The World's Best Enterprise Zone

Halliburton is moving its headquarters to Dubai. Could Dubai, with its world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment, become the world's preferred destination for multinational corporations?

1 minute read

March 23, 2007, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

"With scant oil reserves, Dubai's ruling family, the Maktoums, long ago realized that their state's future lay in serving as the commercial hub of the Arab Middle East, not pulling petroleum from the desert sands. 'They have had to live on their wits,' says Bulent Gultekin, a Wharton finance professor. 'So they've tried to build Dubai into the business platform for the region.'

To that end, the Maktoums, led by the billionaire known today as 'Dubai's CEO,' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, have invested heavily in the infrastructure of a modern economy. They have built a first-class port, airport and airline; created lightly regulated enterprise zones to foster the development of new industries and attract foreign firms; and spent lavishly on amenities ranging from the white, sail-shaped Burj al Arab, the world's tallest hotel, to an indoor ski slope chilled to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit."

Thanks to Knowledge @ Wharton

FULL STORY: Building a Modern Economy: How the 'Dubai CEO's' Big Bet Is Paying Off, for Now

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 in Knowledge @ Wharton

Community / Economic Development Middle East

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