Emirate's rulers lay groundwork for profitable China-UAE ties

Since 1894, when Dubai launched its first tax-free port to attract regional business, the reigning Al Maktoum family has supported commercialism and mercantilism, and that legacy has helped shape Dubai's present-day economy, said an executive of the emirate's promotional advisory firm.

Cong Hongbin, managing director of Invest Dubai, said he was impressed by the remarks of the late Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, who pioneered the business-centric path for Dubai and said that "anything that is good for merchants is good for Dubai."