Dubai: tourism phenomenon

The UK-based Social Affairs Unit provides an interesting analysis of Dubai's appeal as a tourism destination, calling it the "Bangkok of the Middle East". There is strong praise for Dubai's rapid growth:

"Dubai is now at full speed – all the time. The streets are packed, businesses are booming. You have to book in advance for restaurants. Still the building continues, and still people are buying. Planes unload thousands of tourists a day, who squint in the sunshine and plan to visit the Burj al Arab, the world's tallest and most visionary hotel."

It notes how Dubai has become a melting-pot, a city with a soul, on a par with New York: "a point on the globe where people meet, work hard and play hard."

Further down, the article notes:

"An economist recently informed me that vice, directly and indirectly, accounts for over 30% of Dubai's money-go-round. It is big business, and there in every bar in town."