Expat Explorers - travels with my family ideas...insight...inspiration
Get in contact
  • About
    • Meet the family
    • Photo gallery
  • Blog
  • Travel ideas & advice
    • Expat suitcase >
      • Moving to Dubai
      • Moving to Singapore
    • Jigsaw pieces: travel advice
    • Australasia
    • Middle East
    • South East Asia
    • USA
    • Where in the world are we?
  • In the news
    • Freelance work
    • Who said that? Travel quotes
    • Signs that make you think
  • The book
  • Contact us
    • Explorers' Club

Dubai history: from grit great pearls grow

Dubia historyDubai grows upwards
Dubai is one of seven Emirates that form the UAE (Abu Dhabi-the capital, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain). The UAE, once part of the British Trucial States, was granted independence in 1971, and Dubai has become one of the fastest growing and most cosmopolitan places to be. Not only is it culturally diverse, and home to more than 100 difficult nationalities, its landscapes offer extremes. From the tallest building in the World (Burj Khalifa) to being on the edge of the largest desert (The Empty Quarter), Dubai likes its claims to fame; from high rise living and the biggest residential project  (Jumeirah Beach Residence) to the desolate salt flats; from the mountains on one border to the spectacular coral reefs on the other. Dubai is a place to be explored.

Dubai doesn’t really appear on a map until the 18th century. It was a small fishing village famed for its pearls. Muslim, Turk, Mongol and Ottoman Empires have influenced the development of the Arabian Peninsula, and in the nineteenth century the British investigated the region as a strategic base for influencing its control in Europe and India. Having defeated local pirates, Britain signed a treaty with local rulers denouncing piracy. The British offered protection in return for local influence and the Trucial States were born.

The current ruling Maktoum family settled here in 1833 and under their guidance and vision, Dubai has flourished from its humble beginnings. Tax concessions were made to encourage Iranian traders to settle in Dubai, the Creek was dredged to enable access for large ships and Dubai became an import and export hub. Although oil was discovered in 1966, it’s Dubai’s global position as a trading nation that has brought it stability and wealth.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current ruler of Dubai and the Vice President of the UAE. He is father to 19 children including Sheikh Rashid, the deputy ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan, the crown prince and future ruler of Dubai.

  • History
  • Housing
  • Finding a school
  • Working
  • Let's talk about money
  • Saving money
  • Getting connected
  • Getting legal
  • Getting wheels
  • Driving
  • Public transport
  • Climate
  • Things to see and do
  • Where to shop
  • Dubai culture
  • Language
  • Useful websites

To stay posted either join our Explorers' Club to receive email notifications or follow us on Facebook. Good luck with your new adventure! We'd love to hear how you are getting on.

Need a holiday?

There is nothing like a bit of exploring to help you feel settled. If you've just moved to the UAE and Oman you might like to give these trips a go. Just click here:
Trips around the UAE and Oman
Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Sheikh Zayed Road
Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Sheikh Zayed Road
Burj al Arab and the Madinat Jumeirah
Burj al Arab and the Madinat Jumeirah
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.