DICK RAHDERT introduced fellow Rotarian DON GENTRY who shared interesting information about the United Arab Emirates. 
Formed by several Sheiks in 1970, the Capital is in Abu Dhabi and the Prime Minister is in Dubai, the two major cities of the Emirates. Dubai is one of the most cosmopolitan, well developed cities in the world. In 2005 oil provided 6% of the GNP or about $750 Million a day. Estimating that the oil will be gone in 40 years, the leaders have focused on real estate to keep the economy going. Dubai has the 3rd largest port, the 5th largest airport and the tallest building and the most luxurious hotel in the world. With 130 nationalities, English is the common language and is spoken everywhere. It is a safe place for females and males alike. The crime rate is very low. All of the water is from desalination. Purdue has been invited to help plan and operate a land grant type college. These plans are on hold right now, but when Dubai's leaders decide to proceed a $3 Billion campus and surrounding city will be built. In a country where there are no taxes and the standard of living is very high, goats and camels crossing a sand dune can still be seen from hotel rooms in the very modern city.