Kai Ryssdal introduces Marketplace's week in Dubai — a city that wants to be the most influential place in the Middle East, the hub for everything in this world that can be bought, made or traded.
There are about 1.7 million people in Dubai. Most of them are foreigners, imported to drive its growth. Best estimates are that only 15% of the population is native-born, and that ratio could fall even lower. Stephen Beard introduces us to Dubai's vanishing breed — the real Emiratis.
Sharia law restrictions on stock picking can make investing difficult for Muslims. Tess Vigeland talks to Monem Salam about special Islamic mutual funds that do the required research.
Egypt is a prime tourist destination, but that doesn't mean things are always easy for visitors. Scott Jagow explains some of the difficulties he came across as an American in Cairo.
Dubai aims to be the biggest and the best in every way, but as Sean Cole reports, there's debate as to whether the reality of Dubai lives up to the dream.
Avoiding interest has forced some Muslim student loan seekers to get pretty creative. Rico Gagliano learns about financing higher education under Sharia law.