Dubai: Gilded Cage

In less than two decades, Dubai has transformed itself from an obscure Gulf emirate into a global centre for business, tourism and luxury living. Despite recent economic setbacks, the city remains a fascinating case study in light-speed urban development, hyper-consumerism, massive immigration and vertiginous inequality. Its rulers have succeeded in making Dubai into a worldwide brand, publicising its astonishing hotels and leisure opportunities while at the same time successfully downplayi...