. Over 85 per cent of the UAE population consists of expatriates, primarily from the Indian subcontinent and the Philippines, as well as Western countries such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, Australia and Canada.

Although Dubai was formally established in 1833 by Sheikh Maktoum bin Buti al Maktoum, the modern emirate of Dubai was created after the British left the area in 1971. At this time Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and four other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates.

Today, the UAE consists of seven emirates and its politics take place in a framework of a federal, presidential, elective monarchy. The UAE's visionary leadership, together with its geographical location at the gateway between the East and the West together with its excellent air, sea and land connectivity, have contributed to its success as a global business and trade hub.

Dubai is also a prime touristic destination, its visitors and residents enjoying the mix of modernism with traditionalism, the fusion between East and West. There are countless hotels suiting every budget; from five star hotels catering to business and leisure travellers, both at the centre of the city and along the coast, to boutique hotels and serviced apartments in the suburbs.

Home to the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, the world's first seven star hotel, the Burj al Arab, the world's largest mall, the Dubai Mall, and the groundbreaking manmade island, the Palm Jumeirah, there really is never a dull moment in the modern desert city.

With its near-white sands and serene ocean, the pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf are often a favourite, and there is the choice of both member-only beaches, public beaches and even women's only beaches. The desert is also fascinating to explore with plenty of companies offering desert expeditions that include off-roading, sand-duning and quad biking experiences. And if you happen to miss the cold, Dubai also has an indoor ski slope, Olympic sized ice rinks and even an ice cafe. Whether you are interested in tanning, shopping, sports, films, art or indulging in Michelin star meals (or even roadside meals), Dubai has something for everyone.

Although the UAE is a Muslim country and Islamic and local traditions are expected to be respected at all times, it is also very liberal and tolerant of other cultures and religions, and malls, restaurants and hotels cater to a diverse clientele.