It was a recognition of Dubai's rapid emergence as an international city that saw it host two of the world's most important financial gatherings 10 years ago this month.
Both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund arrived in Dubai to hold the annual meetings of their respective boards of governors.
The city responded to the influx of an estimated 16,000 guests in fine style, importing 250 Audi limousines through Port Rashid to chauffeur delegates.
The nation’s Central Bank also issued a commemorative dirham – still in circulation, to mark the first time both organisations had chosen to meet in the Arab world.
Afterwards, the chief of the Dubai Police, Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, was able to report that delegates had declared the summit the best-organised they had attended. Ten years later, the success of Dubai 2003 can be seen as paving the way for the city’s bid for not just Expo 2020, but possibly a future Olympic Games.
* James Langton
