Dubai is a city which has everything for everyone from kids to adults. There are several shopping centres such as the Dubai Mall, which is the largest mall in the world, having its very own aquarium which has several species of fishes to watch. It is an experience you may not have had. The Burj Khalifa is said to be the tallest building in the world which rises to the height of 828 m with 163 floors out of which upto 154 floors are being used for resisential purposes. The Burj Khalifa also boasts of having the highest restaurant in the world, which is the Atmosphere. It is the best restaurant at such a great height offering delicious food and dining option.
Besides on special occasions, Dubai lights up wishing people on the holy month of Ramadan, Eid, and on occasions such as Indepence day of any country and is a sight to behold.
Beside the Burj Khalifa is the magical Dubai Fountain which is also one of the most famous tourist attractions here in Dubai, as you get to watch the music show at the fountain, as it dances around. Taking pictures here is something you should not miss out on because how else would you flex on your social media if you don’t take good pictures?
However, before Dubai became a hotshot destination for tourists, Dubai was almost a barren city which was quite dull, and you may not be able to imagine what this destination looked like before it epitomised the art of lavish living.
History Of Dubai
After some time, Bedounis, who were the Arabian Nomads of the Middle East, joined them and also settled there in small houses called Barastins.
The primary source of revenue generated for Dubai’s economy came from trade and oil exploration, and according to the history of Dubai, when the major chunk of revenue started to flow in 1969 through trade and oil, Dubai’s economy started to flourish. A major development in infrastructure was evident in the construction of hospitals, schools, and other architectural buildings, turning Dubai into a lavish city from a barren land.
Dubai Then And Now
Let’s see the developments that Dubai has seen and what exactly is the picture of Dubai then and now.
1. Dubai Marina
At present, you can enjoy the Dhow Cruise that sails through Dubai Marina and have the most luxurious cruise dining experience of your life.
2. Sheikh Zayed Road
3. Dubai Creek
The history of Dubai creek goes back to the time when the Yas Bani tribes settled here, however over the period of time, with development in infrastructure, Dubai Creek was modified and became a man-made stretch of water built solely to provide comfort to the people who travel on vessels.
As the Yas Bani Tribe was liberated from Abu Dhabi, they began to settle by the stream, and thus laid the groundwork for the Al Maktoum Dynasty.
Today Dubai Creek has divided the town into two parts that is Bur Dubai and Deira.
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4. Dubai Airport
In the late 1950’s, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, recognized the potential for Dubai as a major aviation hub, so the design and planning of the Dubai Airport began in the year 1960 led by William Pereira and Associates, a British architectural firm which led the construction of the Dubai Airport.
Over the span of time and over several decades, the construction of the airport began in phases.
Phase 1 started in the 1960s and involved the construction of a single runway, a terminal building, maintenance facilities, and a control tower. This phase ended in the year in the 1970s.
Phase 2 started in the 1980s Dubai saw an increase in the demand for flying overseas; the expansion work began with an additional terminal building, increased runways, and improved infrastructure, thus leading to the inauguration of Terminal 2 in 1998.
Phase 3 was in the 2000s when the demand grew rapidly, and more and more people were flying, leading to the construction of Terminal 3 and also the iconic Concourse B, in the year 2008.
Phase 4 was between 2010 to 2020, when expansion was on another level, leading to the construction of Concourse D, followed by Concourse A, as well as Concourse C, with other additional improvements.
As of now, the Airport has the finest terminal in the world.
5. Downtown Dubai
The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain and the iconic skyscraper Burj Khalifa which is also the tallest building in the world can be found in Downtown Dubai.
6. Deira Clock Tower
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7. Dubai World Trade Center
8. Jumeirah Mosque
The mosque was open to the public in the year 1979 and was a gift by Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum to the former ruler and also the father of the current ruler HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
It is said that the mosque can accommodate 1500 worshippers in one go and the design has been inspired by the mosques in Syria and Egypt.
9. Dubai Dhow Cruise
Today what looks like a stunning cruise was once a small boat that was only used for fishing from the creek, and now it is a popular spot for tourists to explore the creek and Dubai Marina.
That is how the history of Dubai has been shaped turning it from a small fishing village to lavish town which that has no limits to extravagance.
10. Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotels And Towers
The Sherton Dubai Creek Hotel was the first ever hotel built in Dubai, due to which, it is the most popular and reputed hotel in Dubai.
Conclusion
Go for adventure activities in Palm Jumeirah such as Sky diving for having the best sky diving experience over the Palms.
Who would have thought that what once looked like a small fishing village is now one of the most expensive cities in the world and is full of attractions and fun activities for you to explore.
So the best way to see this beautiful town is to take the next plane to Dubai as the Dubai season is here and the town is welcoming you with open arms, so I would say wait no more and visit Dubai this season.
Frequently Asked Questions On The History Of Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who were the native tribes of Dubai?
The Bani Yas Tribes are the first settlers of Dubai and are the native tribes of Dubai as well. The group of about 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe settled near the Dubai Creek as they were drawn towards the natural harbour formed by the creek flowing through Dubai. These tribes were later joined by the Bedounis, who were the Arabian nomads of the Middle East. These Arabian nomads settled near the creek in small houses called Barastins.
2. What role has oil played in the economy of Dubai?
Oil has played an important role in the history of Dubai and has been an essential element in transforming Dubai from the tiny fishing village to an extravagant town. Oil was first discovered here in the year 1966 at the offshore of the Fateh Field. The first shipment of oil that was exported was approximately 180 thousand barrels. Oil played an important role in generating revenue, and with more revenue coming to the town, more and more buildings and architectures were coming into place making Dubai what it is today.
3. What is the best tourist attraction in Dubai?
It’s a little hard to say which tourist attraction is the best, since the history of Dubai is so interesting in how all the tourist attractions have been constructed, from scratch. There are various tourist attractions including the Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium which is inside the Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, which puts up a great show, the Burj Khalifa, shopping places including various souks. But if we are to choose the best tourist attractions in Dubai then Downtoen Dubai is the best because it is one place where you can find more than three attractions which includes Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Fountain as well whose name has been etched in the history of Dubai.
4. Which is the main highway in Dubai?
Sheikh Zayed Road is the major and the most significant highway in Dubai, as it connects 7 emirates, covering a stretch of 558.4 km.