Dubai: Not Your 'Traditional' Muslim City
Burj Dubai. Kamran Jebreili/AP hide caption
Burj Dubai.
Kamran Jebreili/APAs markets around the world continue to quiver because of Dubai's debt problems, it's worth refreshing our collective memory about the United Arab Emirates and its six states -- including Dubai.
A good place to start is the CIA World Factbook and its entry on the UAE.
Here's how it begins:
The Trucial States of the Persian Gulf coast granted the UK control of their defense and foreign affairs in 19th century treaties. In 1971, six of these states -- Abu Zaby, 'Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Ash Shariqah, Dubayy, and Umm al Qaywayn - merged to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They were joined in 1972 by Ra's al Khaymah. The UAE's per capita GDP is on par with those of leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed the UAE to play a vital role in the affairs of the region.
Then there's the extensive reporting that American Public Radio's Marketplace did from Dubai last year. One piece of that package -- Amy Scott's look at how different the opulent Dubai is from other cities in the region:
And we have to mention Burj Dubai, the world's tallest structure. The 2,500-foot-tall skyscraper is set to open in January. It is, author Jim Krane tells CNN.com, a symbol of the city's problems:
"Dubai doesn't really need to have to build tall asides from prestige purposes. If you look at it, it's a really bad idea. It uses as much electricity as an entire city. And every time the toilet is flushed they've got to pump water half a mile into the sky," he said.
Krane is due on Morning Edition tomorrow. Here's part of his conversation with co-host Renee Montagne. As he tells her, Dubai has long been refuge for those in the region who want to escape oppressive regimes:
Click here to find an NPR station near you that broadcasts ME.