Dubai : the vulnerability of success / Christopher M. Davidson.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [353]-364) and index.

The birth of a sheikhdom -- From Arab nationalism to collective security -- The foundations of a free port -- The diversification of the economy -- Political stability and the ruling bargain -- The Dubai paradox -- The stability of the federation -- Security, crime, and terror.

Christopher M. Davidson presents an in-depth study of Dubai's post-oil development strategies and their implementation during a period of near-complete political stability. Davidson addresses the probability of future problems as the need for sustained foreign direct investment encourages far-reaching socioeconomic reforms, many of which may affect the ideological, religious, and cultural legitimacy of the traditional monarchy. He also analyzes Dubai's awkward relationship with its federal partners in the United Arab Emirates and highlights some of the pitfalls of being the region's most successful free port-its attractiveness to international criminal fraternities, the economy of the global black market, and terrorist networks.