IN many ways, Dubai operates as a huge corporation with its various organisations ranging from Emirates to Dubai Duty-Free working in tandem to achieve business goals.
Dubai's multi-pronged development has helped it prosper.
The World Bank declared it the world's 12th wealthiest country in the world with a per capita GNP of $22,470 in 1993.
A survey by the Geneva-based Corporate Resources Group found that Dubai offered the best quality of life in the Middle East taking into account political and social environment, health, education, culture, public services, recreation, housing and natural environment. These advantages make Dubai the natural choice for organisations wishing to set up in the region.
Thus, when Canada decided to establish its first Business Immigration Centre designed to woo high-net-worth individuals who may want to emigrate to Canada, Dubai was its first choice.
Michael Boekhoven, consul and head of the centre, said: 'Dubai was the logical choice because of its excellent infrastructure, easy access to the rest of the world, relaxed visa rules, first-class transport and, of course, better quality of applicants.'.