Dubai
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The Early Minoan Period (3000 BCE to the 5th century CE): The origins of Dubai trace back to the early Minoan era. In ancient times, the site where the city now stands was a vast mangrove swamp. However, around 3000 BCE, the swamp had dried up and become a habitable area. It is believed that nomadic herders from the Bronze Age were the first to settle there. Around 2500 BCE, they had established a thriving date palm plantation, which would be the first successful agricultural venture in the area. Thus, for about two thousand years, the focus was on farming and livestock. In the 5th century CE, the area known today as Jumeirah, now filled with seaside restaurants, was a caravan station along the trade route connecting Oman with what is now Iraq.
The Bani Yas Tribe (1000 CE to the 18th century): The earliest written record of Dubai dates back to the year 1095 in the Book of Geography by the Arab-Andalusian geographer Abu Abdullah Al Bakri. Another existing record, such as the diary of the Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi, dates back to 1580 when he visited the region for the thriving pearl trade. During that time, the people of the area relied mainly on fishing, pearl diving, boat building, and providing hospitality and provisions to passing traders who came to sell gold, spices, and textiles. Today, all these products are sold in our souks and serve as perfect souvenirs to take back home and remember the journey. The next significant milestone in the history of the United Arab Emirates occurred in 1793 when the Bani Yas tribe seized political power in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai became a dependency of Abu Dhabi.
The Walled City (1800-1832): Historical records reflect that in the early 19th century, Dubai was a walled city. Al Fahidi Fort was built around the same time when Dubai became a dependency. Today, this structure houses the Dubai Museum. The wall was located on the Bur Dubai side, stretching from the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi by Al Fahidi Fort and ending at the old souk. On the Deira side, the Al Ras area was also fortified. However, in 1820, Britain negotiated a maritime truce with local rulers to facilitate trade routes and stimulate the exchange of goods in the area. This marked the beginning of a strong interaction with countries around the world, ultimately turning Dubai into a crucial hub of activity.
The Al Maktoum Dynasty (1833-1893): The year 1833 marked a pivotal moment in Dubai's history when Maktoum bin Butti of the Bani Yas tribe led his people to the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of Dubai Creek. He settled there and declared the city's independence, separating it from Abu Dhabi. From then on, Dubai came to be known as a fishing village. Today, even with the tremendous changes the emirate has witnessed, the Al Maktoum dynasty continues to rule Dubai. Visitors can explore the city's past by strolling along the shores of Dubai Creek, a site of great significance to the emirate's heritage. It is also a bustling area of activity, where traditional abras (wooden boats) and ships navigate its historic waters on a daily basis.
Opening to the Outside World (1894-1966): Under the leadership of the Al Maktoum dynasty, Dubai embarked on a path of prosperity. In 1894, trade in the region received a boost with the approval of tax exemptions for expatriates, attracting a large number of foreign workers to the city. Indian and Pakistani traders flocked to Dubai to take advantage of the excellent trading conditions it offered. Although this period is considered a relatively successful chapter in the city's history, it still relied heavily on fishing, trade, and pearls. However, in the 1950s, the invention of cultured pearls in Japan exposed the vulnerability of the region's economy. Nevertheless, this economic setback was short-lived. In 1966, everything changed in Dubai with the emergence of a new player: oil.
The Rise of Dubai in the Present (1966 to the Present Day): With the discovery of oil, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum initiated the development of Dubai. Within decades, the city transformed from a small cluster of settlements on the shores of Dubai Creek into a modern metropolis with a bustling port and significant commercial importance. Projects such as Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Drydocks, the expansion of Dubai's natural creek, and the Dubai World Trade Centre were some of the major initiatives undertaken during that time. With visionary leadership and determination, ambitious construction and social projects were promoted throughout the United Arab Emirates. In just half a century, Dubai experienced exponential growth, opening its doors to modern marvels like the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa, which have become iconic symbols that represent the city today.
As part of the city's ongoing efforts to continue growing, champion innovation, and create opportunities, Dubai continues to plan major projects to attract both tourism and businesses alike.