Historical Timeline

The glittering Dubai the world knows and loves today has centuries of history behind it. Archaeological discoveries suggest that, as long as 3000 years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf on the site of modern Dubai. It is also believed that the natural sheltered harbour afforded by the Dubai Creek was a busy port of call on the ancient trade route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was home to a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.Modern Dubai, however, traces its origins to the 1830s. At that time, the small fishing village on the Shindagha peninsula at the mouth of the Creek was home to a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, originally from the Liwa oasis to the south, led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.

By the late 1870s, Dubai was often referred to as the principal port on the Gulf coast and, by the turn of the century, was reputed to have had the largest souks in Arabia. Pearl culture, which was the mainstay of the city’s prosperity for many years, succumbed to the development of the cultured pearl in the 1930s.

But Dubai’s enterprising rulers bounced back, developing a thriving trade in gold and other commodities. Much of this history is carefully preserved in myriad forts, mosques, palaces and other historic monuments, which are on the itineraries of many organised tours.

3000 BC:
SSouthern Mesopotamia is starved for copper and Magan, an area roughly corresponding to today's UAE and northern Oman, steps in to cater to the demand.

1833:
The principal economic activities of fishing, pearling and trade begin with the arrival of some 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, including the ruling Al Maktoum family from the desert interior.

1841:
With this exodus, the Bani Yas tribe extends its influence from Bur Dubai to Deira.

1902:
Reeling under Iranian port taxes, Persian merchants move to Dubai.

1903:
British presence is established with the arrival of British/Indian Steam Navigation company steamships at Dubai.

1929:
The flourishing pearl trade established by the Bani Yas is hit by the Wall Street crash. To make matters worse, the introduction of the Japanese cultured pearl sends the trade into a downward spiral.

1932:
With the arrival of British Imperial Airways at Sharjah, the Trucial States becomes a stopover for international airlines. Barely five years down the line, flying boats are landing on Dubai Creek.

1946:
Dubai's first bank opens.

1951:
The quest for oil in Dubai nudges the British to establish the Trucial Oman Scouts to keep order and support prospecting in the interior.

1956:
Dubai establishes a police force.

1958:
A descendant of the Al Maktoum family and the 'Father of modern Dubai,' Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, becomes ruler of the emirate.

1962:
IIn honor of the ruler, Al Maktoum Bridge (the city's first) is built over the Dubai Creek after dredging operations are completed.

1965:
The Trucial States Development Council is formed by the British.

1966:
Oil is discovered in Dubai and exports begin within three years.

1968:
Formal data gathering on population dynamics begins and the first census records a population of 180,000 in the Trucial States.

1971:
A federation of seven emirates called the United Arab Emirates with Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as president and Sheikh Rashid as vice president is formed. Dubai International Airport opens.

1979:
SSheikh Rashid becomes UAE prime minister.

1981:
The Gulf Co-operation Council, an economic, political and military grouping of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain is formed on May 25.1981 The Dubai Duty Free is established at Dubai International Airport.

1985:

1988:
A first for sporting events is achieved with the inauguration of the Gulf's first championship lawn golf course at The Emirates Golf Club, Dubai.

1990:
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum succeeds his father, Sheikh Rashid. Iraq invades Kuwait in August. August. 

1991:
Change comes to Dubai in the form of the 40-day Gulf war. As the city is an important link in the supply chain to the front, business booms and doubles in size in under five years.

1994:
Sheikh Maktoum's brother, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is appointed Crown Prince of Dubai.

1996:
The Nad Al Sheba Racecourse plays host to the world's richest horse race with the Dubai World Cup. The inaugural Dubai Shopping Festival starts an annual tradition.

1998:
The UAE produces 2.3 million barrels a day of crude oil. The private sector emerges as the economy's new driving force.

1999:
Dubai International Airport becomes the sixth-fastest growing airport in the world in terms of traffic. The Burj Al Arab, the world’s second tallest hotel completes construction.

2001:
he Palm Islands, Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira start construction with Palm Jumeirah.

2004:
Construction on the world’s tallest man-made construction – Burj Khalifa – begins.

2005:
Ski Dubai, located within the Mall of the Emirates is launched in December 2005. It has the world’s third largest indoor ski slope, measuring 400 meters and using 6000 tons of snow.

2006:
On 4 January 2006, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum becomes the Ruler of Dubai

2008:
Palm Jumeirah is completed. One of the most ambitious real-estate developments on earth, heralded as the 8th wonder of the world. Atlantis, The Palm, a seven star luxury resort, is launched. The Dubai Mall, lauded as the world’s biggest, opens its doors to the public. Among its attractions are a giant aquarium, and an Olympic-sized ice skating rink.

2009:
The Dubai Metro is launched, with a few lines still under construction. It is the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula.

2010:
Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest man-made structure is inaugurated on Jan 4th, the 4th anniversary of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s accession . The tower is 828 metres tall. Construction was completed in a record five years.