Dubai is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates and is located on the Eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, in the south west corner of the Gulf. From humble origins as a small regional trading post, Dubai’s strategic location has allowed the city to flourish as an important commercial hub between the markets of the East and West.

In recent years, Dubai has become an increasingly popular destination for tourism. With a rich Arabian culture and a heritage of hospitality, the city has something for every one. Year round sunshine combined with world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, and a wide array of leisure and recreational pursuits has attracted many visitors to the modern and cosmopolitan city that is home to over 140 different nationalities.

Dubai has also witnessed the development of some of the worlds most architecturally progressive and luxurious landmark buildings. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Burj Al Arab, The Palm Islands and Burj Dubai demonstrate absolute commitment to the goal of making Dubai a reference for iconic architecture.

As a part of the drive to raise Dubai’s profile in the international arena, the late H. H. Sheikh Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, H. H. Sheikh Hamdan and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed decided to establish Dubai as the sporting haven of the Middle East.

Today, Dubai is home to the world’s richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup and also holds the unique distinction of being the only golfing centre in the world to host major international tournaments on both the European and Asian PGA golf circuits. Dubai also hosts The Dubai Tennis Championships comprising a WTA Tier ll tournament played back-to-back with an ATP World Series Gold tournament and contested by the best international players.

Mohammed bin Rashid International Football Championship is a welcome addition to Dubai’s sporting events and the tournament is evolving into one of the highlights of world football’s calendar and a key feature of many of the European Leagues mid-winter break. Dubai’s varied sporting events attract world-class competitors and increasing numbers of spectators, raising awareness of international standard competitive sports in the UAE and simultaneously encouraging wider participation and assisting the drive to promote tourism.

Dubai is an outstanding example of what can be achieved with visionary leadership and the determination to succeed.