Dubai most cosmopolitan city in world; 83% foreign residents

83% of Dubai's population are foreign born, says report published by the International Organisation for Migration.

The UAE and Dubai have experienced tremendous growth since the nation was founded in 1971. The vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for a modern Dubai spurred the emirate's growth in the past decade.
Dubai has now been listed as the most cosmopolitan city in the world in a 2015 World Migration Report. Published by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the report categorises the city as a medium-sized one (population ranging from one to five million). Although smaller in size compared to other cosmopolitan cities, Dubai has welcomed many nationalities into the country to earn their livelihood and build a life.

The IOM report is designed to find out how international migrants and migration are shaping cities with a focus on sustainable urban development.
One of its major findings is that several major cities are home to many people born outside that country, including Dubai (82 per cent) and Brussels (62 per cent).

A view of the Dubai Marina - AP

A foreign resident takes a dip in Dubai Marina - AP
Grateful expatriates applaud cosmopolitan Dubai
Considered as the land of opportunities in the region, many foreign nationals have made their fortunes in Dubai over the decades, including Firoz Merchant, founder and chairman of Pure Gold Group.
"I believe the UAE and Dubai are the most cosmopolitan in the world as there is no discrimination here. The government has zero tolerance against religious extremism ... Without any doubt, I must say Dubai is the most cosmopolitan city in the world."
Owner of one of the leading electronics retail chain in the country and region, Jackys Electronics chairman Jacky Panjabi hailed the business friendly environment of UAE and Dubai. "Government is very helpful for businesses. It's (a) very business friendly country. We are in the right country and right place," he said.
Another expariate businessman, Rizwan Sajan, Danube Group chairman, said: "The day I landed in this country, an Emirati immigration officer asked me 'how are you' in (the) Hindi language. I started loving the place from that time."
- Abdul Basit
A tram crossing over a bridge in Dubai Marina - AP 
The only other Asian city to feature in the top 10 most cosmopolitan cities list is Singapore.

The list, dominated by Western countries, also includes Toronto, Auckland, Los Angeles and London, among others.
The report added that Asia and Africa's rapidly growing smaller cities are expected to absorb almost all future urban population growth.
yousufk@khaleejtimes.com  

• Dubai