Emirate-City of Dubai is THE NETWORK CENTER home city!

The United Arab Emirates spans more than 83,600 sq. km (32,270 sq. miles) and is located in Western Asia on the Arabian Peninsula in the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered to the north by the Arabian Gulf, to the east by the Gulf of Oman and the Sultanate of Oman, to the south by the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia and to the west by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The terrain is primarily flat, with barren coastal plains merging into the rolling sand dunes of the vast desert, but is mountainous in the East. With its strategic location between Europe and the Far East, the UAE is the obvious choice of location for multinational companies wishing to tap the lucrative Middle East, sub-Continental and African markets, with their combined population of 1.4 billion people. Arabic is the native language for the UAE's three million inhabitants - though English is widely spoken - and Islam is the country's dominant religion.

A Country Rich in Resources

The UAE is one of the world's wealthiest countries, with a GDP of US $54 billion (2000); it has the third-largest proven oil reserves in the world. Oil and gas production form the foundation of the economy and are expected to remain a primary source of revenue well into the future. The UAE's oil production is limited by quotas agreed within the framework of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to approximately 2.15 million barrels per day (mbd) as of late 2001. The UAE possesses the fourth-largest gas reserves in the world, and at the current rate of utilization - excluding any new discoveries - these reserves will continue to provide energy for the UAE for more than 150 years.

A Growing Economy and Industry

Policies and incentives to support business, including the ability to transfer profits tax-free at any time, as well as low crime rates and stable political and financial systems continue to attract local and foreign business investment to the UAE, resulting in one of the most prosperous economies in the region. The country's leading exports include: base metal; mineral and chemical products; textiles and ceramics; pearls and precious stones. However, the re-export of items like machinery, medical equipment, textiles, electronics, vehicles, aircraft and consumer goods generates more than AED 15 billion (approximately US $4 billion) each year - nearly three times the revenue of regular exports. The import/re-export ratio makes the UAE the third most important re-export center in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore.

A Friend to Those in Need

The UAE also is known for its vigorous foreign aid programmes, which provide emeragency supplies, infrastructure facilities and personnel to troubled areas of the globe. In addition, more than 50 countries have benefited from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) assistance programme. The Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, established in 1992, also plays an important role in the country's aid work, as does the UAE Red Crescent Society.

Unparalleled Growth and Change

Demonstrating a capacity for change that is unprecedented in the region, Dubai rapidly advanced from a traditional Bedouin society to a thriving city that is the epitome of modernity and global commerce. Soaring office buildings, international banks and hotel resortsnow line the coast that was occupied by nomadic Bedouins just a few short decades ago. The successful early development of Dubai was due to the foresight of its rulers. During the 20th century the city benefited from the stabilizing influence of two exceptionally long rules: that of His Highness Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum from 1912 to 1958, followed by that of his son, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum. After his father's death in 1958, Sheikh Rashid guided Dubai in its expansion from a small, old-world town to a modern city until his death in 1990. Today, Sheikh Rashid's son, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, rules Dubai and continues to advance his family's legacy of growth and innovation.

For further information, kindly visit the Dubai website.