Interesting Facts about the History of Dubai

Behind the finest architectural galore and modern technological advances, Dubai holds a rich history dating centuries which gives it its distinct cultural identity. Tracing back its history will show the incredible journey that this city has gone through that has resulted it in becoming a worthy real estate investment hub. The cosmopolitan metropolis that we know of today has a different, much different look to it back in the day.

Dubai is more than just an iconic tourist spot. It is more than just a booming economy. It is more than just a real estate capital. The fascinating tale of Dubai’s past is an enriching study that shows its excellence, spirit, and grit. Digging into its yesteryears showcases its massive transformation. But beyond that, it also showcases why Dubai is a global power today.

Let us take a look at some of the most interesting things about Dubai’s history that will not only shine a new light on the country but will also give you a great reverence for it. We are going to take a look at facts dating back to 3,000 years and the first settlement in the city to the discovery of oil fields in the past several decades that turned the world's heads to it. So, strap on in for some riveting historical facts about Dubai.

7 Fun Facts about Dubai’s History that Will Leave You Amazed

The following facts will take you on a chronological revisit to some of the most pivotal, amusing, and incredible facts and events of Dubai. This will also serve as an answer to those looking into what is the history of Dubai.

Dubai Used to be a Mangrove Swarm

Looking at the hustling and bustling vibe of Dubai, it might be hard to believe that the city used to be essentially a mangrove swarm. The roots of Dubai can be traced back to the Minoan period. Studies from archaeologists reveal that the area where the city is now located, used to be a lush green thriving mangrove jungle.

It wasn’t until 3,000 BCE that the mangrove started receding. Once the swarm started drying up, the first signs of human settlement found their way in and around the area. This is the Bedouin cattle herders we are talking about here. This is why they are so revered even today in the city as they hold the proudest distinction of being the first humans to make Dubai their home.

Over the next 500 years, they slowly inculcated a civilization of their own, slowly and steadily crafting a lifestyle. One of their most notable achievements was successfully establishing date palm plantations in the fertile zones of the desert. This was also the start of the agricultural era of Dubai. After years of living as nomads, this move went on to have a major positive impact on the development of the area. It was the initial ember to strike a light of success in Dubai’s future.

Arrival of Islam

There is no denying that Dubai is a multicultural city. Today, it has turned out to be one of the most diverse places in the entire Middle East. Dubai opens its doors to everyone who dares to dream. Drawing settlers from across the globe of varied faiths, religions, beliefs, backgrounds, heritage, ancestry, and culture, Dubai is truly a worldly palette of unity in diversity.

However, while most other religions found their way to the city much later, Islam found its roots way back. It is intricated deeply with the chapters of the history of Dubai.

The introduction of Islam to Dubai was propelled by an interesting turn of events. It was introduced back in 630 AD by the Umayyad dynasty, one of the most powerful Arab clans within the Quraysh tribe. After overthrowing the Neo-Persian Sassanids, the Umayyads were the first to bring the essence of Islam to the city.

This was during a time when the area where present-day Jumeirah is situated, served as an international trade channel between Oman and Iraq. And ever since, Islam has been celebrated with much vigor in the city.

A Pearl Dynasty

Yes, most of the world identifies the economy of Dubai generating from its oil mines. But, years and years before the discovery of these oil mines, Dubai was economically dependent on its pearl agriculture. The area mastered the art of pearl fishing so intricately that its news spread far and across the globe. Soon enough, pearls from Dubai were getting traded as far as India, Sri Lanka, Venice, and Rome.

The money generated from the trade played a massive role in laying the foundational bricks for Dubai’s strong economy. As the money from it was good, it inspired people to move to the coastal towns of Dubai even more. This stands as a perfect testament to even today, as the city, and by extension, the UAE serves as a safe haven for rich families.

Today, only traces of the traditional methods of pearl fishing exist. But its contribution towards strengthening the backbone of the city’s economy can never be forgotten. As the industry slowly started collapsing by the early 1900s, some locals have ingrained its existence till date and nurture and protect the age-old practices to keep history alive.

Independence from Abu Dhabi

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have an intertwining history and it goes deeper than just being fellow emirates of the UAE. Back when the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas clan took control of Abu Dhabi in 1793, Dubai became dependent on Abu Dhabi. But, things would soon go awry and trouble ensued as after a series of tribal feuds, members of the Al Bu Falasah tribe settled down in Dubai after seceding from Abu Dhabi.

This exodus from Abu Dhabi was done under the guidance of His Highness Maktoum bin Butti bin Suhail and Obeid bin Said bin Rashid, both of whom eventually became the joint leaders of Dubai. This led to the independence of Dubai from Abu Dhabi in 1833 and the establishment of the Al Maktoum family’s monarchy of the city.

Tax Exemption

There is a common notion that the highly beneficial tax exemption rule of Dubai is a recent move to attract foreign investors to its soil. While it is true that the Government of Dubai is always walking on a healthy path to foster positive relations with foreign nations, the roots of tax exemption go over a century back.

Dubai granted complete tax exemption to all foreign traders back in 1894. This was a massive path-breaking move that quickly reached the ears of the world as foreign traders started entering the city in huge influx. Today, Dubai’s foreign property investors stem from all nationalities.

The favorable business conditions of the city were accelerated furthermore with this move and it laid the groundwork for it to become a bona fide global power. Traders, workers, and investors across the globe witnessed the endless possibilities and the promise of a bright future in this city and have since then never ceased investing in it.

Discovery of Oil Mines

Dubai’s fate would forever change for good when oil was first discovered at the offshore Fateh field in 1966. No one could have predicted the impact this would have on the economy of the city and how it would change the dynamics of the city’s relationship with the world forever.

In 1969, the city started exporting oil and by 1972, oil drilling exploration wells began their operations. The oil revenue has massively helped in the development of the infrastructure of the city. A lot of focus was also put into place to develop programs that contribute to the upliftment of the quality of life of the people of the city through the oil revenues.

The oil refineries significantly put Dubai on the world map and it quickly became the face of oil reserves to the world, increasing its value to contribute to the world economy forever. As it cemented its legacy of oil reserves, the world soon started realizing the emergence of a superpower.

Uniting to form the UAE

On December 2, 1971, Dubai, along with five other emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain joined hands to reach an agreement to form a federation known as the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah joined as the seventh emirate the following year. Meanwhile, Bahrain and Qatar established themselves as separate nations.

Ever since then, all seven emirates, despite their distinct personalities, have been united by a single distinct national identity. This formation gave Dubai a guiding umbrella and the political systems of the nation ensured proper maintenance of the heritage of each emirate. The perfect coming together of celebrating traditional values with modern infrastructural development has resulted in the development of all the seven emirates and the nation at large.

To Conclusion

Dubai has come a very long way from its humble beginnings. What used to be a mangrove swarm has now transformed into a gigantic global economic power. Looking back at its history, one can’t help but get inspired. Its perseverance has prevailed over centuries and has strengthened its foundation which has resulted in it becoming a force to be reckoned with.

From date palm plantation that has become one of the most recognizable food items of the nation to the iconic pearl fishing industry, Dubai’s history is marked with some fascinating tales as you can notice from the aforementioned cool facts about Dubai. The city continues to evolve and never stops striving to be the best, and that is why, the spirit of Dubai is a remarkable one.

FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions about Dubai

Dubai is in which country and continent?

Dubai is located in the country of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the continent of Asia.

Where is Dubai on the map?

Dubai is located on the Persian Gulf Coast of the UAE. On the map, it has Sharjah on the northeast, Abu Dhabi in the south, and the Sultanate of Oman on its southeast side. On the larger spectrum, the city is located in western Asia, in the Middle East.

When was Dubai built?

The roots of Dubai can be traced back to 3,000 BCE. But it wasn’t until the 19th century that it was developed as a fishing village. Since 1833, the city has been ruled by the Al Maktoum family.

When did Dubai start developing?

Although pearl fishing brought immense strength to the economy of Dubai, the city started its massive development in the 1960s with the discovery of oil rigs. The late His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, a founder of the UAE, and former ruler of Dubai started transforming the city as we know it today after the discovery of oil and the city has never looked back since then.

What is the area of Dubai?

Dubai covers an area of 4,114 sq. km., and it comprises 5% of the UAE excluding the islands. It is also the second largest emirate of the UAE, after Abu Dhabi.

What is the population of Dubai?

As per the Dubai Statistics Center (DSC), the population of Dubai as of August 2024 was estimated to be 3,768,467.

What makes Dubai unique?

What makes Dubai unique is that it perfectly amalgamates the best of so many worlds. With natural landscape beauty, it checks the box of being a vibrant tourist destination. Its architectural dominance has made it a real estate hub. Its booming economy draws people around the world in search of employment.

The dynamic retail industry has made it the shopping capital of the world. Not to forget, it also celebrates multiculturalism like no other place in the world. All in all, Dubai is one of the most wholesome places to live.

How old is Dubai?

Although Dubai has existed for centuries, it was officially founded in 1833.

When was Dubai founded?

Dubai was founded on June 9, 1833.

When did Dubai become popular?

Dubai started getting the attention of the world in the 1960s with the discovery of oil mines in the city.

When was Dubai discovered?

The earliest mention of Dubai has been noted in the Book of Geography by Andalusian-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah Al Bakri back in 1095.

When was Dubai established?

Dubai was established on June 9, 1833.