Why Dubai is a model global city

Dubai's appetite for real estate development remains undiminished. In fact, it's insatiable. This year's Cityscape Global exhibition is proof that the city, home to some of the world's modern architectural marvels, is expanding its footprint, and thinking bigger. And to think that all this happened in two decades is commendable. It is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said: "Build, and they will come." It took courage and imagination back then to leave the laggards behind and forge ahead. So Dubai went ahead and built it even as sceptics said it was impossible. Now developers keep coming to the emirate which is setting new vertical records in skyscrapers and civic amenities. Heights are second nature here since the construction of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Brand Dubai has made its mark in the world because the emirate has not let the elements and the sandy landscape limit its potential.
Dreams fuelled it, ambition burnt within, and this city rose and towered over the others. The rest, as they say, is history. There is no reason to fault Dubai's ambition, for it was for the common good. Jobs, people and wealth flowed in when the city's great construction boom took off in the early 2000s. It has never looked back, or shall we say looked down since. A template for cities of the future was created here. Others are learning from Dubai and emulating its model. This city has been a pioneer in urban development in a sense. There's a stress on modernity while staying true to its roots and heritage - striking the right balance has come naturally to it. Dubai took risks when no one gave it a chance, and the risks have paid off handsomely. The city's infrastructure is solid, and is expanding as communities grow. This year's real estate exhibition is focused on projects for Expo 2020. Billions of dirhams worth of residential and commercial properties were showcased on the first day of the annual event. Sales numbers will hit the roof when the show concludes. New records will be set. This is the real deal. Welcome to the world's capital city.