France, March 22 -- The emirate is not only a symbol of luxury and spectacle, it has also become a key centre for finance and international commerce in the Gulf, attracting companies and wealthy individuals from around the world.

Dubai's economic model is unusual in the region. Unlike several of its neighbours, its prosperity is not built mainly on oil. Instead, Dubai has focused on services, tourism, global trade and financial activity, strengthening its position as the main financial hub serving the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

At the heart of that strategy is the Dubai International Financial Centre, which opened in 2004 and now hosts more than 8,800 companies including international banks, investment funds, law firms and...