Homepage
>
Plan Your Trip > About Dubai > Dubai at a Glance
Dubai at a Glance
From a Trading Entrepot to Modern Metropolis
One of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai is also known as the commercial capital of the country.
Dubai’s transformation from a tiny trading entrepot that nestles on the shores of the Musandam peninsula, to a leading business hub in the Middle East, is the story of its late Ruler, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s far sighted vision and commitment to his people.
Recognising the inherent potential of Dubai Creek and its crucial significance to east-west and north-south sea trade routes, Sheikh Rashid initiated the early development of the Creek’s facilities to increase trade. His ambitious yet visionary project, which soon became the cornerstone of Dubai’s modern day development, has witnessed further advancements under his son and present Ruler of Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Another significant milestone in Dubai’s amazing growth trajectory has been the diversification strategy implemented by Sheikh Mohammed since the early 1990s. In a concerted effort to de-link Dubai’s economy from oil dependence, the Ruler focused on developing the Emirate’s trade, tourism and shipping infrastructure. Soon to follow were the telecommunication and IT networks, the foundation for establishing a thriving media centre in the region and the development of a city within a city dedicated to healthcare.
A decade into the new millennium, Dubai has become one of the foremost business destinations in the world, in addition to being a city that offers its residents top quality lifestyle on par with the best in the world.
Tracing the History
While Dubai is essentially a modern day architectural marvel and a product of the 21st century, the Emirate can trace its mercantile history back to the 7th century AD. One of the earliest mentions of Dubai can be found in ‘Book of Geography’ written in 1095 AD by the Arab Andalusian geographer, Abu Abdullah Al- Bakri. Archaeological findings at various sites in Dubai also provide evidence of Dubai’s significance as a transit point on inland trade routes to Baghdad.
When the sea route to India was discovered in 1498, Arab traders made full use of Dubai’s strategic location - almost at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa to forge links with both Eastern and Western markets. By early 16th Century, Dubai had become a transit port on East West trade routes. By 1796, the British became the major European power in the region and the various emirates and sheikhdoms of the Gulf were collectively known as ‘Trucial States.’
In 1971, the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwwain and Fujairah came together to lay the foundation for a new country - the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A year later, in 1972, Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation. Being part of the UAE has facilitated economic growth across all the seven emirates of the federation, as they draw from each other’s strengths to generate integrated development.