Learn in detail how Dubai has grown from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis.

1. Dubai's Ancient Origins (3000 BC to 1700 AD)

The land on which Dubai now stands was once a vast mangrove swamp, which dried up completely and became habitable by 3000 BC. Nomads of the Bronze Age are said to have been the first to settle here, establishing a flourishing date palm plantation in 2500 BC and ushering in the era of farming in the land.

The farming civilization flourished for thousands of years, and then in the fifth century A.D., the area we now call Jumeirah, home to the beautiful beachfront restaurant, developed into a caravan station on the connecting trade routes. It is recorded that the word "Dubai" first appeared in 1095 in the Geography of the Andalusian Arab geographer Abdullah Al Bakri.

Other references to the word "Dubai" include the journal of the Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi, dating back to 1580. At that time, life was highly dependent on the fishing industry, pearl harvesting, shipbuilding, and the provision of food and lodging for merchants passing through the region selling gold, spices, and cloth.

Today, these goods are still sold in Dubai's bazaars and are perfect for taking home as souvenirs. The next milestone in the UAE's long history came in 1793, when the Bani Yas tribe settled in the country, making Abu Dhabi the political center and Dubai a dependency.

2. Dubai within the Walls and Independence (1800-1893)

In 1820, a maritime armistice was agreed upon between the British and the local rulers, after which trade routes were opened and commerce flourished. Dubai began to interact with the rest of the world continuously, and as a result, became a center for hosting important events. A milestone in Dubai's history came in 1833, when Maktoum bin Butti of the Baniyas tribe led his tribesmen onto the Shindagha Peninsula in Dubai Creek, settled on the island, and declared independence from Abu Dhabi. Since then, Dubai has become a fishing village.

3. Dubai enters the modern age and prospers (1894-present)

In 1894, the region's trade took a new step forward as new regulations exempted expatriates from taxation, leading to an influx of foreign workers into Dubai. Indian and Pakistani traders also came to Dubai because of the favorable business environment. This was a very successful period in Dubai's history, but it was still entirely dependent on fishing, trading, and diving for pearls. The vulnerability of the region's economy was exposed in the 1950s when Japan invented the artificial pearl, but the downturn didn't last long. In 1966, Dubai took a sudden and dramatic turn for the better—oil was discovered here. 

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed AlMaktoum drew on this resource to kick-start the development of Dubai, transforming the city from a small settlement near Dubai Creek into a modern port, metropolis, and commercial center. The vision of its leaders has enabled the UAE to push forward with social programs and the erection of grandiose skyscrapers. In just half a century, Dubai has continued to explore and develop, creating one modern architectural marvel after another.