Dubai suffered economically after 1920 due to the collapse of the pearl industry, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and the loss of extensive trade networks during World War II. Until the surge of oil revenues in the late 1960s, political instability and merchant unrest existed and constituted an organized attempt to subvert British control and the ruling Al-Maktoum family. African slavery was practiced until the 1960s. The uprising of 1938 in Dubai was the culmination of a decade of grievances and minor rebellions against the autocratic rule of Shaykh Sa'id bin Maktum (ruled 1912-58). In the 1930s the Trucial Coast was characterized by great poverty resulting primarily from a decline in the pearl trade. Much of the initiative for reform sprang from an attempt to ameliorate economic conditions—the leaders of the movement having previously been successful pearl merchants. The new government established in October 1938 lasted only a few months before Shaykh Sa'id with Bedouin support was able to overthrow it in March 1939. The collapse of the reform movement is attributable to the role played by British agents and the weakness of the political structure that was set up.[36]

1. DUBAI THE WORLDS MOST
COSMOPOLITAN CITY
The firsthuman settlementinthe historyofDubai wasin approximately3000 BCE, whenthe areawas
inhabitedby nomadiccattle herders.Inthe 3rdcenturyCE, the area came underthe control of the
SassanidEmpire whichlasteduntil the 7thcentury,whenthe UmayyadCaliphate tookcontrol and
introduced Islaminthe area.The area was sustainedby fishingandpearl divingforathousandyears,
withthe firstrecordsof the townbeingmade in1799 whenthe Bani Yas clan establisheditasa
dependencyof AbuDhabi.Dubai became aseparate Sheikhdomin1833, whenthe Al-Maktoumdynasty
of the Bani Yas clan (initiallyfrom AbuDhabi) tookitoverpeacefully.The inventionof artificial pearlsin
1926 and the Great Depression in1929 causeda collapse inthe international pearl market,which
resultedin SheikhSaeed lookingforanalternative source of income andDubai becomingone of the
leadingre-exportportsinthe world.In1966, oil was discoveredinDubai,whichchangedthe country
beyondrecognitionandledtoDubai becomingthe vibrant,modern,business-centredcity-state itis
today.
7000 BCE - 7th century[edit]
Records of the area where the emirate of Dubai is situated are very rare for any period before the
18th century.
During the expansion of the Sheikh Zayed Road between 1993 and 1998, remnants of a
mangrove swamp were uncovered which were dated to approximately 7000 BCE.[1]
It is thought
that by about 3000 BCE, the coastline had moved seaward sufficiently towards the present-day
coastline and the area became covered in sand.[2]
As it became more inhabitable, Nomadic cattle herders used the area to live and herd in.[3]
The
date palm began to be grown locally in 2500 BCE, and was the first instance of the land being
used for agricultural purposes.[4]
The herders worshipped the god Bajir[5]
and various evidence
suggests links to the mysterious Magan civilisation, who it is thought controlled the copper trade
of this part of the ancient world, and of which there are archaeological sites in Bahrain.[4]
For the next about 2000–2700 years there are no more details, probably because of the
desertification, insignificance, and remoteness of the area, until the area came part of the "Maka"
satrapy, the southern most satrapy of the Achaemenid Empire, and followed by the Sassanian
Empire, the last pre-Islamic Iranian Empire,[6]
several hundred years later in the 3rd century CE.[7]
Recent excavations of the Jumeirah area of Dubai have unearthed a 6th-century caravan
station[8][9]
suggesting the area was sparsely inhabited during this period.
7th century - 1800[edit]

2. The Umayyads[10]
regarded as the first Muslim dynasty,[11]
introduced Islam to the area in the 7th
century and sparked the revitalization of the area, opening up trade routes supported by fishing
and pearl diving to eastern regions such as modern-day Pakistan and India, with reports of ships
travelling as far as China to trade.[12]
The earliest written mention of the area of Dubai was in
1095, by Abū 'Ubayd 'Abd Allāh al-Bakrī, in his Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al belaad wal
Mawadhea,[13]
in which he describes many places of the world compiled from other accounts of
them.[14]
It was not until 1799 that the town had its first record.[15]
However the Venetian Gaspero
Balbi, a renowned pearl merchant,[16]
when visiting in 1580, remarked on the area and how many
Venetians were working there in the pearl industry.[17][18]
1800 - 1966[edit]
1800 - 1912[edit]
In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa dynasty (part of the House of Al-Falasi)[19]
of the
Bani Yas tribe established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833.[20]
On 8
January 1820, the sheikh of Dubai and other sheikhs in the region signed the "General Maritime
Peace Treaty" with the British government, which aimed to end plundering and piracy in the
region and was the first formal denunciation of the slave trade in history.[21]
However, in 1833,
the Al Maktoum dynasty (also descendants of the House of Al-Falasi) of the Bani Yas tribe left
the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over Dubai from the Abu Falasa clan without resistance,
led by Maktoum bin Butti,[22]
the founder of the present day al-Maktoum dynasty. In 1841 the
town was hit by a devastating smallpox outbreak which forced many to relocate east to the town
of Deira, Dubai.[23]
In 1853, in an attempt to further halt the endemic piracy, the British signed
another truce, agreeing to stay out of administration of the region in return for a reduction in
piracy. This also had the side effect of the area becoming known as the Trucial States.[24]
Then in
1894, a fire swept through Deira, burning down most of the homes,[25]
however perfect
geographical positioning and thriving business enabled the rebuilding of the city. The success of
the area led Sheikh Maktoum to sign an exclusive business deal with the British in 1892, making
Dubai a British protectorate, and in 1894, granted full tax exemption for all foreign traders.[26]
By
1903, the Sheikh had succeeded in convincing a major British steamship line to make Dubai a
port of call. Merchants from Lingah looked across to the Arab shore of the Persian Gulf finally
making their homes in Dubai. They continued to trade with Lingah, however, as do many of the
dhows in Dubai Creek today, and they named their district Bastakiya, after the Bastak region in
southern Persia.[27]
At this time, almost a quarter of the population was foreign,[28]
which seems
trivial when compared to the 90% it is today.[29]
1912 - 1944[edit]
After various rulers, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum who became Ruler in
1912,[30]
was the first Ruler to rule for a substantial period of time and is regarded by many as one
of the fathers of Dubai.[31]
The times of prosperity thanks to the pearl industry continued solidly
through until the Great Depression of 1929. The emergence of artificial pearls had begun to hit
the economy of Dubai, and coupled with the effects of the depression caused the Sheikh to
explore other opportunities for expansion.[32]
In 1929, he was briefly deposed and succeeded by
Sheikh Mani bin Rashid, an relative,[33]
however three days later he was restored to the throne and

3. ruled until his death. This resulted in the emergence of Dubai as the premier re-export business
port, whereby goods are imported into a duty-free port and immediately exported to another
market.[34]
Dubai has the main entrepôt in the Persian Gulf and the busiest trading port since 1900, with
commerce being the main source of revenue for the emirate. The merchant class in Dubai played
a key role in restructuring the economy and government decision-making in the pre-oil era of
Dubai's development. Today merchants play a fundamental role in economic affairs and the
political structure. In addition, again they have taken on roles as service suppliers, urban
planners, culture mediators, and internationalists representing the region throughout the world.[35]
Dubai suffered economically after 1920 due to the collapse of the pearl industry, the Great
Depression of the 1930s, and the loss of extensive trade networks during World War II. Until the
surge of oil revenues in the late 1960s, political instability and merchant unrest existed and
constituted an organized attempt to subvert British control and the ruling Al-Maktoum family.
African slavery was practiced until the 1960s. The uprising of 1938 in Dubai was the
culmination of a decade of grievances and minor rebellions against the autocratic rule of Shaykh
Sa'id bin Maktum (ruled 1912-58). In the 1930s the Trucial Coast was characterized by great
poverty resulting primarily from a decline in the pearl trade. Much of the initiative for reform
sprang from an attempt to ameliorate economic conditions—the leaders of the movement having
previously been successful pearl merchants. The new government established in October 1938
lasted only a few months before Shaykh Sa'id with Bedouin support was able to overthrow it in
March 1939. The collapse of the reform movement is attributable to the role played by British
agents and the weakness of the political structure that was set up.[36]
1945 - 1958[edit]
A dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi regarding their border escalated into armed conflict
between the two states, with Dubai attacking a number of Abu Dhabi towns in the country's
interior. Arbitration by the British in 1949 resulted in the creation of a buffer frontier running
south eastwards from the coast at Ras Hasian. A formal compromise was not reached until 1979,
eight years after the creation of the UAE.
1958 - 1966[edit]
In 1958, upon the death of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum,[37]
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al
Maktoum became Ruler. Rashid al Maktoum is widely regarded as the driving force behind the
expansion of Dubai, causing its massive expansion, with the aid of the discovery of oil.[38][39]
The
dredging of Dubai Creek in 1963,[40]
enabling any vessel to dock at the port, caused the gold re-
export market to take off, ensuring Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was able to begin the building
of vital infrastructure in partnership with the British.[41]
Since the beginning, Dubai was
constantly at odds with Abu Dhabi. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi on
their northern border erupted into war between the two states[42][43]
and forced the involvement of
the British and the subsequent creation of a buffer zone which resulted in a temporary
ceasefire.[44]
However, border disputes between the emirates continued even after the formation
of the UAE and it was only in 1979 that a formal compromise was reached that ended hostilities

4. between the two states,[45]
by allowing Abu Dhabi the control of the rest of the UAE, while
leaving Dubai to rule many of its own affairs, especially when related to trade.
1966 - Present Day[edit]
Discovery of oil[edit]
The major turning point in the history and fortunes of Dubai was the discovery of oil in 1966.[46]
Coupled with the joining of the newly independent country of Qatar and Dubai to create a new
currency, the Riyal,[47]
after the devaluation of the Persian Gulf rupee which had been issued by
the Government of India,[48]
it enabled Dubai to rapidly expand and grow. Once the first shipment
of oil was made in 1969, the future of Dubai as an autonomous state was secured,[49]
and its
ability to dictate policy in later years to the UAE was cemented.
Formation of the UAE[edit]
Britain left the Persian Gulf in the early part of 1971, having announced their intentions in 1968,
causing Dubai and Abu-Dhabi, in conjunction with five other emirates to form the United Arab
Emirates.[50]
Dubai and Abu-Dhabi ensured in the negotiations that between them they could
control the country effectively, enabling even greater expansion as seen today. In 1973, Dubai
joined the other emirates, in introducing the UAE dirham, the uniform currency of the UAE.[51]
Dubai and Abu Dhabi between them now hold the majority of control in the UAE, which was
part of their conditions for joining. To enable this, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are the only emirates
who have veto power over matters of national importance, whereas the other emirates only have
a vote on such matters.[52]
In addition to this, Dubai is represented by eight members on the
Federal National Council, of whom there are forty in total.[53]
Dubai and Ras al Khaimah are the
only two states who retain their own judicial courts, whilst the others are part of the federal
justice system of the UAE.[54]
The Jebel Ali Free Zone was introduced in 1979, providing
companies with unrestricted import of labour and export of capital, which helped to jumpstart the
influx of global companies seen today.[55]
1990 - present day[edit]
The current Emir, Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum
The death of Sheikh Rashid al-Maktoum resulted in the accession of Sheikh Maktoum bin
Rashid Al Maktoum to the throne. The Persian Gulf War of 1990, in which Dubai as part of the
UAE provided military aid to the coalition, unsettled the economy,[56]
however during the middle
of the 1990s this stabilised and many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to
Dubai. Dubai continued to foster political alignment with the western world & during the 2003
Invasion of Iraq, they provided refueling bases to allied forces in the Jebel Ali free zone as they
did during the Persian Gulf War.[57]
Global increases in oil prices allowed Dubai to focus on rapid
development of key infrastructure. The success of the Jebel Ali free zone caused the
development of clusters of new free zones, including Dubai Internet City,[58]
an internet
technology area with ownership & tax related benefits, Dubai Media City[59]
a tax-free zone to

5. increase Dubai's presence in the worldwide media and Dubai Maritime City,[60]
which will have
many facilities, including waterfronts & harbours. In the past decades, Dubai has become known
for its successful building projects, including the Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest freestanding
hotel,[61]
The Palm Islands, a construction of three artificial islands in the shape of the date
palm,[62]
on which residential & commercial property will be built and The World Islands, a
massive man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of the world,[63]
and Burj Khalifa,
which is the world's tallest man-made structure.[64]
In 2006, upon the death of Sheikh Maktoum
al-Maktoum, his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum became Emir, having been
de facto ruler for a decade & is also credited with helping to force Dubai's rapid expansion.[65]
The economic depression has hit Dubai extremely hard,[66][67]
due to its dependence on tourism
and building which has led to many newspaper reports of construction slowing and in some cases
stopping altogether.[68][69][70]
In an effort to combat the recession, Dubai has announced various tax
cutting measures to incentivise businesses in the region.[71]
Dubai has also been in the news for its attitudes towards adultery, which are seen as harsh in the
Western World, with cases forcing the intervention of some governments to help its citizens.[72]
Future[edit]
Despite the international turmoil over the cost of oil, Dubai is already considered to be the Hong
Kong of the Middle East.[73][74]
When the world's oil supply runs out and/or it's no longer needed,
Dubai would survive in a new oil-free world unlike Riyadh.[73][74]
Commercial activity in the
Dubai region would simply grow instead of wither because Dubai was a major trading center
centuries before oil was known to even exist.[74]
The emirate's trade access with Iran is similar to
Hong Kong's trade with the People's Republic of China due to Iran being ostracized by the
majority of the Western world.[74]
During the 21st century, Dubai may have to implement policies that move away from
globalization and toward localization to conserve their energy resources, provide local jobs to
citizens of the United Arab Emirates instead of foreign citizens, and maintain their local
decision-making authority. Zoning policies would be adjusted by Dubai's municipal government
to promote resource conservation and eliminate sprawl.[75][76]
Disputes[edit]
In addition to the long running dispute between Abu-Dhabi & Dubai, Dubai was also involved in
a dispute with Sharjah with regards to their legal boundaries. Before the British left, there were
no exact boundaries defined between the Trucial States, however with the discovery of oil
needing boundaries to be decided for concession reasons, Britain was required to define the
boundaries. After Julian Walker, a British official (later the British political agent) had surveyed
the area, Mr. Tripp, the British political agent, made declarations between 1956 and 1957
defining the boundaries. Although the rulers of both Dubai and Sharjah had agreed in 1954 to
accept the rulings made, Dubai's ruler declined to accept the decision.

6. Some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Maktoum Family, settled at
the mouth of the creek in 1833. The creek was a natural harbour and Dubai soon
became a center for the fishing, pearling and sea trade.
By the turn of the 20th century Dubai was a successful port. The souk (Arabic for
market) on the Deira side of the creek was the largest on the coast with 350 shops
and a steady throng of visitors and businessmen. By the 1930s Dubai's population
was nearly 20,000, a quarter of whom were expatriates.
In the 1950s the creek began to silt, a result perhaps of the increasing number of
ships that used it. The late Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, decided to have the waterway dredged. It was an ambitious, costly, and
visionary project. The move resulted in increased volumes of cargo handling in
Dubai. Ultimately it strengthened Dubai's position as a major trading and re-export
hub.
When oil was discovered in 1966, Sheikh Rashid utilized the oil revenues to spur
infrastructure development in Dubai. Schools, hospitals, roads, a modern
telecommunications network … the pace of development was frenetic. A new port
and terminal building were built at Dubai International Airport. A runway extension
that could accommodate any type of aircraft was implemented. The largest man-
made harbor in the world was constructed at Jebel Ali, and a free zone was created
around the port.
Dubai's formula for development was becoming evident to everyone – visionary
leadership, high-quality infrastructure, an expatriate-friendly environment, zero tax
on personal and corporate income and low import duties. The result was that Dubai
quickly became a business and tourism hub for a region that stretches from Egypt
to the Indian sub-continent and from South Africa to what are now called the CIS
countries.
Since the 1960s, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, then ruler of Abu Dhabi, and
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum had dreamed of creating a federation of the
Emirates in the region. Their dreams were realized in 1971 when Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah, joined to
create the United Arab Emirates.
Under the late Sheikh Zayed, the first President of UAE, the UAE has developed into
one of the richest countries in the world with a per capita GDP in excess of
US$17,000 per annum.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, Dubai took a strategic decision to emerge as a major
international-quality tourism destination. Investments in tourism infrastructure
have paid off handsomely over the years.
Dubai is now a city that boasts unmatchable hotels, remarkable architecture and
world-class entertainment and sporting events. The beautiful Burj Al Arab hotel
presiding over the coastline of Jumeira beach is the world's only hotel with a seven

7. star rating. The Emirates Towers are one of the many structures that remind us of
the commercial confidence in a city that expands at a remarkable rate. Standing
350 meters high, the office tower is the tallest building in the Middle East and
Europe.
Dubai also hosts major international sporting events. The Dubai Desert Classic is a
major stop on the Professional Golf Association tour. The Dubai Open, an ATP
tennis tournament, and the Dubai World Cup, the world's richest horse race, draw
thousands every year.
It has changed dramatically in the last fifty years, but Dubai’s history
goes back to prehistoric times
Dubai enjoys a rich heritage, with Dubai history going back to prehistoric times, although the Emirate itself
is much more modern. The biggest changes in the history of Dubai have come since the discovery of oil
fifty years ago.
Early Dubai history
3000 BC: When Dubai history could be said to have begun. Archaeological evidence points to the area
having been settled from at least the Bronze Age.
5th - 7th centuries AD: Jumeirah was a trade route caravan station linking Oman with what is now Iraq.
Livelihoods were based on fishing, boat-building and pearling.
16th century: European influence began with Portuguese interest in the area's trade routes.
18th – 20th century Dubai history
1793: The Bani Yas tribe assumed political power and settled in Abu Dhabi. Dubai later became a
dependency. This period of Dubai history was beset with many tribal wars.
1820: Britain negotiated the first of many maritime truces with local rulers. This led to the area being
dubbed the Trucial Coast.
1833: Maktoum Bin Butti of the Bani Yas tribe settled on the Shindagha Peninsula at the mouth of the
Creek, declaring the town's independence from Abu Dhabi. His dynasty still rules Dubai today.
1870s: Dubai became the principal port on the Gulf coast, with pearling the mainstay of the city's
prosperity.
1902: The welcome migration of Iranian traders and Arab settlers to Dubai following the introduction of
heavy taxes on Iran's Lingeh port. Dubai's trade has never looked back.

8. Early 20th century Dubai History
Overseas and domestic trade flourished, and Dubai boasted the largest souks in Arabia.
1950s: Oil discovered in the Trucial States.
1960s: The Indian and Pakistani population of Dubai grows, breathing new life into the textile market and
increasing trade from the Indian subcontinent.
Modern Dubai history
1966: A milestone in Dubai history. Oil is discovered in Dubai's Fateh Oil field.
1971: The United Arab Emirates was formed for mutual security and prosperity and joined the Arab
League. Dubai International Airport opened.
1979: Jebel Ali port opened. Dubai World Trade Centre opened – the city's first high-rise, paving the way
for a string of other ambitious architectural projects.
1985: Emirates airline launched. Jebel Ali Free Zone inaugurated, attracting considerable overseas
investment.
1996: Dubai World Cup held for the first time. Dubai Shopping Festival launched.
1999: Burj Al-Arab opened and hailed as the world's only seven-star hotel.
2002: Sheikh Mohammed launches Internet and Media cities and private ownership for foreigners laying
the foundations for “New Dubai”.
2003: Ambitious projects began, including the world's tallest tower, and 200 man-made islands.
2006: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum becomes Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the
UAE.
2009: Emirates Terminal 3 and the Metro is launched to accommodate increasing air and road traffic.
2010: Burj Khalifa became the tallest man-made structure on earth.
Everything about Dubai is superlative
The words ‘first, tallest, deepest, most expensive, lavish, outlandish’ could have been created for this city.
Where else would you find a seven-star hotel, visit a series of 200 man-made islands in the shape of the
countries of the world, or climb the world’s tallest building?

9. Amidst all this modernity, as you head from a swim in the sea or a business meeting to designer
boutiques, a round of golf or a top teppanyaki restaurant, the age-old souks still attract those who like to
haggle. And yet only a few kilometres into the magnificent desert there are still camels roaming free.
There is a vibrant and cosmopolitan air about Dubai, for instance the way the traditional abra boats carry
a kaleidoscope of tourists side by side with sari-wrapped Indians and locals sporting spotless dishdashas.
Outside of Dubai life is more traditional and moves at a slightly slower pace. As you explore the barren
beauty of the mountains, or go about the UAE’s East coast beaches you will find people friendly and
willing to chat, even when lacking a common language.
Dubai Facts
Everything about Dubai from what to wear to when to go and what to take. Get more
information
Dubai culture and tradition
Discover all you need to know about Dubai and Muslim traditions. Get more information
Dubai history
It has changed dramatically in the last fifty years, but Dubai’s history goes back to prehistoric
times. Get more information

10. Explore Dubai
How to get about Dubai, whether it is by car, bus, foot or metro. Get more information
Emirates celebrates the DubaiWorld Expo 2020 win
 Home

 Destinations
 Expo 2020
On Wednesday, 27th November, our home city of Dubai erupted in celebration as it won its bid to host
the World Expo 2020. As Premier Partners of the Expo 2020 bid team, we’re excited at this fantastic
opportunity to show the world what an innovative and dynamic city Dubai is. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed
bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline & Group, described the win as a
‘momentous milestone’.
What is the World Expo?
The event is held every five years over six months, attracting millions of visitors to explore new
innovations, ideas, scientific and technological advances. The World Expo gives a boost to new and
current industry and ultimately aims to bring about global change.

11. The winning theme, titled Connecting minds, creating the future, will turn the spotlight on Dubai as the city
hosts a forum to discuss important global issues such as sustainability, mobility and opportunity. At
Emirates, we share the passion for connecting people around the world to share ideas, cultures and
experiences and we’re proud to be part of the bid.
This will be the first time the event has been held in the Middle East. With such a multicultural society,
there has never been a more fitting place to host the World Expo than Dubai, arguably the crossroads of
the world
Dubai History
A description of Dubai's current cultural lifestyle, religion and language, as well as a summary of the
city's historical past - see bottom of page
Dubai Culture
Culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form UAE National's lifestyles. It is highly
important that when tourists visit Dubai they must respect and behave suitably, as the minority group
of Emiratis are very protective over their culture and traditions.
Dubai is famously known as the entertainment capital of the Middle East which attracts many party
lovers from all over the world, especially those who are wealthy enough to splash out on the most
expensive bars and clubs in the city. With Dubai promoting such an image, it still forbids the
nationals that practice Islam to indulge in any of the entertaining services offered. In that respect
these services are often located in the more touristy areas rather than in residential parts.
Alcohol is not forbidden in Dubai, as long as it is confined within an area like a hotel, bar or
nightclub. Residents are free to drink in their own homes as long as they have an alcohol licence

12. issued by the municipality. It is illegal to drink in the street or in public places. Pork is also available
for the consumption of visitors and expatriates.
It is advised that visitors and expatriates do not flaunt their Western culture habits in the streets,
where they can be viewed by nationals who may find it offensive. There have been various
complaints in the past by nationals who have expressed their views through the media about their
home-land being taken over by the Western world.
Having said this, it does not mean the locals are against foreigners visiting Dubai, it is just common
courtesy to respect your hosts. Emiratis are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and they
are very generous when offering refreshments to guests.
Emiratis tend to dress in their traditional clothes influenced by their Islamic belief. Most men prefer
the traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirt-dress), with ghutra (a white headdress) and
agal (a rope worn to keep the ghutra in place). The Emirati women tend to wear an abaya (a long
black cloak), which is worn over conservative clothes, with a sheyla or hijab (a scarf used to wrap
around the face and head).
Expatriates and visitors are advised to dress appropriately; trousers or a dress should be worn to
cover below the knee, when circulating the city, especially at historical sites. However, they can wear
what they wish when they are in a hotel, bar or club and swim wear is tolerated by the pool or at the
beach.
Normally tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beauty Dubai has to offer.
Photographs of government buildings, military installations, ports and airports should not be taken.
Like anywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people, especially an Emirati
woman.

13. Religion
The most religious time of the year in Dubai, is the fast of Ramadan, which lasts approximately for
one month. This is when Muslims fast during day-light hours to fulfil the fourth pillar of Islam.
Tourists must be aware that during this period, eating, drinking and smoking is not permitted in
public during the day, although some restaurants blackout their windows to allow people to consume
in private. Also bars will not serve alcohol before 7pm and clubs are shut as no loud music is
allowed. The UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice the religion of Islam.
For example, the huge Arab population in Dubai includes many from Lebanon that can be of
Christian faith and they are freely allowed to follow their own religion as long as they do not publicly
distribute their literature. This also applies to any other non-Muslim expatriates.
Once in the city of Dubai you are surrounded by many mosques and the call of prayer will be heard
frequently. The city also accommodates other religious places of worship, such as churches and
Temples
The government follows a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and Polytheist and in practice,
interferes very little with their religious activities.
Dubai is the only emirate that has Hindu temples and a Sikh gurudwara. The Meena Bazaar area of
the city has both a Shiva and Krishna temple. Both are believed to be sanctioned by the late ruler of
Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electric crematorium run by a group of
Indian expatriates. Furthermore, in early 2001, ground was broken for the construction of several
additional churches on a parcel of land in Jebel Ali donated by the government of Dubai for four
Protestant congregations and a Catholic congregation. Construction on the first Greek Orthodox
Church in Dubai (to be called St. Mary's) is due for completion in 2008/9, with the help of General
Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister, who
donated a plot of land in Jebel Ali.

14. Language
The official language of the country is Arabic, however most people in and out of the workplace
communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai and therefore English
finds common ground with most people. The majority of road, shop signs, and restaurant menus etc.
are in both English and Arabic.
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Historical Time-Line leading to the rise of Dubai
1830: The small fishing settlement of Dubai is taken over by a segment of the Bani Yas tribe from
the Liwa Oasis, led by the Maktoum family who still, interestingly, rule the emirate today.
1892: Foreign traders are drawn into Dubai due to the declaration that they will be exempt from tax,
the population doubles and the pearling industry is now booming.
1930-1940: The recession hits Dubai’s pearl industry which falls into decline leading to social
pressures and feuds between the royals.
1958: Sheikh Rashid officially becomes the ruler of Dubai after his father’s death.
1959: The Emir of Kuwait lends Sheik Rahid millions of dollars to renovate the Creek so it can
accommodate large ships in order to develop Dubai’s reputation as being a major trading hub.

15. 1966: Dubai discovers its own oil, attracting traders to settle in Dubai which in turn enhances
economic growth.
1968: Dubai begins exporting crude oil and petro-dollars rush in.
1973: The Dirham becomes the offical unit of currency in Dubai.
1980: Dubai’s annual oil income decreases to US$3.
1985: The Emirates airline is established and Dubai plans its reinvention as a tourist destination.
1990: Sheik Maktoum takes over as the ruler of Dubai, due to his father, Sheik Rashid, passing away
during the first Gulf War.
1996: The Dubai shopping festival and the Dubai World Cup are launched and happen to become
very popular annual events.
1999: One of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab opens, enhancing Dubai’s reputation
further as a tourist destination.
2003: Dubai is recognised by The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, as a financial
hub. Also, at this time the property market in Dubai suddenly grows due to the introduction of
freehold properties.
2006: Sheik Mohammed becomes the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, as well as the
ruler of Dubai. He updates the Liberal policies of his Maktoum forefathers and develops Dubai
further, raising the city’s business profile .