When the government of Dubai decided to shift its attention to service oriented businesses, many foreign businesses such as banks soon set up its headquarters in Dubai. The Jebel Ali port which was constructed in 1970 soon attracted more businesses in this city. The port is the largest man made harbor in the world today. Today, many more hubs are being created to further invite a broad range of businesses from IT to finance. There are industry specific hubs in Dubai with advantages to those who want to set up in them. Examples of these industry specific hubs are the Dubai Internet City and the Dubai Media City.

Since its market is growing, the government of Dubai also set up its secondary market which is the Dubai Financial Market in March 2000. This markets purpose is in trading of securities and bonds which could be local or foreign. This markets shares as of the fourth quarter of 2006 was worth US$95 billion.

Because many businesses have now set up their offices in Dubai, the real estate which was low many years ago has now become valuable. Constructions of many buildings are going on in Dubai right now, a sign that the economy is really booming. Many tall skyscrapers could be seen in the city including the Emirates Towers and the Burj Dubai which is now the tallest structure in the world.