1. Define the following words as used in the article:
sheikdom (para. 1)
emirate (para. 2)
autonomy (para. 3)

2. What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
b) List the 7 semi-independent states that make up the UAE.
c) Which is the wealthiest of the emirates (states)? Why?

3. List some of the building endeavors that have taken place in Dubai.

4. What problems might contribute to Dubai's economic instability?

5. What is the UAE doing to encourage continued confidence in its economy?

6. a) What percentage of the UAE's population are guest workers?
b) What is the population of the UAE? (see the CIA World FactBook link in "Resources" below for the answer.)
c) Which two countries are most of the UAE's guest workers from?

7. What two groups are criticizing and calling for change in the UAE? What are their reasons?

8. Look at some of the photos of Dubai from the links under "Resources" below. What do you think of Dubai's "obsession with gigantism?" Be specific.