Cities have their decades: Paris in the 1890s; New York in the 1930s; Los Angeles in the 1950s; or Singapore in the 1990s.

So where is it happening in the 21st century’s first decade?

From a collection of small villages on the shores of Dubai Creek, in less than 50 years Dubai has become one of the fastest developing cities in the world. With its year-round sunshine and exceptional infrastructure, Dubai is embracing remarkable growth. Here is a city where breathtaking skyscrapers, high-tech business parks, championship golf courses, vast convention halls and exhibition centres, indoor ski slopes and enormous shopping malls co-exist with some of the world’s most glamorous beach resorts.

The Palm Jumeirah island can be seen from space and has been followed up with another immense land-reclamation project – The World – where investors can buy their 'country' of choice, on islands that form a ‘map’ off the coast. The equally remarkable Palm Deira, The Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Waterfront are under construction. Burj Al Arab is a spectacular structure and the first seven-star hotel in the world. Dubai demands - and gets - attention.

Dubai is moving from strength to strength. Tourism - undisputed forerunner of the many industries thriving on the city's incredible growth - is fuelled by the increase of outstanding hospitality developments and integrated resorts, together with aggressive global marketing
of the ‘Dubai’ brand.

4-Star and 5-Star hotel occupancy rates in Dubai were in excess of 90% and 85% respectively in 2004, highlighting the current lack of upscale hotel accommodation in the market.

With dual competencies in the real estate and hospitality industries, IFA Hotels & Resorts is uniquely positioned to meet this future demand.