Boris Johnson, mayor of the eighth emirate

Dubai: London Mayor Boris Johnson has a flair for reaching out to foreign audiences with his light-hearted comments.

“I am not only the mayor of the biggest British city, but also of the eighth emirate, the ninth French city and the 20th biggest Russian city,” said the 48-year flamboyant British Conservative leader, referring to the large number of Arab and Gulf citizens who have made his city their first or second home.

On top of that, more than 50,000 Emiratis visit the UK each year, he added. “I am amazed to see how many UAE and GCC nationals have made London their home, so I can safely call myself the mayor of the Eighth emirate!”