SIXTY years ago Dubai was nothing more than a small town, scraping a living from picking dates, diving for pearls and trading with nearby neighbours Iran and India.

Krane’s well researched, detailed account shows how Dubai’s rapid growth has turned it into one of the most wealthy and powerful cities in the world.

Its growth has outpaced China and it has attracted more tourists than India.

In the centre of a volatile Middle East, it has become a haven for many.

But the luxurious lifestyle of those who flock there is set against badly designed buildings and controversial labour practices.