Dubai City is the most populous in United Arab Emirates.
Dubai is the capital city of the Emirate of Dubai.
The city started out in 18th Century as a fishing village. It later grew very fast as a luxury and tourist destination.
The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world is found in Dubai. It is 2,717 feet tall.
Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf and the Eastern Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai has a reputation as a major transport hub for cargo and passengers.
Dubai City’s growth was made possible by large revenue from oil sales.
Major sources of revenue for Dubai are aviation, trade, financial services and real estate among others.
Oil revenues contributed to less than 1 percent in 2018. This might surprise many readers.
As of 2021, Dubai, the city had a population of 3.49 million people.
Before the Introduction of Islam, the people of Dubai worshiped Bajir.
Dubai which started as a fishing village had a population of between 700 to 800 people. Most of the inhabitants were from the Bani Yas tribe.
The residents were ruled by Sheikh Tahnun bin SHAKHBUT of Abu Dhabi.
By 1822, people of Dubai kept goats and camels.
Smallpox epidemic broke out in Dubai in 1841. Fire broke out in Dubai in 1896 and as a result many homes were destroyed because they were built with palm fronds. It is estimated that half of the homes in Dubai were reduced to ashes.
In 1901, Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum declared Dubai a free port. Traders were not required to pay taxes on exports and imports.
Further traders were given land and guarantees of tolerance and protection. Many traders migrated to Dubai to take advantage of the favorable trade policies.
Dubai before oil
The fact that Dubai is close to Iran, made it an important trade location. Foreign traders frequented the city. Many Iranian resders settled in Dubai.
Dubai was an important port by the fall of 20th Century.
Dubai was famous for pearl exports up to 1930s. The 1929 Great Depression damaged the pearl trade.
OIL exploration contract for Dubai was signed in 1937. It provided for payment of royalties to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum and Dubai Town was to get a share of royalty rights.
First oil deposit was discovered in 1966. The exploration was interrupted by World War II.
The first airport runway was constructed in Dubai in 1965. Several airlines starred landing in Dubai.
Dubai established their first Duty Free shops were opened.
Dubai was leading in the trade for gold, watches and silver.
In 1966, Dubai made a discovery of oil in its territorial waters.
Many foreign workers traveled to Dubai to work because the city was being constructed at a fast pace.
In 1990, oil accounted for 24 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.
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