A Short History Of Dubai

The future of that modern miracle known as Dubai is inexorably tied to its past as the city itself predates formation of the United Arab Emirates by more than 150 years. The first recorded mention of Dubai was in the Book of Geography published in 1095 by the geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri. No real city existed but the area referred to as Dubai was well known for its pearling industry as early as the 16th century. Dubai City was founded early in the 19th century by the House of Al-Falasi.

The location of Dubai City made it a natural regional trading center which when combined with the pearling and fishing industry turned this place into a beehive of activity during the first couple decades of the 20th Century. World War 1, increased use of artificial pearls and the Great Worldwide Depression put an end to this prosperity, but all was not lost. With true Arab determination and resourcefulness Dubai managed to establish electrical service, an airport and telephone service in the 1950’s which brought the city into the modern era and attracted immigrants from the world over. It seems history was repeating itself as all those improvements brought a flood of commerce and started the city on the path to becoming a modern metropolis and business center. Dubai City was now set to leave its past behind and forge ahead into the future.

That future seemed even brighter when oil was discovered in 1966. The increased economic activity and huge influx of foreign workers resulted in an amazing three hundred percent population increase in seven short years. The oil industry also brought a comfortable tolerance of other peoples as everyone worked side by side in the oil fields and corporate boardrooms. This was a good thing for the region from both a financial and cultural perspective. Dubai City was becoming that place where East truly meets West.

Was history once again repeating? In the early 1990's oil prices were on the rise and the future seemed bright until it was discovered the oil fields would be depleted in thirty years. Would a prosperous Dubai fall again or move on to become an even brighter and more vibrant place?

The oil industry and revenue which had caused Dubai to become an oasis in the desert would need to be replaced. This time things would be different as both time and resources were on the side of this amazing city. Dubai had become a multi-cultural city so why not use its position to once more become traders and entrepreneurs by building itself into a world class tourism, business center and free trade zone.

This was a high risk undertaking but the Government of Dubai took steps to establish the city as a leader in hospitality and luxury. So far the result has been nothing short of spectacular. Private investment has created a skyline like nothing before along with such wonders as the Palm Islands, Dubai World and the Burj Dubai which is expected to be complete in 2009 and will be the worlds tallest building.

All this activity has resulted in a large growth in population which in many ways is making Dubai a truly international city. While most inhabitants are Islamic everyone is free to practice their religion and customs. It is a fact that the government encourages these activities. Courtesy and hospitality are two of the most valued customs exhibited by the residents of Dubai. All this only seems natural when you consider the regions history.

This famous hospitality and trading culture is evidenced by festivals which seem to become larger and more popular each and every year. A truly ingenious way to attract tourists from over the world. Dubai has always made the most of its resources and talents of its people while welcoming the rest of the world with open arms. In addition, many international corporations are moving their headquarters here.

While the future of Dubai City is in question by some as oil prices have declined and much of the world is facing economic issues I have no doubt that the people of this very special place will make the best of whatever the future may hold.