A Brief history of Dubai

A trip to Dubai transports you on a journey through time.

Although the early history of the area is not very well documented, archeological discoveries suggest that, as back as four thousand years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai.

It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbour afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

 In recent years, archeologists have unearthed hundreds of artifacts, including pottery, weapons and coinage, that point to civilised settlements dating back to the third millennium B.C.
These historic finds have been carefully preserved and are now permanently housed in the Archeological Section of Dubai Museum.
Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830’s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was settled by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.

By the late 1870’s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, by the turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia.

Pearling which was the mainstay of the city’s prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1940’s. But Dubai’s enterprising merchants bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other historic monuments, which are on the itineraries of many organized tours.

Archaeological Sites

There are four main excavation site in Dubai, at Al Qusais, Al Sufooh, Jumeirah and Hatta.

The first two are graveyards dating back more than 2,000 years.

The Jumeirah site reveals artifacts from the 7th to 15th centuries AD.

These sites are not yet open to the public. However tourists or tour operators may obtain a special permit from Dubai Museum to visit the digs.

Bur Dubai Creekside

The buildings lining the Bur Dubai side of the Creek provided the main panorama of the old city.

The traditional facades of these buildings have been restored to their original state, with wooden windows, decorative gypsum panels and screens.

Clothing and Jewelry

The Arab national dress worn in Dubai is well adapted to the high temperatures of the region.

The white ankle-length, loose-fitting garment worn by men is known as the Kandoura or Dishdasha, while the women’s black long-sleeved full-length robe is called an abayah. Headcoverings, are used by both sexes for protection from sand and the midday sun. Like women everywhere, the women of Dubai too have a fondness for jewelry and have customarily adorned themselves with gold and silver necklaces, forehead decorations, earrings, bracelets, anklets and rings for fingers, noses and even toes. Henna- a reddish dye obtained from powdered leaves-is widely used to stain the palms and soles of the feet for weddings and other special occasions.

Traditional Culture and Lifestyle

Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, providing a strength and inspiration that touches all aspects of everyday life.

Virtually every neighborhood has its own mosque, where the faithful congregate for prayer five times every day.

One of the largest and most beautiful -Jumeirah Mosque- is a spectacular example of modern Islamic architecture. Built of stone in medieval Fatimid style, the mosque is particularly attractive at night when subtle lighting throws its artistry into sharp relief.

Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Holy Quran, is the holy month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food and drink from dawn to dusk.

Courtesy and hospitality, are among the most highly prized of virtues in the Arab world, and visitors will be charmed by the warmth and friendliness of the people.