Yet even Sheikh Mohammed, whose ambition has inspired Dubai's furious drive for superlatives, says he will now be more careful.

ECONOMIST: A metro for the Emirates

Some German financiers hope that, since the alliance was inspired by them, it will boost Frankfurt's ambition to become Europe's financial centre.

ECONOMIST: We will always have Paris

Scouting inspired the value of cheerful service, honed my leadership, and fostered my ambition to nurture and advance my community.

FORBES: The Business Of Scouting And A Crisis Of Our Own Making