The origins of Dubai go way back to the early Minoan era. Dubai’s current location was formerly a vast mangrove marsh. That marsh dried out and was inhabited by 3000 BCE.
The earliest known settlers in the region are thought to have been cow herders from the Bronze Age. By 2500 BCE, they had created a fruitful date palm plantation, marking the first time the area had been successfully utilized for agriculture.
The area today known as Jumeirah, home to lovely coastal eateries, was a caravan stopover along the trade route connecting what is now Oman and Iraq around the fifth century CE.
It is believed that Dubai was first established as a fishing community in the early 18th century. By 1822, it had grown to a town of 700–800 Bani Yas clan members and was governed by Sheikh Tahnun bin Shakhbut of Abu Dhabi.
Dubai was a walled city in the early 1800s, according to records. In the same period when Dubai became dependent, the Al Fahidi Fort was constructed. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Al Fahidi Fort, and Old Souk were all part of the wall’s Bur Dubai side extension. Al Ras was walled on the Deira side as well.
But in 1820, Britain reached a maritime ceasefire with regional leaders, ensuring that trade routes would remain open and commerce could flourish. With the start of constant interaction with other nations, Dubai became a hub for essential activities.
In 1833, a significant year in Dubai’s history, Bani Yas tribe member Maktoum bin Butti took his people to Shindagha Peninsula near the border of Dubai Creek. He announced the town’s liberation from Abu Dhabi and settled there. Dubai gained a reputation as a fishing hamlet after that. The Al Maktoum dynasty still controls Dubai despite the enormous transformations the emirate has witnessed today.
History of Dubai Development
The UAE did not exist as it is today when the British left the Arabian Gulf. The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum started developing Dubai as soon as oil was discovered. He started developing the city into a modern port, city, and commercial center from a tiny group of communities close to Dubai Creek.
Among the significant projects finished at the time were Jebel Ali Port, Rashid Port, Dubai Drydocks, the expansion of the Dubai Creek, and the Dubai World Trade Center. The UAE was able to advance big architectural and social initiatives thanks to good leadership and vision.
Dubai has undergone an explosive growth spurt in the past 50 years, giving rise to modern marvels like Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure, and Burj Al Arab, which are now identified with the city.
With its stunning architecture, outstanding skylines, and enormous shopping malls, The city of Dubai has grown to be among the most recognizable locations in the world. It’s one of the Middle East’s most forward-thinking cities. Although Abu Dhabi is its capital, Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE.
It is an excellent destination for a quick break because it has the best shopping areas, superb eating, and sporting events. Some of the world’s most opulent hotels and shopping centers are found in Dubai.
Milestones in Dubai’s History
Here are some facts that have shaped the history of Dubai.
Expatriates in Dubai were Exempted from Tax
Al Maktoum extended an invitation to all international traders in 1894 and exempted them from paying taxes in the city. As a result, there was a significant increase in expatriates moving to Dubai to benefit from the favorable business climate.
Trading, fishing, and pearl diving remained Dubai’s leading sources of income. Japan created artificial pearls in the 1950s, and as a result, Dubai saw considerable financial repercussions.
The Conflict between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
There was a heated argument between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Armed forces from both republics were involved, but the British intervened in 1949 and established a border along the coast of Ras Hasia. However, they did not reach a formal agreement. In 1979, eight years after the United Arab Emirates was founded, both nations decided to end hostilities.
Discovery of Oil
The discovery of oil in the Dubai Fateh Oil Field in 1966 marked a significant turning point in the city’s history. The city’s economic climate was permanently altered by it. Together, Dubai and Qatar developed the Riyal, a new currency that allowed Dubai to advance to new heights.
When Dubai shipped its first oil shipment in 1969, it solidified its reputation as one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities. Construction of roads, houses, hospitals, and schools took place throughout Abu Dhabi due to the continuous oil revenues.
History and Culture of Dubai
Islamic customs strongly influence Dubai’s history and culture. Tourists are encouraged to follow local customs and conduct themselves appropriately when visiting Dubai, as the Emirati people are fiercely devoted to their Islamic traditions and culture.
As the center of entertainment in the Middle East, Dubai draws party-goers from around the world, particularly those who have enough money to splash out at the city’s priciest venues. Even though Dubai has worked to promote this image to tourists, most entertainment options are still off-limits to people of Islamic descent. As a result, these services are typically found in tourist zones rather than neighborhoods.
Emiratis usually wear traditional clothing that their Islamic beliefs have influenced. Most males favor the traditional dishdasha or khandura, a long white shirtdress with a ghutra and agal (a rope worn to keep the ghutra in place). Most Emirati women don an abaya (a long, black cloak) over modest attire and a sheyla or hijab (a scarf wrapped around the face and head).
Visitors and expatriates are encouraged to dress appropriately in the city area, especially in historical places. They should wear pants or a dress to cover below the knee. They can wear anything they like in a hotel, bar, or club, and the pool accepts swimwear.
History of Dubai Tourism
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who founded the UAE, recognized the need for the nation to prosper and was aware of the oil supply restrictions. He therefore envisioned a plan to diversify the economy of the nation, with tourism being given particular consideration.
The plan was eventually realized, and Sheikh Zayed built the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai in Dubai in 1979, becoming the nation’s first hotel. The growth of tourism in Dubai, one of the first emirates in the country to welcome visitors, had a significant impact on the overall development of tourism in the United Arab Emirates.
Since 1982, Dubai has been one of the tourism destinations with the fastest growth rates. The Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board was created in 1989 to promote Dubai as a premium travel destination for the upper middle class and important industry sectors. It was succeeded by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in January 1997.
Final Thoughts
Dubai has seen numerous changes. Once a remote outpost in the desert, it is now a popular vacation spot where visitors from all over the world travel to shop, unwind, and have a good time. The city stands out from other UAE cities due to its abundance of skyscrapers, malls, and multi-million dollar off-shore developments.
With the city of Dubai having more development and expansion plans, we can only imagine what it will look like in a decade. Truly, Dubai is a city that never sleeps.
Leave a Reply