Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 10% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate's revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and now, increasingly, from tourism.

Dubai has a rich cultural scene with art museums, film festivals (Dubai film festival) and performing arts centers, in addition to being a shopper's delight, hosting the annually held Dubai Shopping Festival. Dubai is a city of excitement waiting to be explored holding the potential for one of the most significant international cities of the 21st century.

Federation of seven autonomous Emirates. The highest federal authority is the Supreme Council of Rulers comprising the absolute rulers of the seven Emirates. Decisions reached by the council must have the agreement of at least five members, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the two largest members. The council appoints a president to act as Head of State. There are no political parties. Head of State: President Sheikh Khalifa since 2004. Head of Government: Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum since January 2006.
Recent history: Following the sudden death of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who had been Prime Minister and Emir of Dubai since 1990, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his brother, succeeded him in January 2006. Sheikh Mohammed had been the UAE Defence Minister since 1971 and heir apparent to the throne of Dubai since 1995. People of the United Arab Emirates voted for the first time in December 2006 to choose half of the country's Federal National Council. However, only around 7,000 people (less than 1% of Emirati citizens) were eligible to vote.