History of Dubai

The Dubai way of life did not always revolve around oil, it began as a small fishing settlement. Around 1830 the settlement was taken over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the Emirate today.

Besides fishing, the people of ancient Dubai involved themselves in other occupations such as cattle rearing, pearl trading and date farming.

Dubai Village Scene

As Dubai developed it became an essential trading port, protected by the British Imperialists who did not hinder its developments, Dubai attracted an increasing number of merchants.

Around the beginning of the 20th century, 25 percent of the total population was made up of foreigners as people travelled from places such as Baluchistan, India, Persia, Kuwait, South Arabia and Bahrain seeking to profit from the opportunities the city provided.

1971 became a landmark in Dubai history as it was given independence with the other Emirate states from British rule. Shortly after this Dubai joined the other 5 emirates (Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fajairah, Aiman and Umm Al Quwain to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ras Al Khaimah later became the seventh Emirate.

In 1966 Oil was discovered in Dubai and in 1969 Dubai sent its first oil export, with the overall rise in oil prices and demand, Dubai enjoyed unprecedented economic growth. The oil revenue was used to develop the infrastructure of the city, building roads, schools, hospitals and developing tourist facilities.

Dubai is now extremely affluent, the oil revenue supplemented by tourism revenue, trading and benefiting from low taxes, a pleasant climate and investment friendly rules and regulations, the steady growth of Dubai looks set to continue way into the future.

Back