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Dubai History - dda
Dubai History
The history of Dubai is a fascinating journey of transformation from a small fishing and pearling village to a global hub for trade, tourism, and innovation.Rooted in its rich cultural heritage, Dubai's story begins with early settlements along its shores, followed by the leadership of the Al Maktoum family, who played a pivotal role in shaping its current position. The city witnessed rapid growth with the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, and ambitious infrastructure projects undertaken by its leaders since then.
Prehistory Dubai
Archeologists found evidence suggesting that lands of Dubai were inhabited around 2500BC, during the period known as "Umm-Annar". The livelihood at that time relied heavily on fishing, pearl diving and boat building. Learn more on "Visit Dubai" website
To know more about archaeological finds in Dubai, visit the Saruq Al-Hadid Museum, which showcases the latest discoveries from a desert site that was a center for metalworking around 3,000 years ago. Read more about Saruq Al-Hadid Museum
Al Maktoum Family
Al Maktoum Family descends from Al Bu Falasah clan of the Bani Yas tribe, a highly respected and authoritative tribal federation that was the dominant power throughout most of what is now known as the UAE. In 1833, Al Maktoum Family reigned as rulers of Dubai. Under their leadership, Dubai flourished, thanks to their policies that promoted trade and welcomed expatriates. This progressive governance laid the foundation for Dubai's transformation into a global metropolis. Read more about he Ruling Family of Dubai
Foundation of Dubai
Dubai was formally founded when Al Maktoum Family established the fishing settlement of Dubai in 1833. The succession of rulers from Al Maktoum family led to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who took leadership of Dubai from 1958 to 1990. Sheikh Rashid was wise enough to foster an unparalleled prosperity in the emirate, transforming Dubai into a global urban area, a center for major international companies, tourist attraction, and economic affluence. Seven rulers from Al Maktoum Family ruled Dubai before Sheikh Rashid.
Historical Dubai was composed of three main districts: Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai, and Deira, with Al Shindagha being the oldest, the ruler's center, and the dwelling place for sailors and ship-owners. Read more
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Dubai and the UAE Union
Dubai played a pivotal role in the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Under the leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai actively participated in discussions with the then Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to unite all emirates into a single federation. Dubai hosted key meetings that shaped the UAE’s foundation, demonstrating its commitment to regional cooperation and unity.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum along with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan met on 18 February 1968, at Al Samha in today’s Abu Dhabi near the south-western boundary of Dubai. This was a historic meeting where Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid agreed to merge their respective emirates in a union and jointly conduct foreign affairs, defense, security and social services and adopt a common immigration policy.
In order to further strengthen the federation, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid also invited the Rulers of the five other Trucial States and Bahrain and Qatar to join in the negotiations for the formation of the union. From 25 to 27 February 1968, the Rulers of these nine states convened a constitutional conference in Dubai and formed an agreement of 11 points, which was the basis for efforts to establish the ‘Federation of the Arab Emirates’. Read about formation of the UAE Federation
On 18 July 1971, the rulers of six emirates met in Dubai and agreed to form the United Arab Emirates, while Ras Al Khaimah had yet to decide. The foundation of an independent, sovereign state was formally proclaimed on 2 December 1971, and after Ras al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972, the federation was complete with the inclusion of all the seven former Trucial States. Read more about the UAE History
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
The Late Sheikh Rashid, ruler of Dubai from 1958 to1990, was the eighth ruler from the Al Maktoum family. His leadership was marked by wisdom, a visionary outlook, laying the foundations for modern Dubai, and establishing sustainable development that his successors nurtured to make Dubai one of the most progressive and prosperous regions in the world.
Together with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid contributed to achievement of the dream of unity, which became a reality by announcing the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Read more
During the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai witnessed the launch of several major projects that many in society once considered impossible. These included Al Maktoum Hospital, the first modern hospital in what was then the Trucial States, as well as Al Maktoum Bridge and Dubai Airport. Additionally, he initiated key infrastructure projects that laid the foundation for Dubai’s transformation into a global city, including Port Rashid, Jebel Ali Port, and the Dubai World Trade Centre.
On 7 October 1990, Sheikh Rashid passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy visible in every aspect of Dubai. Read more
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