From humble beginnings, almost isolated from the rest of the world just over 40 years ago, the United Arab Emirates today is one of the most hyper-connected important places on the planet, where more than 200 different nationalities peacefully and prosperously mingle daily. UAE is a unique trans-continental trade hub and a nexus for innovation in the fields of technology, art, culture and the wider knowledge economy. UAE has established itself as a vital global player in areas ranging from political diplomacy to environmental engineering to software development, and from film production to biotechnology.