Dubai’s inexorable momentum

Dubai’s momentum is much talked about. Even in the underwater-themed tranquillity of the Al Mahara restaurant of Dubai’s seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel you can’t escape it. In fact the sharks swimming next to your gin and tonic and the delightful scoop of yoghurt, coriander and mint sorbet only reinforce the impression of prosperity and dynamism that the city exudes.

Dubai’s rapid development over the past 20 years has transformed the emirate. There used to be little outside of the Creek, Dubai’s old port town, and Bedouin roaming in the outlying dunes.