Dubai has learnt to punch above its weight. This small stretch of sandy desert clinging to the corner of the oil-rich Gulf has risen from sleepy fishing village to trading hub to the region’s business and tourism capital, serving the Middle East, central and south Asia and eastern Africa.

Dubai’s relentless desire to expand and its atmosphere of stability, efficiency and tolerance continues to foster the city’s position as the expatriate Mecca within the wealthy – but geopolitically tense – neighbourhood of the Gulf.