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DUBAI THE WORLDS MOST COSMOPOLITAN CITY
The first human settlement in the history of Dubai was in approximately 3000 BCE, when the area was inhabited by nomadic cattle herders. In the 3rd century CE, the area came under the control of the Sassanid Empire which lasted until the 7th century, when the Umayyad Caliphate took control and introduced Islam in the area. The area was sustained by fishing and pearl diving for a thousand years, with the first records of the town being made in 1799 when the Bani Yas clan established it as a dependency of Abu Dhabi. Dubai became a separate Sheikhdom in 1833, when the Al-Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas clan (initially from Abu Dhabi) took it over peacefully. The invention of artificial pearls in 1926 and the Great Depression in 1929 caused a collapse in the international pearl market, which resulted in Sheikh Saeed looking for an alternative source of income and Dubai becoming one of the leading re-export ports in the world. In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai, which changed the country beyond recognition and led to Dubai becoming the vibrant, modern, business-centred city-state it is today.
7000 BCE - 7th century[edit]
Records of the area where the emirate of Dubai is situated are very rare for any period before the 18th century.
During the expansion of the Sheikh Zayed Road between 1993 and 1998, remnants of a mangrove swamp were uncovered which were dated to approximately 7000 BCE.[1] It is thought that by about 3000 BCE, the coastline had moved seaward sufficiently towards the present-day coastline and the area became covered in sand.[2]
As it became more inhabitable, Nomadic cattle herders used the area to live and herd in.[3] The date palm began to be grown locally in 2500 BCE, and was the first instance of the land being used for agricultural purposes.[4] The herders worshipped the god Bajir [5] and various evidence suggests links to the mysterious Magan civilisation, who it is thought controlled the copper trade of this part of the ancient world, and of which there are archaeological sites in Bahrain.[4]
For the next about 2000–2700 years there are no more details, probably because of the desertification, insignificance, and remoteness of the area, until the area came part of the "Maka" satrapy, the southern most satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire, and followed by the Sassanian Empire, the last pre-Islamic Iranian Empire,[6] several hundred years later in the 3rd century CE.[7]
Recent excavations of the Jumeirah area of Dubai have unearthed a 6th-century caravan station[8]
[9] suggesting the area was sparsely inhabited during this period.
7th century - 1800[edit]
The Umayyads [10] regarded as the first Muslim dynasty,[11] introduced Islam to the area in the 7th century and sparked the revitalization of the area, opening up trade routes supported by fishing and pearl diving to eastern regions such as modern-day Pakistan and India, with reports of ships travelling as far as China to trade.[12] The earliest written mention of the area of Dubai was in 1095, by Abū 'Ubayd 'Abd Allāh al-Bakrī, in his Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al belaad wal Mawadhea,[13] in which he describes many places of the world compiled from other accounts of them.[14] It was not until 1799 that the town had its first record.[15] However the Venetian Gaspero Balbi, a renowned pearl merchant,[16] when visiting in 1580, remarked on the area and how many Venetians were working there in the pearl industry.[17][18]
1800 - 1966[edit]
1800 - 1912[edit]
In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa dynasty (part of the House of Al-Falasi)[19] of the Bani Yas tribe established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833.[20] On 8 January 1820, the sheikh of Dubai and other sheikhs in the region signed the "General Maritime Peace Treaty" with the British government, which aimed to end plundering and piracy in the region and was the first formal denunciation of the slave trade in history.[21] However, in 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty (also descendants of the House of Al-Falasi) of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over Dubai from the Abu Falasa clan without resistance, led by Maktoum bin Butti,[22] the founder of the present day al-Maktoum dynasty. In 1841 the town was hit by a devastating smallpox outbreak which forced many to relocate east to the town of Deira, Dubai.[23] In 1853, in an attempt to further halt the endemic piracy, the British signed another truce, agreeing to stay out of administration of the region in return for a reduction in piracy. This also had the side effect of the area becoming known as the Trucial States.[24] Then in 1894, a fire swept through Deira, burning down most of the homes,[25] however perfect geographical positioning and thriving business enabled the rebuilding of the city. The success of the area led Sheikh Maktoum to sign an exclusive business deal with the British in 1892, making Dubai a British protectorate, and in 1894, granted full tax exemption for all foreign traders.[26] By 1903, the Sheikh had succeeded in convincing a major British steamship line to make Dubai a port of call. Merchants from Lingah looked across to the Arab shore of the Persian Gulf finally making their homes in Dubai. They continued to trade with Lingah, however, as do many of the dhows in Dubai Creek today, and they named their district Bastakiya, after the Bastak region in southern Persia.[27] At this time, almost a quarter of the population was foreign,[28] which seems trivial when compared to the 90% it is today.[29]
1912 - 1944[edit]
After various rulers, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum who became Ruler in 1912,[30] was the first Ruler to rule for a substantial period of time and is regarded by many as one of the fathers of Dubai.[31] The times of prosperity thanks to the pearl industry continued solidly through until the Great Depression of 1929. The emergence of artificial pearls had begun to hit the economy of Dubai, and coupled with the effects of the depression caused the Sheikh to explore other opportunities for expansion.[32] In 1929, he was briefly deposed and succeeded by Sheikh Mani bin Rashid, an relative,[33] however three days later he was restored to the throne and
ruled until his death. This resulted in the emergence of Dubai as the premier re-export business port, whereby goods are imported into a duty-free port and immediately exported to another market.[34]
Dubai has the main entrepôt in the Persian Gulf and the busiest trading port since 1900, with commerce being the main source of revenue for the emirate. The merchant class in Dubai played a key role in restructuring the economy and government decision-making in the pre-oil era of Dubai's development. Today merchants play a fundamental role in economic affairs and the political structure. In addition, again they have taken on roles as service suppliers, urban planners, culture mediators, and internationalists representing the region throughout the world.[35]
Dubai suffered economically after 1920 due to the collapse of the pearl industry, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the loss of extensive trade networks during World War II. Until the surge of oil revenues in the late 1960s, political instability and merchant unrest existed and constituted an organized attempt to subvert British control and the ruling Al-Maktoum family. African slavery was practiced until the 1960s. The uprising of 1938 in Dubai was the culmination of a decade of grievances and minor rebellions against the autocratic rule of Shaykh Sa'id bin Maktum (ruled 1912-58). In the 1930s the Trucial Coast was characterized by great poverty resulting primarily from a decline in the pearl trade. Much of the initiative for reform sprang from an attempt to ameliorate economic conditions—the leaders of the movement having previously been successful pearl merchants. The new government established in October 1938 lasted only a few months before Shaykh Sa'id with Bedouin support was able to overthrow it in March 1939. The collapse of the reform movement is attributable to the role played by British agents and the weakness of the political structure that was set up.[36]
1945 - 1958[edit]
A dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi regarding their border escalated into armed conflict between the two states, with Dubai attacking a number of Abu Dhabi towns in the country's interior. Arbitration by the British in 1949 resulted in the creation of a buffer frontier running south eastwards from the coast at Ras Hasian. A formal compromise was not reached until 1979, eight years after the creation of the UAE.
1958 - 1966[edit]
In 1958, upon the death of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum,[37] Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became Ruler. Rashid al Maktoum is widely regarded as the driving force behind the expansion of Dubai, causing its massive expansion, with the aid of the discovery of oil.[38][39] The dredging of Dubai Creek in 1963,[40] enabling any vessel to dock at the port, caused the gold re-export market to take off, ensuring Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was able to begin the building of vital infrastructure in partnership with the British.[41] Since the beginning, Dubai was constantly at odds with Abu Dhabi. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on their northern border erupted into war between the two states[42][43] and forced the involvement of the British and the subsequent creation of a buffer zone which resulted in a temporary ceasefire.[44] However, border disputes between the emirates continued even after the formation of the UAE and it was only in 1979 that a formal compromise was reached that ended hostilities between the
two states,[45] by allowing Abu Dhabi the control of the rest of the UAE, while leaving Dubai to rule many of its own affairs, especially when related to trade.
1966 - Present Day[edit]
Discovery of oil[edit]
The major turning point in the history and fortunes of Dubai was the discovery of oil in 1966.[46] Coupled with the joining of the newly independent country of Qatar and Dubai to create a new currency, the Riyal,[47] after the devaluation of the Persian Gulf rupee which had been issued by the Government of India,[48] it enabled Dubai to rapidly expand and grow. Once the first shipment of oil was made in 1969, the future of Dubai as an autonomous state was secured,[49] and its ability to dictate policy in later years to the UAE was cemented.
Formation of the UAE[edit]
Britain left the Persian Gulf in the early part of 1971, having announced their intentions in 1968, causing Dubai and Abu-Dhabi, in conjunction with five other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates.[50] Dubai and Abu-Dhabi ensured in the negotiations that between them they could control the country effectively, enabling even greater expansion as seen today. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates, in introducing the UAE dirham, the uniform currency of the UAE.[51] Dubai and Abu Dhabi between them now hold the majority of control in the UAE, which was part of their conditions for joining. To enable this, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the only emirates who have veto power over matters of national importance, whereas the other emirates only have a vote on such matters.[52] In addition to this, Dubai is represented by eight members on the Federal National Council, of whom there are forty in total.[53] Dubai and Ras al Khaimah are the only two states who retain their own judicial courts, whilst the others are part of the federal justice system of the UAE.[54] The Jebel Ali Free Zone was introduced in 1979, providing companies with unrestricted import of labour and export of capital, which helped to jumpstart the influx of global companies seen today.[55]
1990 - present day[edit]
The current Emir, Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum
The death of Sheikh Rashid al-Maktoum resulted in the accession of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the throne. The Persian Gulf War of 1990, in which Dubai as part of the UAE provided military aid to the coalition, unsettled the economy,[56] however during the middle of the 1990s this stabilised and many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to Dubai. Dubai continued to foster political alignment with the western world & during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, they provided refueling bases to allied forces in the Jebel Ali free zone as they did during the Persian Gulf War.[57] Global increases in oil prices allowed Dubai to focus on rapid development of key infrastructure. The success of the Jebel Ali free zone caused the development of clusters of new free zones, including Dubai Internet City,[58] an internet technology area with ownership & tax related benefits, Dubai Media City [59] a tax-free zone to
increase Dubai's presence in the worldwide media and Dubai Maritime City,[60] which will have many facilities, including waterfronts & harbours. In the past decades, Dubai has become known for its successful building projects, including the Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest freestanding hotel,[61] The Palm Islands, a construction of three artificial islands in the shape of the date palm,[62] on which residential & commercial property will be built and The World Islands, a massive man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of the world,[63] and Burj Khalifa, which is the world's tallest man-made structure.[64] In 2006, upon the death of Sheikh Maktoum al-Maktoum, his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum became Emir, having been de facto ruler for a decade & is also credited with helping to force Dubai's rapid expansion.[65]
The economic depression has hit Dubai extremely hard,[66][67] due to its dependence on tourism and building which has led to many newspaper reports of construction slowing and in some cases stopping altogether.[68][69][70] In an effort to combat the recession, Dubai has announced various tax cutting measures to incentivise businesses in the region.[71]
Dubai has also been in the news for its attitudes towards adultery, which are seen as harsh in the Western World, with cases forcing the intervention of some governments to help its citizens.[72]
Future[edit]Despite the international turmoil over the cost of oil, Dubai is already considered to be the Hong Kong of the Middle East.[73][74] When the world's oil supply runs out and/or it's no longer needed, Dubai would survive in a new oil-free world unlike Riyadh.[73][74] Commercial activity in the Dubai region would simply grow instead of wither because Dubai was a major trading center centuries before oil was known to even exist.[74] The emirate's trade access with Iran is similar to Hong Kong's trade with the People's Republic of China due to Iran being ostracized by the majority of the Western world.[74]
During the 21st century, Dubai may have to implement policies that move away from globalization and toward localization to conserve their energy resources, provide local jobs to citizens of the United Arab Emirates instead of foreign citizens, and maintain their local decision-making authority. Zoning policies would be adjusted by Dubai's municipal government to promote resource conservation and eliminate sprawl.[75][76]
Disputes[edit]In addition to the long running dispute between Abu-Dhabi & Dubai, Dubai was also involved in a dispute with Sharjah with regards to their legal boundaries. Before the British left, there were no exact boundaries defined between the Trucial States, however with the discovery of oil needing boundaries to be decided for concession reasons, Britain was required to define the boundaries. After Julian Walker, a British official (later the British political agent) had surveyed the area, Mr. Tripp, the British political agent, made declarations between 1956 and 1957 defining the boundaries. Although the rulers of both Dubai and Sharjah had agreed in 1954 to accept the rulings made, Dubai's ruler declined to accept the decision.
Some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum Family, settled at the mouth of the creek in 1833. The creek was a natural harbour and Dubai soon became a center for the fishing, pearling and sea trade.
By the turn of the 20th century Dubai was a successful port. The souk (Arabic for market) on the Deira side of the creek was the largest on the coast with 350 shops and a steady throng of visitors and businessmen. By the 1930s Dubai's population was nearly 20,000, a quarter of whom were expatriates.
In the 1950s the creek began to silt, a result perhaps of the increasing number of ships that used it. The late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, decided to have the waterway dredged. It was an ambitious, costly, and visionary project. The move resulted in increased volumes of cargo handling in Dubai. Ultimately it strengthened Dubai's position as a major trading and re-export hub.
When oil was discovered in 1966, Sheikh Rashid utilized the oil revenues to spur infrastructure development in Dubai. Schools, hospitals, roads, a modern telecommunications network … the pace of development was frenetic. A new port and terminal building were built at Dubai International Airport. A runway extension that could accommodate any type of aircraft was implemented. The largest man-made harbor in the world was constructed at Jebel Ali, and a free zone was created around the port.Dubai's formula for development was becoming evident to everyone – visionary leadership, high-quality infrastructure, an expatriate-friendly environment, zero tax on personal and corporate income and low import duties. The result was that Dubai quickly became a business and tourism hub for a region that stretches from Egypt to the Indian sub-continent and from South Africa to what are now called the CIS countries.
Since the 1960s, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum had dreamed of creating a federation of the Emirates in the region. Their dreams were realized in 1971 when Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah, joined to create the United Arab Emirates.
Under the late Sheikh Zayed, the first President of UAE, the UAE has developed into one of the richest countries in the world with a per capita GDP in excess of US$17,000 per annum.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Dubai took a strategic decision to emerge as a major international-quality tourism destination. Investments in tourism infrastructure have paid off handsomely over the years.
Dubai is now a city that boasts unmatchable hotels, remarkable architecture and world-class entertainment and sporting events. The beautiful Burj Al Arab hotel presiding over the coastline of Jumeira beach is the world's only hotel with a seven star rating. The Emirates Towers are one of the many structures that remind us of the commercial confidence in a city that expands at a remarkable rate. Standing
350 meters high, the office tower is the tallest building in the Middle East and Europe.
Dubai also hosts major international sporting events. The Dubai Desert Classic is a major stop on the Professional Golf Association tour. The Dubai Open, an ATP tennis tournament, and the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race, draw thousands every year.
It has changed dramatically in the last fifty years, but Dubai’s history goes back to prehistoric times
Dubai enjoys a rich heritage, with Dubai history going back to prehistoric times, although the Emirate itself
is much more modern. The biggest changes in the history of Dubai have come since the discovery of oil
fifty years ago.
Early Dubai history
3000 BC: When Dubai history could be said to have begun. Archaeological evidence points to the area
having been settled from at least the Bronze Age.
5th - 7th centuries AD: Jumeirah was a trade route caravan station linking Oman with what is now Iraq.
Livelihoods were based on fishing, boat-building and pearling.
16th century: European influence began with Portuguese interest in the area's trade routes.
18th – 20th century Dubai history
1793: The Bani Yas tribe assumed political power and settled in Abu Dhabi. Dubai later became a
dependency. This period of Dubai history was beset with many tribal wars.
1820: Britain negotiated the first of many maritime truces with local rulers. This led to the area being
dubbed the Trucial Coast.
1833: Maktoum Bin Butti of the Bani Yas tribe settled on the Shindagha Peninsula at the mouth of the
Creek, declaring the town's independence from Abu Dhabi. His dynasty still rules Dubai today.
1870s: Dubai became the principal port on the Gulf coast, with pearling the mainstay of the city's
prosperity.
1902: The welcome migration of Iranian traders and Arab settlers to Dubai following the introduction of
heavy taxes on Iran's Lingeh port. Dubai's trade has never looked back.
Early 20th century Dubai History
Overseas and domestic trade flourished, and Dubai boasted the largest souks in Arabia.
1950s: Oil discovered in the Trucial States.
1960s: The Indian and Pakistani population of Dubai grows, breathing new life into the textile market and
increasing trade from the Indian subcontinent.
Modern Dubai history
1966: A milestone in Dubai history. Oil is discovered in Dubai's Fateh Oil field.
1971: The United Arab Emirates was formed for mutual security and prosperity and joined the Arab
League. Dubai International Airport opened.
1979: Jebel Ali port opened. Dubai World Trade Centre opened – the city's first high-rise, paving the way
for a string of other ambitious architectural projects.
1985: Emirates airline launched. Jebel Ali Free Zone inaugurated, attracting considerable overseas
investment.
1996: Dubai World Cup held for the first time. Dubai Shopping Festival launched.
1999: Burj Al-Arab opened and hailed as the world's only seven-star hotel.
2002: Sheikh Mohammed launches Internet and Media cities and private ownership for foreigners laying
the foundations for “New Dubai”.
2003: Ambitious projects began, including the world's tallest tower, and 200 man-made islands.
2006: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum becomes Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the
UAE.
2009: Emirates Terminal 3 and the Metro is launched to accommodate increasing air and road traffic.
2010: Burj Khalifa became the tallest man-made structure on earth.
Everything about Dubai is superlative
The words ‘first, tallest, deepest, most expensive, lavish, outlandish’ could have been created for this city.
Where else would you find a seven-star hotel, visit a series of 200 man-made islands in the shape of the
countries of the world, or climb the world’s tallest building?
Amidst all this modernity, as you head from a swim in the sea or a business meeting to designer
boutiques, a round of golf or a top teppanyaki restaurant, the age-old souks still attract those who like to
haggle. And yet only a few kilometres into the magnificent desert there are still camels roaming free.
There is a vibrant and cosmopolitan air about Dubai, for instance the way the traditional abra boats carry
a kaleidoscope of tourists side by side with sari-wrapped Indians and locals sporting spotless dishdashas.
Outside of Dubai life is more traditional and moves at a slightly slower pace. As you explore the barren
beauty of the mountains, or go about the UAE’s East coast beaches you will find people friendly and
willing to chat, even when lacking a common language.
Dubai Facts
Everything about Dubai from what to wear to when to go and what to take. Get more
information
Dubai culture and tradition
Discover all you need to know about Dubai and Muslim traditions. Get more information
Dubai history
It has changed dramatically in the last fifty years, but Dubai’s history goes back to prehistoric
times. Get more information
Explore Dubai
How to get about Dubai, whether it is by car, bus, foot or metro. Get more information
Emirates celebrates the Dubai World Expo 2020 win
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Expo 2020
On Wednesday, 27th November, our home city of Dubai erupted in celebration as it won its bid to host the
World Expo 2020. As Premier Partners of the Expo 2020 bid team, we’re excited at this fantastic
opportunity to show the world what an innovative and dynamic city Dubai is. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed
bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, described the win as a
‘momentous milestone’.
What is the World Expo?
The event is held every five years over six months, attracting millions of visitors to explore new
innovations, ideas, scientific and technological advances. The World Expo gives a boost to new and
current industry and ultimately aims to bring about global change.
The winning theme, titled Connecting minds, creating the future, will turn the spotlight on Dubai as the city
hosts a forum to discuss important global issues such as sustainability, mobility and opportunity. At
Emirates, we share the passion for connecting people around the world to share ideas, cultures and
experiences and we’re proud to be part of the bid.
This will be the first time the event has been held in the Middle East. With such a multicultural society,
there has never been a more fitting place to host the World Expo than Dubai, arguably the crossroads of
the world
Dubai History
A description of Dubai's current cultural lifestyle, religion and language, as well as a summary of the city's historical past - see bottom of page
Dubai Culture
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. It is highly important that when tourists visit Dubai they must respect and behave suitably, as the minority group of Emiratis are very protective over their culture and traditions.Dubai is famously known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East which attracts many party lovers from all over the world, especially those who are wealthy enough to splash out on the most expensive bars and clubs in the city. With Dubai promoting such an image, it still forbids the nationals that practice Islam to indulge in any of the entertaining services offered. In that respect these services are often located in the more touristy areas rather than in residential parts.
Alcohol is not forbidden in Dubai, as long as it is confined within an area like a hotel, bar or nightclub. Residents are free to drink in their own homes as long as they have an alcohol licence issued by the municipality. It is illegal to drink in the street or in public places. Pork is also available for the consumption of visitors and expatriates.
It is advised that visitors and expatriates do not flaunt their Western culture habits in the streets, where they can be viewed by nationals who may find it offensive. There have been various complaints in the past by nationals who have expressed their views through the media about their home-land being taken over by the Western world.
Having said this, it does not mean the locals are against foreigners visiting Dubai, it is just common courtesy to respect your hosts. Emiratis are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and they are very generous when offering refreshments to guests.
Emiratis tend to dress in their traditional clothes influenced by their Islamic belief. Most men prefer the traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirt-dress), with ghutra (a white headdress) and agal (a rope worn to keep the ghutra in place). The Emirati women tend to wear an abaya (a long black cloak), which is worn over conservative clothes, with a sheyla or hijab (a scarf used to wrap around the face and head).
Expatriates and visitors are advised to dress appropriately; trousers or a dress should be worn to cover below the knee, when circulating the city, especially at historical sites. However, they can wear what they wish when they are in a hotel, bar or club and swim wear is tolerated by the pool or at the beach.
Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beauty Dubai has to offer. Photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken. Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people, especially an Emirati woman.
Religion
The most religious time of the year in Dubai, is the fast of Ramadan, which lasts approximately for one month. This is when Muslims fast during day-light hours to fulfil the fourth pillar of Islam. Tourists must be aware that during this period, eating, drinking and smoking is not permitted in public during the day, although some restaurants blackout their windows to allow people to consume in private. Also bars will not serve alcohol before 7pm and clubs are shut as no loud music is allowed. The UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. For example, the huge Arab population in Dubai includes many from Lebanon that can be of Christian faith and they are freely allowed to follow their own religion as long as they do not publicly distribute their literature. This also applies to any other non-Muslim expatriates.Once in the city of Dubai you are surrounded by many mosques and the call of prayer will be heard frequently. The city also accommodates other religious places of worship, such as churches and Temples
The government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and Polytheist and in practice, interferes very little with their religious activities.
Dubai is the only emirate that has Hindu temples and a Sikh gurudwara. The Meena Bazaar area of the city has both a Shiva and Krishna temple. Both are believed to be sanctioned by the late ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electric crematorium run by a group of Indian expatriates. Furthermore, in early 2001, ground was broken for the construction of several additional churches on a parcel of land in Jebel Ali donated by the government of Dubai for four Protestant congregations and a Catholic congregation. Construction on the first Greek Orthodox Church in Dubai (to be called St. Mary's) is due for completion in 2008/9, with the help of General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, who donated a plot of land in Jebel Ali.
Language
The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai and therefore English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road, shop signs, and restaurant menus etc. are in both English and Arabic.
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Historical Time-Line leading to the rise of Dubai
1830: The small fishing settlement of Dubai is taken over by a segment of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis, led by the Maktoum family who still, interestingly, rule the emirate today.1892: Foreign traders are drawn into Dubai due to the declaration that they will be exempt from tax, the population doubles and the pearling industry is now booming.
1930-1940: The recession hits Dubai’s pearl industry which falls into decline leading to social pressures and feuds between the royals.
1958: Sheikh Rashid officially becomes the ruler of Dubai after his father’s death.
1959: The Emir of Kuwait lends Sheik Rahid millions of dollars to renovate the Creek so it can accommodate large ships in order to develop Dubai’s reputation as being a major trading hub.
1966: Dubai discovers its own oil, attracting traders to settle in Dubai which in turn enhances economic growth.
1968: Dubai begins exporting crude oil and petro-dollars rush in.
1973: The Dirham becomes the offical unit of currency in Dubai.
1980: Dubai’s annual oil income decreases to US$3.
1985: The Emirates airline is established and Dubai plans its reinvention as a tourist destination.
1990: Sheik Maktoum takes over as the ruler of Dubai, due to his father, Sheik Rashid, passing away during the first Gulf War.
1996: The Dubai shopping festival and the Dubai World Cup are launched and happen to become very popular annual events.
1999: One of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab opens, enhancing Dubai’s reputation further as a tourist destination.
2003: Dubai is recognised by The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as a financial hub. Also, at this time the property market in Dubai suddenly grows due to the introduction of freehold properties.
2006: Sheik Mohammed becomes the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, as well as the ruler of Dubai. He updates the Liberal policies of his Maktoum forefathers and develops Dubai further, raising the city’s business profile .
