History of Dubai

The earliest written record of [[Dubai]] (''Dibei'') is accredited to [[Muhammad al-Idrisi]], who mapped the coast of the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] in the twelfth century AD. Around 1580, the state jeweler of Venice, [[Gasparo Balbi]], documented the pearling industry of Dubai and other cities currently presiding in UAE territory.<ref>{{Cite web|last=King|first=Geoffrey R.|title=The Coming of Islam and the Islamic Period in the UAE|url=http://www.uaeinteract.com/uaeint_misc/pdf/perspectives/03.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116151947/http://www.uaeinteract.com/uaeint_misc/pdf/perspectives/03.pdf|archive-date=January 16, 2013|access-date=December 1, 2020}}</ref> Though traditionally conservative, the UAE is one of the most liberal countries in the [[Persian Gulf|Gulf]], with other cultures and beliefs generally tolerated. Politically it remains authoritarian, however, relations with neighbouring Iran have been tense because of an ongoing territorial dispute over Gulf islands. The UAE was one of only three countries to recognise [[Taliban]] rule in Afghanistan.

Before oil was discovered in the 1950s the UAE's economy was dependent on fishing and a declining pearl industry. But since oil exports began in 1962, the country's society and economy have been transformed. The UAE has diversified and has become a regional trading and tourism hub, with UAE firms having invested heavily abroad.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-08-28 |title=United Arab Emirates country profile |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14703998 |access-date=2024-09-03 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Early history==

===7000 BCE – 7th Century=== Records of the area where the [[emirate]] and city of Dubai is situated are very rare for any period before the 18th century.<ref>{{cite book|title=Islamic Empires: Fifteen Cities That Define a Civilization|author=Justin Marozzi|date=September 3, 2019|publisher=Allen Lane|isbn=978-0-241-19904-6|page=338}}</ref>

During the expansion of the [[E 11 road UAE (United Arab Emirates)|Sheikh Zayed Road]] between 1993 and 1998, remnants of a [[mangrove]] swamp were uncovered which were dated to approximately 7000 BCE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solarnavigator.net/geography/dubai.htm|title=Dubai|publisher=Solar Navigator|access-date=29 May 2009}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uaeinteract.com/uaeint_misc/pdf_2006/English_2006/eyb4.pdf|title=United Arab Emirates Yearbook 2006|publisher=UAE Interact|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326030609/http://uaeinteract.com/uaeint_misc/pdf_2006/English_2006/eyb4.pdf|archive-date=26 March 2009}}</ref>

As it became more inhabitable, [[nomad]]ic cattle herders used the area to live and herd in.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/united-arab-emirates/uae-overview/history-of-the-uae.html|title=History of the UAE|publisher=Asia Rooms|access-date=29 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805060733/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/united-arab-emirates/uae-overview/history-of-the-uae.html|archive-date=5 August 2009|url-status=usurped}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}} The [[Phoenix dactylifera|date palm]] began to be grown locally in 2500 BCE, and was the first instance of the land being used for agricultural purposes.<ref name=lp>{{cite book|author=Terry Carter |author2=Lara Dunston |title=Dubai|publisher=Lonely Planet|date=15 September 2004|isbn=1-74059-761-3}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> The herders worshipped the god [[Bajir]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://guides.travelchannel.com/dubai/city-guides/historical-background |title=Dubai Historical Background |publisher=Travel Channel |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422075633/http://guides.travelchannel.com/dubai/city-guides/historical-background |archive-date=22 April 2008 }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}} and various evidence suggests links to the mysterious [[Majan (civilization)|Magan]] civilization, who it is thought controlled the copper trade of this part of the ancient world, and of which there are archaeological sites in Bahrain.<ref name=lp/>

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 southernmost satrapy of the [[Achaemenid Empire]], and followed by the [[Sassanian Empire]], the last pre-Islamic Iranian Empire,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iranchamber.com/history/sassanids/sassanids.php|title=History of Iran:Sassanid Empire|publisher=The Iran Chamber Society|access-date=30 May 2009}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> several hundred years later in the 3rd century CE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubai.com/v/attractions/|title=Attractions in Dubai|publisher=Dubai.com|access-date=30 May 2009}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> Recent excavations of the [[Jumeirah]] area of Dubai have unearthed a 6th-century caravan station<ref>{{cite web|url=http://propdubai.com/articles/22/index.php|title=Dubai:A short history|publisher=PropDubai|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090506070624/http://propdubai.com/articles/22/index.php|archive-date=6 May 2009}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhowpalacedubai.com/dcg.php |title=Dubai City Guide |publisher=Dhow Palace Dubai |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221135145/http://dhowpalacedubai.com/dcg.php |archive-date=21 February 2009 }}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> suggesting the area was sparsely inhabited during this period.

The [[Umayyad Caliphate|Umayyads]] introduced Islam to the area in the 7th century<ref>{{cite book|author=Ibrahim Abed, Peter Hellyer|title=United Arab Emirates, A New Perspective|url=https://archive.org/details/unitedarabemirat00vine|url-access=limited|publisher=Trident Press|date=21 June 2001|pages=[https://archive.org/details/unitedarabemirat00vine/page/n319 320]|isbn=1-900724-47-2}}</ref> and sparked the vitalization 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skidubai.com/dubai/history/|title=History of Dubai|publisher=Ski Dubai|access-date=30 May 2009}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> 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'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubairugby7s.com/about-dubai-rugby-sevens/about-dubai.html|title=About Dubai|publisher=Dubai Rugby Sevens|access-date=30 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009025310/http://www.dubairugby7s.com/about-dubai-rugby-sevens/about-dubai.html |archive-date=9 October 2008}} {{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> in which he describes many places of the world compiled from other accounts of them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamicspain.tv/Arts-and-Science/The-Culture-of-Al-Andalus/Geography.htm|title=Geography|publisher=Islamic Spain|access-date=30 May 2009}}{{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> It was not until 1799 that the town had its first record.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.altdubai.com/dubai-museum.php|title=History of Dubai from the Dubai Museum|date=14 November 2008|publisher=altdubai.com|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-date=12 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112164509/https://www.altdubai.com/dubai-museum.php|url-status=dead}} {{Unreliable source?|date=June 2009}}</ref> However, the Venetian [[Gasparo Balbi]], a renowned pearl merchant, mentioned "Dibai" in a list of places he noted for the exceptional quality of their pearls in the year 1590.<ref>{{cite book|title=Islamic Empires: Fifteen Cities That Define a Civilization|author=Justin Marozzi|date=September 3, 2019|publisher=Allen Lane|isbn=978-0-241-19904-6|page=337}}</ref>

==History==

===1800–1966=== [[File:Sheikh Said and Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum.jpg|thumb|Sheikh [[Juma bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum|Juma Al Maktoum]] (left) and Sheikh [[Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum|Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum]] (right) of the [[Al Maktoum|Maktoum family]]]]

====1800–1912==== In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa dynasty (part of the [[House of Al-Falasi]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sheikhmohammed.co.ae/english/history/history_baniyas.asp|title=History of the Bani Yas|publisher=Sheikh Mohammed Official Website|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060314233233/http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/english/history/history_baniyas.asp|archive-date=14 March 2006}}</ref> of the [[Bani Yas]] tribe established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833.<ref name="loc.gov">{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/UAE.pdf|title=UAE profile|date=July 2007|publisher=Library of Congress|access-date=30 May 2009}}</ref> On 8 January 1820, the Sheikh of Dubai and other sheikhs in the region signed the "General Maritime Peace Treaty" with the [[Government of the United Kingdom|British government]], which aimed to suppress [[piracy]] in the region and was the first formal denunciation of the [[Arab slave trade]] in Emirati history.<ref name="loc.gov" /> 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=499b4c8631cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD |title=Bani Yas |publisher=Sheikh Mohammed Official Website |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429035231/http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=499b4c8631cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD |archive-date=29 April 2009 }}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gvpedia.com/Best-of/Dubai/tourism/business/lifestyle/Best-ofDubai.aspx|title=Best of Dubai{{!}}Global Village Encyclopedia|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125061802/http://www.gvpedia.com/Best-of/Dubai/tourism/business/lifestyle/Best-ofDubai.aspx|archive-date=25 January 2013 }}</ref>

In 1853, in an attempt to further halt the endemic piracy in the region, the British signed another truce, agreeing to stay out of administration of the region in return for the sheikhs agreeing to suppress piracy. This also had the side effect of the area becoming known as the [[Trucial States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigsiteofamazingfacts.com/why-is-the-pirate-coast-in-the-persian-gulf-now-known-as-the-trucial-coast|title=Piracy on the Dubai coastline|date=30 December 2008 |publisher=Amazing Facts|access-date=2 June 2009}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=July 2015}} In 1894 a fire swept through Deira, burning down most of the homes;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alshindagah.com/september99/architecture.htm|publisher=Al Shindagah|title=Architecture in Dubai|access-date=30 May 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-1228929-dubai_history-i |title=Dubai History |publisher=Yahoo |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518132414/http://uk.holidaysguide.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-1228929-dubai_history-i |archive-date=18 May 2010 }}</ref> 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 [[Al Bastakiya|Bastakiya]], after the Bastak region in southern Persia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/trucialoman.htm|title=Trucial Oman Area|publisher=British Empire.co.uk|access-date=30 May 2009}}</ref> At this time, almost a quarter of the population was of non-Emirati origin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/dubai/jdbcfir.html|title=Dubai|website=lowtax.net|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-date=18 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618124238/http://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/dubai/jdbcfir.html}}</ref>

====1912–1944==== After various rulers, Sheikh [[Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum]] who became Ruler in 1912,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f3884c8631cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD|title=Sheikh Sayeed|publisher=Sheikh Mohammed Official Website|access-date=30 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503033329/http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f3884c8631cb4110VgnVCM100000b0140a0aRCRD|archive-date=3 May 2009}}</ref> was the first Ruler to rule for a substantial period of time and is regarded by many as one of the fathers of Dubai.<ref>{{cite book|last=Graeme|first=Wilson|title=Father of Dubai|publisher=Media Prima|year=1991}}</ref> The times of prosperity thanks to the pearl industry continued solidly through until the [[Great Depression]] of 1929.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godubai.com/explore/museum3.asp |title=History of Dubai |publisher=Go Dubai |access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818002648/http://www.godubai.com/explore/museum3.asp |archive-date=18 August 2009 }}</ref> In 1929, he was briefly deposed and succeeded by Sheikh Mani bin Rashid, a relative;<ref>{{cite book|author=Terry Carter, Lara Dunston|title=Dubai|year=2004|publisher=Lonely Planet|edition=3rd|isbn=1-74059-761-3}}</ref> however, three days later he was restored to the throne and ruled until his death. This resulted in the emergence of Dubai as the premier [[Re-exportation|re-export]] business port, whereby goods are imported into a duty-free port and immediately exported to another market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uae.gov.ae/Government/trade.htm|title=Trade in UAE|publisher=UAE Gov|access-date=30 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410043415/http://www.uae.gov.ae/Government/trade.htm |archive-date=10 April 2010}}</ref>

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.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}} 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.<ref>Martin Hvidt, "Public-Private Ties and Their Contribution to Development: The Case of Dubai," ''Middle Eastern Studies'' 2007 43(4): 557-577</ref>

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 influence and the ruling Al-Maktoum family. 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 reform movement ultimately collapsed due to opposition from the British government and the weakness of the political structures then in place.<ref>Christopher M. Davidson, "Arab Nationalism and British Opposition in Dubai, 1920-66," ''Middle Eastern Studies'' 2007 43(6): 879-892</ref>

====1945–1958==== 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 government 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====

In 1958, upon the death of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum,<ref>{{cite book|title=Records of Dubai, 1761-1960|year=1994|edition=Archive|volume=2}}</ref> 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 [[petroleum|oil]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gluckman.com/DubaiBiz.html|title=Hong Kong of the desert?|last=Gluckman|first=Ron|publisher=Gluckman|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaitourism.co.za/pdfs/Dubai_Modern_History.pdf |title=Dubai Modern History |publisher=Dubai Tourism |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004125632/http://www.dubaitourism.co.za/pdfs/Dubai_Modern_History.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2011 }}</ref> He embarked on a dredging of [[Dubai Creek]] in 1963, as the creek was too small for modern ships to dock there, which caused severe negative economic effects.<ref name=Page349>{{cite book|title=Islamic Empires: Fifteen Cities That Define a Civilization|author=Justin Marozzi|date=September 3, 2019|publisher=Allen Lane|isbn=978-0-241-19904-6|page=349}}</ref> He borrowed huge amounts of money to pull off the dredging, which was highly risky as the money necessary to complete it was far higher than Dubai's annual income.<ref name=Page349/> The dredging was a success, which enabled vessels of any size to dock at the port.<ref>{{cite book|title=Islamic Empires: Fifteen Cities That Define a Civilization|author=Justin Marozzi|date=September 3, 2019|publisher=Allen Lane|isbn=978-0-241-19904-6|page=350}}</ref> This caused the gold re-export market to take off, and ensuring Rashid was able to begin the building of vital infrastructure in partnership with the British.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaidutyfree.com/aboutdubai.htm|title=About Dubai|publisher=Dubai Duty Free|access-date=31 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108151356/http://www.dubaidutyfree.com/aboutdubai.htm |archive-date=8 January 2012}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=July 2015}} 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<ref>{{cite book|title=Records of Dubai 1761-1960|editor=A. Burdett|year=2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/feature_30001.html |title=The Making of Dubai |publisher=Fodor's |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417083605/http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/united-arab-emirates/dubai/feature_30001.html |archive-date=17 April 2009 }}</ref> and forced the involvement of the British government and the subsequent creation of a buffer zone which resulted in a temporary ceasefire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotelsdubai.travel/index.php/Main_Page#History |title=Dubai-History |publisher=Hotels Dubai |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720042635/http://www.hotelsdubai.travel/index.php/Main_Page |archive-date=20 July 2010 }}</ref> 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 between the two states,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2137275/|title=How united is the UAE?|date=3 March 2006|publisher=Slate.com|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref> 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===

====Discovery of oil==== The major turning point in the history and fortunes of Dubai was the discovery of oil in 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/?id=100485 |title=About Dubai |publisher=Emporis |access-date=31 May 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317112532/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/?id=100485 |archive-date=17 March 2008 }}</ref> Coupled with the joining of the newly independent country of [[Qatar]] and Dubai to create a new currency, the [[Qatari Riyal|Riyal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamicbanknotes.com/QandDhistory.htm |title=Quatar and Dubai History |publisher=Islamic Banknotes |access-date=31 May 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> after the devaluation of the [[Gulf rupee|Persian Gulf rupee]] which had been issued by the Government of [[India]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamicbanknotes.com/gulfrupees%20(article).htm|title=Gulf Rupees|publisher=Islamic Banknotes|access-date=31 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030630072004/http://www.islamicbanknotes.com/gulfrupees%20(article).htm|archive-date=30 June 2003}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.travelchannel.com/dubai/city-guides/historical-background |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422075633/http://guides.travelchannel.com/dubai/city-guides/historical-background |archive-date=22 April 2008 |title=Historical Background of Dubai |publisher=Travel Channel |access-date=31 May 2009 }}</ref> and its ability to dictate policy in later years to the UAE was cemented.

====Formation of the UAE==== 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]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14704414|title=Timeline of the UAE|date=3 November 2009|work=BBC News|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crnindia.com/currency/dirham.html|title=The Dirham|publisher=CRN India|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908075606/http://www.crnindia.com/currency/dirham.html|archive-date=2012-09-08|access-date=31 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubai.alloexpat.com/dubai_information/government_dubai.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102161550/http://www.dubai.alloexpat.com/dubai_information/government_dubai.php |archive-date=2 January 2007 |title=Government of Dubai |publisher=Allo Expat |url-status=usurped |access-date=10 June 2009 }}</ref> In addition to this, Dubai is represented by eight members on the [[Federal National Council]], of whom there are forty in total.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/persian-gulf-states/90.htm|title=Countriy Studies|publisher=Library of Congress|access-date=10 June 2009}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaicourts.gov.ae/portal/page?_pageid=53,72555,53_72567:53_78353&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL|title=History of the judiciary in Dubai|publisher=Government of Dubai|access-date=10 June 2009|archive-date=12 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412212150/http://www.dubaicourts.gov.ae/portal/page?_pageid=53,72555,53_72567:53_78353&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/dubai/jebelali.html |title=Jebel Ali Free Zone |publisher=Wisconsin Project |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312082649/http://www.wisconsinproject.org/countries/dubai/jebelali.html |archive-date=12 March 2009 }}</ref>

==== 1990–present day ==== [[File: Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the World Economic Forum Summit on the Global Agenda 2008 1.jpg|thumb|upright|left|The current Emir, [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]]]] The death of Sheikh Rashid al-Maktoum resulted in Sheikh [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] to the throne. The [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]] of 1990, in which Dubai as part of the UAE provided military aid to the coalition, unsettled the economy;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cityvacations.com/dubai/ |title=Dubai |publisher=City Vacations |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090512010316/http://www.cityvacations.com/dubai/ |archive-date=12 May 2009 }}</ref> however, in the mid-1990s this stabilised and many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to Dubai. Dubai continued to foster political alignment with the [[western world]], and 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=13322|title=Dubai does brisk war business|publisher=Corpwatch|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729235817/http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=13322|archive-date=2012-07-29|access-date=31 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

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]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaiinternetcity.com/|title=Dubai Internet City|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref> an internet technology area with ownership and tax related benefits, [[Dubai Media City]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaimediacity.com/|title=Dubai Media City|access-date=31 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105235625/http://dubaimediacity.com/|archive-date=5 January 2010}}</ref> a tax-free zone to increase Dubai's presence in the worldwide media, and [[Dubai Maritime City]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaimaritimecity.com/|title=Dubai Maritime City|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref> which will have many facilities, including waterfronts and 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovetripper.com/issues/issue-59/burj-al-arab-HS.html|title=Burj al Arab|publisher=Lovetripper|access-date=31 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807192042/http://www.lovetripper.com/issues/issue-59/burj-al-arab-HS.html|archive-date=7 August 2016}}</ref> The [[Palm Islands]], a construction of three artificial islands in the shape of the date palm,{{citation needed|date=December 2021}} on which residential and commercial property will be built and [[The World Islands]], a massive man-made [[archipelago]] of 300 islands in the shape of the world,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ameinfo.com/133896.html |title=Dubai's World Progress Update |publisher=AME Info |access-date=10 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011022845/http://www.ameinfo.com/133896.html |archive-date=11 October 2007 }}</ref> and [[Burj Khalifa]], which is the world's tallest man-made structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business24-7.ae/articles/2009/1/pages/01182009_63dc3a90c9a848219058be301f3f7ded.aspx|title=Burj Dubai all set for 09/09/09 opening|publisher=Business 24/7|access-date=10 June 2009}}</ref> 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 and credited with helping to force Dubai's rapid expansion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4582236.stm|title=Dubai's formidable new ruler|publisher=BBC|access-date=10 June 2009 | date=5 January 2006 | first=Julia | last=Wheeler}}</ref>

The [[Late-2000s recession|Great Recession]] of the late 2000s hit the economy of Dubai extremely hard;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3F.ZR2KA_D4|title=Dubai Bonds Signal Economic "Depression," ING Says (Update1)|publisher=Bloomberg|access-date=17 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718022353/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a3F.ZR2KA_D4|archive-date=18 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://current.com/items/89811137_dubai-not-so-glamorous-in-economic-downturn.htm|title=Dubai not so glamorous in economic downturn|publisher=Current.com|access-date=31 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721223244/http://current.com/items/89811137_dubai-not-so-glamorous-in-economic-downturn.htm|archive-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> this was largely due to its dependence on sectors such as energy, tourism and especially real-estate, with reports of new construction slowing and in some cases stopping altogether.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2009/may/31/property-overseas-investors|title=Property Overseas|newspaper=Guardian|access-date=31 May 2009 | location=London | date=31 May 2009 | first=Jessie | last=Hewitson}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/dubai-property-scandal-claim-emerges-amid-media-blackout-1691537.html|title=Dubai Property Scandal|newspaper=The Independent|access-date=31 May 2009 | location=London | first=Heerkani | last=Chohan | date=28 May 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/property/dubai-homeowners-go-on-offensive-1.520327/|title=Dubai homeowners go on offensive|publisher=The National|access-date=31 May 2009}}</ref> In an effort to combat the recession, Dubai announced various tax cutting measures to incentivise businesses in the region.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 May 2009 |title=Resilience Dubai |url=https://virobel.com/resilience-dubai/ |access-date=31 May 2009 |newspaper=Khaleej Times}}</ref>

Dubai has also been in the news for its attitudes towards adultery, which are seen as harsh in the Western world, with some cases forcing the intervention of other governments on behalf of their citizens.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/5469956/Jailed-British-adulterer-I-wont-be-coming-to-Dubai-on-holiday-again.html|title=Jailed British Adulterer|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=10 June 2009 | location=London | first=Richard | last=Spencer | date=7 June 2009}}</ref> To keep attract foreign investors, the United Arab Emirates plans to decriminalize "actions that don't harm others," potentially ending punishments for alcohol consumption or cohabitation by unwed couples in the expatriate-dominated country.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-07/uae-legal-overhaul-could-decriminalize-alcohol-cohabitation | title=UAE Legal Overhaul Could Decriminalize Alcohol, Cohabitation | newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=7 November 2020 }}</ref>

In February and March 2026, Dubai was impacted by missile and drone strikes launched by Iran as part of a regional escalation following [[2026 Israeli–United States strikes on Iran|hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran]]. Explosions were reported on Palm Jumeirah and other areas of Dubai.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Dowell |first=Omar Abdel-Baqui, Summer Said and Andrew |date=2026-02-28 |title=Glitzy Dubai Gets a Taste of Middle East War |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/glitzy-dubai-gets-a-taste-of-middle-east-war-9d941f20 |access-date=2026-03-01 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> Incoming missiles were intercepted by air defense systems, but debris and explosions caused panic among residents and tourists. The city, lacking air-raid shelters and a formal response system, saw many residents relying on social media for information.<ref name=":0" /> On 28 February 2026, [[Fairmont The Palm|Fairmont The Palm hotel]] in Dubai was set ablaze after debris from an Iranian missile strike hit the area, injuring four people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-28 |title=Fairmont hotel in Dubai set aflame after Iranian strike |url=https://www.aol.com/articles/fairmont-hotel-dubai-set-aflame-223438997.html |access-date=2026-03-01 |website=AOL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On March 1, 2026, Dubai's international airport and the [[Burj Al Arab]] hotel were damaged in Iranian attacks, which also caused a fire at Jebel Ali Port and resulted in four injuries at the airport, while a drone intercepted over the city caused minor damage to the hotel's facade.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 March 2026 |title=Dubai airport, iconic Burj Al Arab hotel damaged in Iranian missile strikes |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/four-injured-after-incident-dubai-international-airport-dubai-media-office-says-2026-02-28/ |work=Reuters}}</ref>

==Future== Despite the international turmoil over the cost of oil, Dubai is already considered to be the [[Hong Kong]] of the Middle East.<ref name="saudiarabia2037">{{cite web|url=http://www.fortunecity.com/boozers/bridge/632/article39.html |title=Saudi Arabia in the year 2037 - also deals with developed countries having alternative fuels |access-date=28 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164352/http://www.fortunecity.com/boozers/bridge/632/article39.html |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}</ref><ref name="dubai2037">{{cite web | url = http://www.gluckman.com/DubaiBiz.html| title = The Hong Kong of the Middle East| access-date = 6 May 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Dubai skyline 2010.jpg|thumb|Dubai skyline, 2010]] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://steadystate.org/|title=Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy|access-date=12 July 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.postcarbon.org/article/470476-how-to-talk-about-the-end How to talk about the end of growth: Interview with Richard Heinberg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322161150/http://www.postcarbon.org/article/470476-how-to-talk-about-the-end |date=22 March 2012 }}</ref>

The last remaining oil deposits in the United Arab Emirates will run out at the end of 2029.{{Citation needed|date=December 2020}}. As of February 2006, Dubai (along with the rest of the United Arab Emirates) only has a reserve supply of 44 billion barrels of crude petroleum.<ref name="Bakhtiari">{{cite web | title = On Middle Eastern Oil Reserves | publisher = ASPO-USA's Peak Oil Review | date = 20 February 2006 | url = http://www.energybulletin.net/node/13009 | access-date = 20 August 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120212203142/http://www.energybulletin.net/node/13009 | archive-date = 12 February 2012 }}</ref> If used properly and in conjunction with alternate fuels, the reserve fuels that will keep economy activity afloat in Dubai will last until the end of the 21st century.<ref>{{cite web |title=United Arab Emirates Oil |work=Country Analysis Briefs |publisher=US Energy Information Administration |date=2007 |url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/UAE/Oil.html |access-date=27 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505043113/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/UAE/Oil.html |archive-date=5 May 2008}}</ref>

==Disputes== In addition to the long running dispute between Abu-Dhabi and Dubai, Dubai was also involved in a dispute with [[Emirate of Sharjah|Sharjah]] with regards to their legal boundaries.{{When|date=December 2020}} Before the British left, there were no exact [[Border|boundaries]] defined between the Trucial States; however, with the discovery of oil needing boundaries to be decided for concession reasons, [[United Kingdom|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. Even after the formation of the UAE, neither state had agreed on the boundaries and hence, on 30 November 1976 they signed an [[arbitration]] compromise under the auspices of the Supreme Council of the Federation.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lalonde|first=Suzanne|title=Determining boundaries in a conflicting world|publisher=Mcgill-Queen's University Press|date=3 March 2003|page=448|isbn=0-7735-2424-X|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/determiningbound0000lalo}}</ref> Eventually, the Supreme Council ruled that the decisions were administrative, binding decisions as opposed to arbitral awards, the Tripp boundaries were defined as the border.<ref>{{cite book|last=Homi Kaikobad|first=Kaiyan|title=Interpretation and Revision of International Boundary Decisions|publisher=Cambridge University Press|date=17 April 2007|isbn=978-0-521-86912-6}}</ref>

== Rulers of Dubai ==

[[File:Maktoum.png|thumb|A simplified family tree of the al-Maktoum family]] The following is a list of rulers of Dubai, Al-Maktoum [[dynasty]], going back at least to 1833.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal?topic,Article_000241,0,and_nfpb=trueand_pageLabel=home |title=Dubai Rulers |publisher=Dubai Official Government Portal |access-date=31 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531151019/http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal?topic%2CArticle_000241%2C0%2Cand_nfpb=trueand_pageLabel%3Dhome |archive-date=31 May 2011 }}</ref> *? – 9 June 1833 Sheikh `Ubayd ibn Said *9 June 1833 – 1852 Sheikh Maktoum I bin Bati ibn Suhayl (d. 1852) *1852 – 1859 Sheikh Said I ibn Bati (d. 1859) *1859 – 22 November 1886 Sheikh Hushur ibn Maktoum (d. 1886) *22 November 1886 – 7 April 1894 Sheikh Rashid I bin Maktoum (d. 1894) *7 April 1894 – 16 February 1906 Sheikh Maktoum II bin Hushur (b. 18?? – d. 1906) *16 February 1906 – November 1912 Sheikh Bati bin Suhayl (b. 1851 – d. 1912) *November 1912 – 15 April 1929 [[Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum]] (1st time) (b. 1878 – d. 1958) *15 April 1929 – 18 April 1929 Sheikh Mani bin Rashid *18 April 1929 – September 1958 Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum (2nd time) *September 1958 – 7 October 1990 Sheikh [[Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum|Rashid II ibn Said Al Maktoum]] (b. 1912 – d. 1990) *7 October 1990 – 4 January 2006 [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Sheikh Maktoum III bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] (b. 1943 – d. 2006) *4 January 2006–Present [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] (b. 1949)

The current ruler of Dubai is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Like his predecessor, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he is also the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE. Having attended school in the [[United Kingdom]], he became part of the everyday running of the country. He has two wives, Sheikha [[Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum]] and [[Princess Haya bint Al Hussein]], the daughter of the King of [[Jordan]]. He is widely known for being involved with horse-racing and his charitable donations,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=7a2d5c1090cc4110VgnVCM1000007064a8c0RCRD|title=Biography of Sheikh Mohammed|publisher=Sheikh Mohammed Official Website|access-date=10 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716181629/http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=7a2d5c1090cc4110VgnVCM1000007064a8c0RCRD|archive-date=16 July 2009}}</ref> along with his credit for advancing Dubai's infrastructure and economy.

==See also== {{Portal|United Arab Emirates}} * [[Timeline of Dubai]]

==References== {{Reflist}} {{Cite web|url = http://www.dubaicityinfo.com/|title = Dubai Guide|date = 21 October 2014|access-date = 21 October 2014|website = Dubai City Info|publisher = Dubaicityinfo.com|last = Sugiarti|first = Deby|archive-date = 20 October 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141020184421/http://www.dubaicityinfo.com/}}

==Bibliography== {{see also|Timeline of Dubai#Bibliography}} * Abbott, Lucy M. "The States of the Persian Gulf: From protectorates to independent countries." in ''Routledge Handbook Of Persian Gulf Politics'' (Routledge, 2020) pp. 48–54. * Bagaeen, Samer. "Brand Dubai: The instant city; or the instantly recognizable city." ''International Planning Studies'' 12.2 (2007): 173-197. [https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.623.3801&rep=rep1&type=pdf online] * Biln, John. "On The Fabrication of Cultural Memory: History Theme Malls in Dubai." ''Journal of Islamic Architecture'' 4.1 (2016): 27-32. [http://ejournal.uin-malang.ac.id/index.php/JIA/article/viewFile/3111/pdf online] * Botz-Bornstein, Thorsten. "A tale of two cities: Hong Kong and Dubai celebration of disappearance and the pretension of becoming." ''Transcience'' 3.2 (2012): 1-16. [http://www2.hu-berlin.de/transcience/Vol3_Issue2_2012_1_16.pdf online] * Davidson, Christopher M. ''Dubai: The Vulnerability of Success'' (2008) [https://www.amazon.com/Dubai-Vulnerability-Success-Christopher-Davidson/dp/0199326517/ excerpt] * Davidson, Christopher M. "Arab Nationalism and British Opposition in Dubai, 1920–66." ''Middle Eastern Studies'' 43.6 (2007): 879-892. * Davidson, Christopher M. ''Abu Dhabi: oil and beyond'' (Columbia University Press, 2009). * Elsheshtawy, Yasser. ''Dubai: Behind an urban spectacle'' (Routledge, 2009). * Kanna, Ahmed. ''Dubai, the City as Corporation'' (2011) * Krance, Jim. ''City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism'' (2010) [https://www.amazon.com/City-Gold-Dubai-Dream-Capitalism/dp/0312655436/ excerpt] * Pelican, Michaela. "Urban lifeworlds of Cameroonian migrants in Dubai." ''Urban Anthropology and Studies of Cultural Systems and World Economic Development'' (2014): 255-309 * Schulte-Peevers, Andrea and Kevin Raub. ''Lonely Planet Dubai & Abu Dhabi'' (2018) [https://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Dubai-Dhabi-Travel/dp/1786570726/ excerpt] * Vora, Neha. "From golden frontier to global city: Shifting forms of belonging, 'freedom,' and governance among Indian businessmen in Dubai." ''American Anthropologist'' 113.2 (2011): 306-318. * Vora, Neha, ''Impossible Citizens: Dubai's Indian Diaspora'' (2013) [https://www.amazon.com/Impossible-Citizens-Dubais-Indian-Diaspora/dp/0822353938/ excerpt] * Zahlan, Rosemarie Said. ''The origins of the United Arab Emirates: A political and social history of the Trucial States'' (Routledge, 2016). * Ziadah, Rafeef. "Transport Infrastructure and Logistics in the Making of Dubai Inc." ''International Journal of Urban & Regional Research'' (2018) 42#2 pp 182–197.

==External links== * {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EctE3dEAwEY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/EctE3dEAwEY |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=How did Dubai get so rich? <nowiki>|</nowiki> CNBC Explains|publisher=[[CNBC International]]|date=10 February 2018}}{{cbignore}} {{Dubai topics}}

[[Category:History of Dubai| ]]

[[vi:Dubai#Lịch sử]]