Dubai has raised eyebrows around the world with its achievements in just a short period of time although it has little oil, a Qatari columnist says.

Aysha Obeidan says Dubai, the second largest UAE emirate, has accomplished without oil what other Gulf oil heavyweights have achieved in various sectors.

“Every time I visit Dubai, I feel upset when it is compared to my country…this emirate has achieved comprehensive development with its high-quality projects in infrastructure and other sectors,” she says in an article published in Qatar’s daily Al Raya.

“In just a short period of time, it has succeeded in attracting the eyes of the world and in tempting scores of countries to come and benefit from its potential in tourism, economy, commerce and other fields…if we look at its oil potential, we find that it accounts for only six per cent of its economy…yet this emirate has achieved what other Gulf oil producers have accomplished in all sectors.”

The writer cites Dubai’s diversified economy, “clean six-lane streets”, tunnels and bridges, metro networks, massive shopping malls and markets and large ports.

“All these achievements reflect a responsible and qualified leadership, sound planning, and a good future vision governed by brains that think of the emirate’s interests.”