Dubai History

The history of Dubai is somewhat mysterious. Before Islam became the religion of the region, when the Byzantine and Sassanian empires ruled, the people of Dubai worshipped a god called Bajir. Dubai shows up in the history books briefly around 1580, when Gaspero Balbi, a renowned pearl merchant, mentioned Dubai for its wealth of pearls.
Dubai came into existence in records as a town around 1799. Iti was originally a fishing settlement. Inhabitants lived by fishing, pearling, herding sheep and goats, but by the turn of the century Dubai was an important trading port. Trade expanded even as the city was under the British protectorate, which was established in 1892, and Dubai began to grow in merchant appeal. Since Dubai is so close to India, it became a pivotal hub for trade, with many choosing to relocate there.

By the early 1900s, almost a quarter of the population was foreign. The population in the 1930s was 20,000, with 2,000 Persians, 1,000 Baluchis, many Indians and substantial communities from Bahrain, Kuwait and the Hasa province in eastern South Arabia. In 1954, the British established a political agency there as well.
Dubai's rich pearl industry was significantly damaged by WWI and the economic turmoil caused by the Great Depression. As a result, many chose to migrate to other parts of the Arab world. The discovery of oil, however, pulled thousands of newcomers into the city.

In 1971, the British withdrew and Dubai joined with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Aiman, Umm Al Quwain, Fajairah and later Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates. Oil was discovered in 1966 and by 1969 Dubai exported its first shipment of oil. The success of this venture fueled the rapid development of the area and through the insight of the late ruler provided for the general welfare of the inhabitants. The price of oil skyrocketed after the Persian Gulf War, making Dubai's government rich from the profits. Dubai worked to build up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society. The journey continues today.

Although little is known about the ancient history of this area, archaeological finds suggest that humans have been living here since at least 3000 BC. Other evidence links the peoples of what are now the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman to the mysterious Bronze Age Magan civilization. Magan ships sailed to Babylonia, Mesopotamia and beyond, trading copper from Oman and pearls from the mouth of Dubai Creek with the heavyweights of the Bronze Age economy. The Magan civilization waned around 2000 BC, but Dubai's instinct for trade remained.
Excavations at Jumeira, about 10km south of Dubai, recently unearthed a 6th-century AD caravan station, proving that the area's population was still keeping the trade routes well oiled. Around this same time, the Sassanids, a Persian dynasty who had inhabited the mouth of Dubai Creek since 224 AD, were driven out by the Umayyads, who came to stay and brought Islam with them.

Exploiting their prime location between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, the new inhabitants, working with the old, began reestablishing old trade routes and spreading the word of Allah, all the while making folks fantastic deals for the lowest everyday prices in the Gulf. As trade began to match pearl diving's importance to the local economy, merchant dhows (ships) sailed as far as China, returning with silk and porcelain for Middle Eastern and European markets. This maritime madness reached its peak between 750 and 1258 AD.

Soon everyone wanted a piece of the Gulf's action. By the late 16th century the Portuguese were attempting to control local trade. Their success was limited, and they retreated when faced with French, Dutch and British attempts to take over the ancient trade routes. The British finally gained control of the region's waterways in 1766. Dubai was caught between local power struggles and the Europe's imperial dreams, but somehow turned this bad situation to its advantage, expanding its pearl trade through every channel.
In 1833 a neighboring tribal power, the Bani Yas of what's now Saudi Arabia, decided that Dubai would be its new turf. Eight hundred Bani Yas moved into the Bur Dubai area under the leadership of Maktoum bin Butti, founder of the Al-Maktoum dynasty that still rules the emirate today.

The region's two economic epicenters, neighboring Sharjah and Lingah in modern-day Iran, were already losing business to bustling Dubai. Shaikh Maktoum decided to capitalize on the opportunity. In 1892 he signed an exclusive business deal with the British and in 1894 permitted a full tax exemption for foreign traders. Persian merchants were the first group of expats to take advantage of the deal, but traders the world over were on the way. In 1903, when the Shaikh convinced a major British steamship line to make Dubai a port of call, a 25-year boom began.
The Great Depression, compounded by the emergence of artificial pearls in 1929, cast a dark cloud over Dubai's newfound prosperity. Young Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum, convinced that the pearl trade was dead, decided that this cloud had a 24-karat gold lining. Dubai wasn't duty-free for nothing. Soon, the barely legal re-export business (other nations might have referred to it 'smuggling'), whereby goods were cheaply imported into a duty-free port and immediately exported to another market, exploded. After Dubai Creek was dredged in 1963, allowing almost any boat safe harbor, the gold smuggling re-exporting business took off like a rocket.

Dubai's lucky streak had only just begun. In 1966, oil was discovered and the economy kicked into overdrive. The British had already decided to pack up the empire and head home, and in 1971, Dubai became the seventh emirate of the newly formed UAE. Shaikh Rashid agreed to a formula that gave the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai the most weight in the federation, and made sure that Dubai would continue living life in the fast lane. Border disputes and friction about the integration of the Emirates led to some tension, but in 1979, Shaikh Rahid and Shaikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi sealed a compromise; in effect, Dubai would remain a bastion of free trade while Abu Dhabi imposed a tighter federal structure on the rest of the Emirates.

When Shaikh Rashid, the architect of Dubai's success and unrivaled financial freedom, passed away in 1990, his son Shaikh Maktoum took the reins of power( but let Adam Smith's invisible hand continue to do most of the steering). The core of Maktoum's policies is economic freedom and the no-holds-barred promotion of Dubai, which makes the city a very fun place. By the mid-1990s, the Dubai Desert Classic had become a well-established stop on the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) tour. World-class tennis tournaments, boat and horse races, desert rallies and one of the largest air shows in the world attract millions of visitors to the city. Other high profile events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, bring hordes of tourists into town. Tourism matches trade and oil in importance to the emirate's economy.

The story of Dubai reads like a rags to riches tale, and indeed, it is hard to imagine anywhere else in the world that has developed at such a pace, in such a short time, for so many different people.
The history of Dubai is not a collection of past events, but something that happens today. Only two centuries ago the city experienced the British Empire’s dislike towards its mud hovels, but today Dubai is in its golden age.Dubai is a country of eastern stories - that is why there are so many tales about this country.
The photo from the right is a fake:))) The crew consists only of 2 persons - these days- with a motor on the boat, you can check it on your own, when you go boating.Oarsmen are slaves - where are they ??? The democracy was not even in the air then! So the painter obviously overdid it....

There are many things in Emirates to wonder at - history of this country, high level of all - round development, local traditions and custom, everything you see and hear from all quarters.All wonders of United Arab Emirates’ development are the result of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's activity (Abu Dhabi). It was he who united the Emirates and created conditions for the development of all 7 Emirates.
Not many know that Sheikh Zayed succeeed another ruler, who conflicted wih English a lot. The latter leaving this country displaced and exiled him. Thus Sheikh Zayed was appointed to govern the country.People say, that when leaders of certain neighbouring countries declined Sheikh Zayed's offer to enter the United Arab Emirates - they disspareared .... as a saying says - The end justifies the means.

He died at the age of 86 years old, 2 November 2004.On the left of the road to Abu-Dhabi a table-tomb for Sheikh Zayed was erected.The Locals called him "Father" and respected him a lot.
He really deserves this!He has not only united the country, but also built houses for its citizens and abolished taxpaying!Who could dream of it? :)))
Thanks to Sheikh Rashid and his efforts the city Dubai obtained its fame.Not knowing this historical feature one cannot understand and get inspired with that miracle, known today as the Emirates.

two real black-and-white photos - are certainly one but divided in half photo ...I decided not to place it whole here - I would have to turn the picture 90 degree, but to lay your monitor sideways - it is quite heavy for it.
Although little is known about the ancient history of this area, archaeological finds suggest that humans have been living here since at least 3000 BC. Other evidence links the peoples of what are now the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman to the mysterious Bronze Age Magan civilization. Magan ships sailed to Babylonia, Mesopotamia and beyond, trading copper from Oman and pearls from the mouth of Dubai Creek with the heavyweights of the Bronze Age economy. The Magan civilization waned around 2000 BC, but Dubai's instinct for trade remained.
Excavations at Jumeirah, just south of Dubai, recently unearthed a 6th-century caravan station, proving that the area's population was still keeping the trade routes well oiled during this period. Around this same time, the Sassanids, a Persian dynasty who had inhabited the mouth of Dubai Creek since 224, were driven out by the Umayyads, who came to stay and brought Islam with them.

Exploiting their prime location between the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, the new inhabitants, working with the old, began re-establishing old trade routes and spreading the word of Allah, all the while making folks fantastic deals for the lowest everyday prices in the Gulf. As trade began to match pearl diving's importance to the local economy, merchant dhows sailed as far as China, returning with silk and porcelain for Middle Eastern and European markets. This maritime madness reached its peak between 750 and 1258.

Soon everyone wanted a piece of the Gulf's action. By the late 16th century the Portuguese were attempting to control local trade. Their success was such that many coastal settlements were practically abandoned, and the tribes took refuge in oases far from the coast. The British finally gained control of the region's waterways in 1766. Dubai was caught between local power struggles and Europe's imperial dreams, but somehow turned this bad situation to its advantage, expanding its pearl trade through every channel.

In 1833 a neighbouring tribal power, the Bani Yas, decided that Dubai would be its new turf. Eight hundred Bani Yas moved into the Bur Dubai area under the leadership of Maktoum bin Butti, founder of the Al-Maktoum dynasty that still rules the emirate today.

The region's two economic epicentres, neighbouring Sharjah and Lingah in modern-day Iran, were already losing business to bustling Dubai. Sheikh Maktoum decided to capitalise on the opportunity. In 1892 he signed an exclusive business deal with the British and in 1894 permitted a full tax exemption for foreign traders. Persian merchants were the first group of expats to take advantage of the deal, but traders the world over were on the way.Modern History
In 1903, when the sheikh convinced a major British steamship line to make Dubai a port of call, a 25-year boom began. The Great Depression, compounded by the emergence of artificial pearls in 1929, cast a dark cloud over Dubai's newfound prosperity.

Young Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al-Maktoum, convinced that the pearl trade was dead, decided that this cloud had a 24-karat lining. Dubai wasn't duty-free for nothing. Soon, the re-export business, whereby goods were cheaply imported into a duty-free port and immediately exported to another market, exploded. After Dubai Creek was dredged in 1963, allowing almost any boat safe harbour, gold smuggling took off like a rocket.

Dubai's lucky streak had only just begun. In 1966, oil was discovered and the economy kicked into overdrive. The British had already decided to pack up the empire and head home, and in 1971, Dubai became the seventh emirate of the newly formed UAE. Sheikh Rashid agreed to a formula that gave the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai the most weight in the federation, and made sure that Dubai would continue living life in the fast lane. Border disputes and friction about the integration of the Emirates led to some tension, but in 1979, Sheikh Rashid and Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi sealed a compromise; in effect, Dubai would remain a bastion of free trade while Abu Dhabi imposed a tighter federal structure on the rest of the Emirates.

When Sheikh Rashid, the architect of Dubai's success and unrivalled financial freedom, died in 1990, his son Sheikh Maktoum took the reins of power. The core of Maktoum's policies were economic freedom and the no-holds-barred promotion of Dubai, the public face of which was his brother Sheikh Mohammed, who took over after Sheikh Maktoum's death in 2006.

Recent History
World-class tennis tournaments, boat and horse races, desert rallies and one of the largest air shows in the world attract millions of visitors to the city. Other high-profile events, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises, bring hordes of tourists into town. With oil revenues now accounting for only 6% of Dubai's income, post-petroleum Dubai is going to be in good shape.

The story of Dubai reads like a rags-to-riches tale, and indeed, it is hard to imagine anywhere else in the world that has developed at such a pace, in such a short time, for so many different people.

Far from being a newcomer to the international business arena, Dubai's strategic location has meant that the city has had a rich history of trade which helped sow the seeds of its current global ambition.Settlements dating from the 5th and 6th centuries AD have been recently uncovered in the now upmarket suburb of Jumeirah, suggesting that Dubai was an important stop off point for merchants serving Iraq - the then Islamic epicentre of the day.Mosque at sunset Intricate Arabic patterns Decorative masonry Arabesque facadeIt was, however, pearl trading that put Dubai on the international map and in 1580 Venetian jeweller Gasparo Balbi made the first ever written reference to the area whilst on an expedition to assess its pearling potential.The following centuries saw the bounty laden ships of the European colonisers come and go on their journeys to the Far East, and although much of the population earned a reasonable living from the rich pearl beds of this coastal region, piracy proved too a large temptation for many.Indeed, during the 19th Century the area became known as the Pirate Coast prompting the British to stage a massive naval bombardment in a bid to protect their lucrative nautical interests.

This display of military prowess cowed the coastal sheiks into signing a non aggression pact, which clamped down on piracy in 1820, in exchange for assurance from the British that they would no longer interfere with their domestic affairs.

Amongst this group of signatories was the Sheik of Dubai whose fiefdom was significantly smaller than that of his neighbours - the Maktoum clan of neighbouring Abu Dhabi. This deficit in size and power led to his demise in 1833 when the clan marched into Dubai and seized power.

The Maktoum family still rule Dubai to this day.During the decades following this takeover the Maktoums established themselves in the Shindagha area making the most of its easy access to the Gulf for pearling, and the creek for trade and business.Dubai began to enjoy profitable trade relationships with India and Persia encouraging many foreign merchants to set up shop in the bustling, new city-port.

This influx of diverse commercial talent quickly earned Dubai the reputation of a town that was not only open for business but one that also welcomed non Arabs with open arms.By the turn of the 20th Century Dubai had firmly established itself as a major hub for entrepôt trade and with a population of over 10,000 was proving a worthy rival to its flourishing neighbours Abu Dhabi. Sheik Maktoum capitalised on the success generated by this relaxed trade environment by abolishing commercial taxes completely - a move that saw the boom town's population double to 20,000 in the first two decades of the century.


The steady rule of the Maktoums gave Dubai the stability - apart from a few turbulent years during the depressed 1930's - to thrive during the ensuing decades. The economy diversified, bolstering its identity as a regional hub and attracting foreign banks and corporations. There was also an extensive modernisation program which included improvements such as the widening and deepening of the creek, the building of the Al Maktoum bridge as well as a road tunnel, the opening of the lustrous Al Maktoum Hospital and in 1959 the opening of Dubai International Airport.
The late sixties saw the discovery of oil in Dubai and the petrodollar ensured the city's continued prosperity with an average annual income of around \$3 billion by the 1980's. Oil, however, only accounted for about 10% of Dubai's revenue, but this bonus went a long way in helping the region develop the infrastructure required to make the most of its core economic activities - trade and commerce.

Today Dubai literally bristles with the iconic landmarks that symbolise its phenomenal success and cultural diversity. Mosques nestle side by side with the gleaming headquarters of 21st Century multinationals. Tourism too makes its mark on the skyline with luxury hotels springing up to cater for the ever growing multitude of holiday makers who flock to Dubai's glorious beaches and extravagant lidos.

Although no more than a small city-state, Dubai's continued growth, combined with its heavyweight ambitions, look set to propel it to the front of the international stage in this new era of business and tourism.
There are records of the town of Dubai from 1799. Earlier in the 18th century the Al Abu Falasa lineage of Bani Yas clan established itself in Dubai which was a dependent of the settlement of Abu Dhabi until 1833.
On 8 January 1820, the then sheikh of Dubai was a signatory to the British sponsored "General Treaty of Peace" (the General Maritime Treaty).

In 1833, the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over the town of Dubai, "without resistance". From that point on, Dubai, a newly independent emirate, was constantly at odds with the emirate of Abu Dhabi. An attempt by the Qawasim pirates to take over Dubai was thwarted. In 1835, Dubai and the rest of the Trucial States signed a maritime truce with Britain and a "Perpetual Maritime Truce" about two decades later. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom (keeping out the Ottoman Turks) by the Exclusive Agreement of 1892. Like four of its neighbours, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it an important location.

In March 1892, the Trucial States (or Trucial Oman) were created.
The rulers of Dubai fostered trade and commerce, unlike the town's neighbors. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen (chiefly Indians), who settled in the town. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its pearl exports.

After the devaluation of the Gulf Rupee in 1966, Dubai joined the newly independent state of Qatar to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai riyal. Oil was discovered 120 kilometres off the coast of Dubai, after which the town granted oil concessions.

On 2 December 1971 Dubai, together with Abu Dhabi and five other emirates, formed the United Arab Emirates after former protector Britain left the Persian Gulf in 1971. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency: the UAE dirham.

Dubai culture
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam. Expatriates are free to practice their own religion, alcohol is served in hotels and the dress code is liberal. Women don't face discrimination. Courtesy and hospitality are one of the many virtues of Dubai. Rulers are keen to maintain their culture and do so through a number of practices. One is promoting sporting events that are representative of their past. Falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing are still popular in Dubai.

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, English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road and shop signs, restaurant menus etc. are in both English and Arabic.
Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and visitors can dress however they like. Still, a good amount of respect for local customs is appreciated. In deference to local customs and norms it is a good idea for visitors not to wear very short, tight clothing, at least until such time as they are comfortable with the city. UAE nationals usually wear their traditional dress. For men this is the dishdasha or khandura, a white full-length shirt-dress. It is worn with a white or red checked headdress known as a gutra. In public women wear the black abaya, a long black robe that covers their normal clothes. They also wear a headscarf.

Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beautiful things to photograph in Dubai. In general, photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken. Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people. It is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women.

Arabic cuisine comprises many types of cooking from countries like Morocco, Egypt, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and more. Throughout the city, vendors sell shawarma, a hot sandwich with lamb or chicken, carved from a rotating spit and served in pita bread with vegetables. A variety of juices from pineapple, banana, mango, or a mixed cocktail can be ordered from fresh juice vendors.

Alcohol is served in licensed premises like restaurants and bars. It is also served in a few recreational clubs. Shisha pipes are smoked at most establishments. They are traditional water pipes that use flavored tobaccos like strawberry or apple. Shisha is usually enjoyed while sitting at a café or restaurant.

Language and religion
The official language is Arabic, but English and Urdu are also widely spoken, along with Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tagalog. Islam is the official religion of all of the emirates. A vast majority of the locals are Sunnis. There are foreign minority Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians as well. 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. Non-Muslims in the country are free to practice their religion but may not proselytise publicly or distribute religious literature. The government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and Polytheist; in practice, interferes very little in the religious activities of non-Muslims.

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) would begin at the end of 2005, members of the Eastern Orthodox Christian community in the UAE have had to use churches of other denominations for services, until General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, donated a plot of land in Jebel Ali.

Apart from donated land for the construction of churches and other religious facilities, including cemeteries, non-Muslim groups are not supported financially or subsidised by the government. However, they are permitted to raise money from among their congregants and to receive financial support from abroad. Christian churches are permitted to openly advertise certain church functions, such as memorial services, in the press.

Population
The population of the UAE as of 2001 was estimated to be 3,290,000. The population of Dubai was estimated to be 971,000. The UAE is a highly cosmopolitan environment and a large part of the population are non-UAE nationals, primarily a mix of other Arab nationals, Asians and Europeans. 80% of Dubai's population is comprised of expatriates with Europeans and Asians accounting for approximately 70% of households. Approximately 71% of the population is male and 29% is female. The UAE population is expected to grow by 3.3% per annum to reach 4.15 million by 2010. Dubai is expected to have a population of 1.4 million by 2010.

Climate
Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid climate, with perfect weather for at least six months out of the year. Rainfall is infrequent and happens mainly in winter. Usually it amounts to about 13 centimeters, spread over five days per year. Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius on winter nights, to a high of 48 degrees Celsius in the midday summer heat.