history dubai Learn more about Dubai’s transit from a fishing village to a modern big city. Early Minoan period (3000BCE to 5th century CE) Dubai roots extend all the way back to the early Minoan era. The place where Dubai now lies was once a large mangrove swamp. By 3000BCE that wetland was dry and uninhabited. It is believed that Bronze Age nomadic cattle herdsmen were the first to settle in the area. By 2500BCE, they had established a thriving palm garden and this was the first time that the area had been successfully used for agriculture. Skip a few thousand years before quiet farming. During the fifth century CE, a place we now know, such as Jumeirah, is home to some fine seafood restaurants; it was a caravan station near the trade route linking Oman with what is now Iraq. Bani Yas Nation (1000 to 1700s) The first mention of Dubai was recorded in 1095, in a Geography Book by Andalusian-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah Al Bakri. Other records, such as the journal of Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi, date back to 1580 when he visited the area for his pearl trade. Life at that time depended heavily on fishing, in the depths of pearls, in the construction of boats, and the provision of lodging and food for merchants passing by to sell gold, spices, and textiles. Today, these can be found in our souks, as the best souvenirs you can bring home. The next milestone in the history of the UAE came in 1793, when the Bani Yas tribe established political power in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai became the foundation.
The walled city (1800-1832) Records show that Dubai was a walled city in the early 1800's. Al Fahidi Fort was built at the same time that Dubai lay in ruins. The Bur Dubai side wall extends from Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood to Al Fahidi Fort, ending at Old Souk. On the Deira side, the Al Ras area was surrounded by a wall. In 1820, however, Britain negotiated a settlement with the local authorities, signaling that trade routes would be opened and trade would flourish. With this began a steady stream of international contacts, making Dubai a center of important activities. Al Maktoum Dynasty (1833-1893) A milestone in the history of Dubai, Maktoum bin Butti of the Bani Yas tribe led his people to the Shindagha Peninsula near the mouth of Dubai Creek in 1833. He settled there and declared the independence of the city in Abu Dhabi. From then on, Dubai was considered a fishing destination. Today, despite all the major emirate reforms, the Al Maktoum dynasty continues to dominate Dubai. Visitors can explore the city's past by walking along the shores of Dubai Creek. An anchor for emirate treasures, the site is a hub for busy abrails and boats floating on historic waterways.
Welcoming immigrants (1894 to 1966) Under the leadership of Al Maktoum, Dubai began to thrive. In 1894, trade in the area was revived, as new laws allowed for immigrants to avoid paying taxes. This has led to a large influx of foreign workers into the city. Indian and Pakistani traders descend on Dubai, to take advantage of excellent business conditions. Although this was the most successful time in Dubai's history, it was still relying heavily on fishing, trading, and in pearls. And when synthetic pearls were introduced in Japan in the 1950's, the regional economic risk was exposed. However, inflation did not last long. In 1966, everything changed abruptly in Dubai: it hit the oil. Modern day boom Dubai (1966 to date) With the discovery of oil, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum began the development of Dubai. He began to transform the city from a small group of settlements near Dubai Creek to a modern port, city and commercial center. Rashid Port, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Drydocks, expansion of Dubai Creek, and Dubai World Trade Center were just a few of the major projects completed at that time. Leadership and vision allowed the UAE to move forward with construction projects and community projects. For nearly half a century, Dubai exploded with growth, creating modern wonders like the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa, now closely associated with the big city.
As part of the city's efforts to consistently expand, innovate and create opportunities, Dubai continues to plan landmark projects to attract tourists and businesses alike.
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