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[[Image:Dubai_Old.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Sheikh Zayed Road in 1990]]
{{Unreferenced|date=April 2007}}
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[[Image:Dubai_New.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Sheikh Zayed Road in 2004]]
The '''history of Dubai''' began in approximately 3000 BC, when the area was inhabited by [[Nomad|Nomadic]] cattle herders. In the 3rd century, the area came under the control of the [[Sassanid Empire|Sassanic Empire]] which lasted until the 7th century, when the [[Umayyad Caliphate|Umayyan's]] took control and introduced [[Islam]] to the area. The area was sustained by [[fishing]] & [[pearl diving]] for a thousand years, with the first records of the town being made in 1799 when the [[Bani Yas]] clan established it as a dependent of [[Abu-Dhabi]]. [[Dubai]] then became independent in 1833, when the [[al Maktoum]] dynasty of Abu-Dhabi took it over peacefully. The [[Great Depression]] in 1929 caused a collapse in the pearl market, leading to Dubai becoming one of the leading re-export ports in the world. In 1966, [[oil]] was discovered in Dubai, which changed the country beyond recognition & led to Dubai becoming the vibrant, modern, business-centred city it is today.


==Early History==
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[[Image:Dubai_Old.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Image of Sheikh Zayed Road taken in 1990]]
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[[Image:Dubai_New.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Image of Sheikh Zayed Road taken in 2004]]
[[Image:Maktoum.png|thumb|right|250px|Simplified family tree showing the line of succession and dates in power - click to enlarge]]


Records of the area where the [[Emirate|emirate]] of [[Dubai]] is situated are very rare for any period before the [[18th century]]. During the expansion of the [[E 11|Sheikh Zayed Road]] between 1993 & 1998, remnants of a [[mangrove]] swamp were uncovered which were dated to approximately 7000 BC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solarnavigator.net/geography/dubai.htm|title=Dubai|publisher=Solar Navigator|accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> It's thought that by about 3000 BC, the coastline had moved inland sufficiently towards the present day coastline & 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> As it became more inhabitable, [[Nomad|Nomadic]] cattle herders used the area to live & 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|accessdate=2009-05-29}}</ref> The [[Phoenix dactylifera|date palm]], on which the [[Palm Islands]] are based, began to be grown in 2500 BC & was the first instance of the land being used for agricultural purposes. <ref>{{cite book|coauthors=Terry Carter, Lara Dunston|title=Dubai|publisher=Lonely Planet|date=September 15th, 2004|isbn=1740597613}}</ref> The herders worshipped the idol god Bajir<ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.travelchannel.com/dubai/city-guides/historical-background|title=Dubai Historical Background|publisher=Travel Channel|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> & various evidence suggests links to the mysterious [[Magan]] civilisation, who it is thought controlled the copper trade of the ancient world.<ref>{{cite book|coauthors=Terry Carter, Lara Dunston|title=Dubai|publisher=Lonely Planet|date=September 15th, 2004|isbn=1740597613}}</ref> For the next 4000 years there are no more details, probably because of the desertification of the area, until the area came under the control of the [[Sassanid Empire|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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> in the 3rd century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubai.com/v/attractions/|title=Attractions in Dubai|publisher=Dubai.com|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhowpalacedubai.com/dcg.php|title=Dubai City Guide|publisher=Dhow Palace Dubai|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> suggesting the area was inhabited, though sparsely during this period. The introduction of Islam in the 7th century by the [[Umayyads]],<ref>{{cite book|coauthors=Ibrahim Abed, Peter Hellyer|title=United Arab Emirates, A New Perspective|publisher=Trident Press|date=21 June 2001|pages=320|isbn=1900724472}}</ref> regarded as the first Muslim dynasty,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.princeton.edu/~batke/itl/denise/umayyads.htm|title=Umayyads, the first Muslim dynasty|publisher=Princeton University|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> ensured the religion of the area remained Islam until the present day.
The '''History of Dubai''' can be traced back to the earliest recorded mention of Dubai in 1095 CE, in the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] book ''Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al belaad wal Mawadhea'' (معجم ما استعجم من أسماء البلاد والمواضع مازن محمد اغا) by [[Abū 'Ubayd 'Abd Allāh al-Bakrī|Abdullah Bin Abdu Aziz Al Bakri Al Andalasi]]. He refers to 'Dubai' as a vast place. Later, in 1587, the [[Venice|Venetian]] pearl merchant [[Gaspero Balbi]] mentions the name of Dubai as one of the places where Venetians worked as pearl divers.


== 7th century&nbsp;-&nbsp;1800 ==
The Al-Fahidi Fort was built in 1787, in what is now part of Dubai. It is preserved as the [[Dubai Museum]].


The arrival of the [[Umayyads]] sparked the re energisation of the area, opening up old trade routes, supported by [[fishing]] & [[pearl diving]], 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> The earliest written mention of the area of Dubai was in 1095, by [[Abū 'Ubayd 'Abd Allāh al-Bakrī]], in his book, 'Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al belaad wal Mawadhea',<ref>{{cite web|url=www.dubairugby7s.com/about-dubai-rugby-sevens/about-dubai.html|title=About Dubai|publisher=Dubai Rugby Sevens|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> in which he describes many places of the world taken from other people's 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> but it wasn't until 1799 that the town had its first record.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=17803|title=History of Dubai from the Dubai Museum|date=2008-14-11|publisher=Daily News Egypt|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> However the Venetian, Gaspero Balbi, a renowned pearl merchant,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ameinfo.com/116852.html|title=Emirates prepares new Dubai-Venice link|publisher=AME Info|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> when visiting in 1580, remarked on the area & how many [[Venice|Venetians]] were working there in the pearl industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dubaiplaces.com/|title=History of Dubai|publisher=Dubai Places|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/900/tr1.htm|title=Dubai|publisher=Ahram Weekly|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref>
There are records of the town of Dubai from 1799. Early in the 18th century the Al Abu Falasa lineage of [[Bani Yas]] clan established itself in Dubai, which remained a dependent of the settlement of [[Abu Dhabi]] until 1833. On [[8 January]] [[1820]], the [[sheikh]] of Dubai was a signatory to the [[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland|British]] sponsored "General [[peace treaty|Treaty of Peace]]" (the General Maritime Treaty).


==1800&nbsp;-&nbsp;1966==
In 1833, the [[The Ten Families|Al Maktoum]] [[dynasty]] of the Bani Yas tribe left the settlement of Abu Dhabi and took over the town of Dubai, "without resistance". From that point on, Dubai, a newly independent emirate was constantly at odds with the emirate of Abu Dhabi. An attempt by the [[Qawasim]] to take over Dubai was thwarted. In 1835, Dubai and the rest of the [[Trucial States]] signed a maritime truce with Britain and a "Perpetual Maritime Truce" about two decades later. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom (keeping out the Ottoman Turks) by the Exclusive Agreement of 1892. Like four of its neighbors, [[Abu Dhabi]], [[Ras al-Khaimah]], [[Sharjah (emirate)|Sharjah]] and [[Umm al-Qaiwain]], its position on the route to India made it an important location.


===1800&nbsp;-&nbsp;1912===
In March 1892, the [[Trucial States]] (or [[Trucial Oman]]) were created.


In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa clan (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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> of the [[Bani Yas]] clan established Dubai, which remained a dependent of [[Abu Dhabi]] until 1833.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/UAE.pdf|title=UAE profile|date=July 2007|publisher=Library of Congress|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> 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 & [[piracy]] in the region & was the first formal denunciation of the [[slave trade]] in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/UAE.pdf|title=UAE profile|date=July 2007|publisher=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/UAE.pdf|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> 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 Fasala 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> the founder of the present day al-Maktoum dynasty. In 1841 the town was hit by a devestating [[smallpox]] outbreak which forced many to relocate east to the town of [[Deira]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gvpedia.com/Best-of/Dubai/tourism/business/lifestyle/Best-ofDubai.aspx|title=Best of Dubai|publisher=GVPedia|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> Then 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 Dubaiaccessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> however perfect geographical positioning & healty, thriving business led Sheikh Maktoum to sign an exclusive business deal with the [[Britain|British]] in 1892, making Dubai a British [[protectorate]], & 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> By 1903, the Sheikh had succeeded in convincing a major British [[steamship]] line to make Dubai a port of call.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/trucialoman.htm|title=Trucial Oman Area|publisher=British Empire.co.uk|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> At this time, almost a quarter of the population was foreign,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/dubai/jdbcfir.html|title=Dubai|date=lowtax.net|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> which seems trivial when compared to the 90% it is today.<ref>{{cite journal|date=2003-20-06|publisher=FDI Magazine|url=http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/297/Dubai:_an_ambitious_emirate.html}}</ref>
The rulers of Dubai fostered trade and commerce, unlike the town's neighbors. The town of Dubai was an important port of call for foreign tradesmen (chiefly [[Demographics of India|Indians]]), who settled in the town. Until the 1930s, the town was known for its [[pearl]] exports.


===1912&nbsp;-&nbsp;1958===
After the [[devaluation]] of the [[Gulf Rupee]] in 1966, Dubai joined the newly independent state of [[Qatar]] to set up a new monetary unit, the Qatar/Dubai [[riyal]]. On [[2 December]] [[1971]] Dubai, together with [[Abu Dhabi]] and four other emirates, formed the [[United Arab Emirates]] after former protector Britain left the [[Persian Gulf]] in 1971. Ras Al Khaimah joined the UAE in 1972 as the seventh emirate. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform [[currency]]: the UAE [[United Arab Emirates Dirham|dirham]].

After various rulers, Sheikh [[Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum]] who became [[Emir]] 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> was the first Emir to rule for a substantial period of time & 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|date=1991}}</ref> 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, & 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|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref> In 1929, he was briefly deposed & succeeded by Sheikh Mani bin Rashid, an uncle,<ref>{{cite book|coauthors=Terry Carter, Lara Dunston|title=Dubai|publisher=Lonely Planet|edition=3rd|isbn=1740597613}}</ref> however three days later he was restored to the throne & 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 & immediately exported to another market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uae.gov.ae/Government/trade.htm|title=Trade in UAE|publisher=UAE Gov|accessdate=2009-05-30}}</ref>

===1958&nbsp;-&nbsp;1966===
[[File:Rashid-bin-Said.jpg|thumb|Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum]]
In 1958, upon the death of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum,<ref>{{cite book|title=Records of Dubai, 1761-1960|date=1994|edition=Archive Edition|volume=2}}</ref> Sheikh [[Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum]] became Emir. 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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gluckman.com/DubaiBiz.html|title=Hong Kong of the desert?|last=Gluckman|first=Ron|publisher=Gluckman|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaitourism.co.za/pdfs/Dubai_Modern_History.pdf|title=Dubai Modern History|publisher=Dubai Tourism|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> The dredging of [[Dubai Creek]] in 1963,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visit-dubai.co.uk/dubai-creek.html|title=Dubai Creek|publisher=Visit Dubai|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> enabling any boat to dock, 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaidutyfree.com/aboutdubai.htm|title=About Dubai|date=Dubai Duty Free|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref>
Since the beginning, Dubai was constantly at odds with [[Abu Dhabi]]. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai & 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|date=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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> & forced the involvement of the British & 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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> However, border disputes between the emirates continued even after the formation of the [[UAE]] & 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?|publisher=Slate.com|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</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&nbsp;-&nbsp;Present Day==

===The discovery of oil===

The major turning point in the history & 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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> Coupled with the joining of the newly independent country of [[Qatar]] & Dubai to create a new currency, the [[Qatari Riyal|Riyal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamicbanknotes.com/Q&Dhistory.htm|title=Quatar & Dubai History|publisher=Islamic Banknotes|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> it enabled Dubai to rapidly expand & 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|title=Historical Background of Dubai|publisher=Travel Channel|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref>

===The formation of the UAE===

Britain left the [[Persian Gulf]] in the early part of 1971, having announced their intentions in 1968, causing Dubai & Abu-Dhabi, in conjunction with five other emirates to form the [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/828687.stm|title=Timeline of the UAE|date=2009-11-03|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> Dubai & 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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> The [[Jebel Ali Free Zone]] was introduced in 1979, providing companies with unrestricted import of labour & 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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref>

===1990&nbsp;-&nbsp;present day===

[[File:Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the World Economic Forum Summit on the Global Agenda 2008 1.jpg|thumb|The current Emir, Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum]]
The death of Sheikh Rashid al-Maktoum resulted in the accesion of Sheikh [[Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum]] to the throne & since then, Dubai has taken on more of a role in global politics, aligning itself with the West. The [[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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> however during the middle of the 1990's this stabilised & many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to Dubai. During the [[2003 Invasion of Iraq]], Dubai 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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> [[Dubai Media City]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaimediacity.com/|title=Dubai Media City|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> & [[Dubai Maritime City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaimaritimecity.com/|title=Dubai Maritime City|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> In the past decades, Dubai has become known for its ambitious 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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> The [[Palm Islands]] & [[The World Islands]] & [[Burj Dubai]]. In 2006, upon the death of Sheikh Maktoum al-Maktoum, his brother, Sheikh [[Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum]] became [[Emir]].

The [[economic depression]] has hit Dubai extremely hard,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a3F.ZR2KA_D4&refer=home|title=Dubai bonds signal economic Depression|publisher=Bloomberg|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</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|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref> due to its dependence on [[tourism]] & building which has led to many newspaper reports of construction slowing & in some cases stopping altogether.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/may/31/property-overseas-investors|title=Property Overseas|publisher=Guardian|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/dubai-property-scandal-claim-emerges-amid-media-blackout-1691537.html|title=Dubai Property Scandal|publisher=The Independent|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090530/NATIONAL/705299773/1040|title=Dubai homeowners go on offensive|publisher=The National|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref>
In an effort to combat the recession, Dubai has announced various tax cutting measures to incentivise businesses in the region.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/editorial/2009/May/editorial_May60.xml&section=editorial&col=|title=Resilient Dubai|date=2009-05-30|publisher=Khaleej Times|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref>


== Rulers of Dubai ==
== 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 Abu Falasa [[dynasty]], going back at least to 1833.
The following is a list of rulers of Dubai, Al Abu Falasa [[dynasty]], going back at least to 1833.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubai.ae/en.portal?topic,Article_000241,0,&_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=home|title=Dubai Rulers|publisher=Dubai Official Government Portal|accessdate=2009-05-31}}</ref>
*... - [[9 June]] [[1833]] Sheikh `Ubayd ibn Said
*[[9 June]] [[1833]] - 1852 Sheikh Maktoum I ibn Bati ibn Suhayl (d. 1852)
*... - 9 June 1833 Sheikh `Ubayd ibn Said
*9 June 1833 - 1852 Sheikh Maktoum I ibn Bati ibn Suhayl (d. 1852)
*1852 - 1859 Sheikh Said I ibn Bati (d. 1859)
*1852 - 1859 Sheikh Said I ibn Bati (d. 1859)
*1859 - [[22 November]] [[1886]] Sheikh Hushur ibn Maktoum (d. 1886)
*1859 - 22 November 1886 Sheikh Hushur ibn Maktoum (d. 1886)
*[[22 November]] [[1886]] - [[7 April]] [[1894]] Sheikh Rashid I ibn Maktoum (d. 1894)
*22 November 1886 - 7 April 1894 Sheikh Rashid I ibn Maktoum (d. 1894)
*[[7 April]] [[1894]] - [[16 February]] [[1906]] Sheikh Maktoum II ibn Hushur (b. 18.. - d. 1906)
*7 April 1894 - 16 February 1906 Sheikh Maktoum II ibn Hushur (b. 18.. - d. 1906)
*[[16 February]] [[1906]] - November 1912 Sheikh Bati ibn Suhayl (b. 1851 - d. 1912)
*16 February 1906 - November 1912 Sheikh Bati ibn Suhayl (b. 1851 - d. 1912)
*November 1912 - [[15 April]] [[1929]] [[Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum]] (1st time) (b. 1878 - d. 1958)
*November 1912 - 15 April 1929 [[Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum]] (1st time) (b. 1878 - d. 1958)
*[[15 April]] [[1929]] - [[18 April]] [[1929]] Sheikh Mani ibn Rashid
*15 April 1929 - 18 April 1929 Sheikh Mani ibn Rashid
*[[18 April]] [[1929]] - September 1958 Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum (2nd time)
*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)
*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)
*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)
*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.

==References==


{{reflist|2}}
⚫
The current ruler of Dubai is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Like the preceding ruler, his older brother Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he is also the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE.


[[Category:History of Dubai| ]]
[[Category:History of Dubai]]
[[Category:History of the United Arab Emirates|Dubai]]
[[Category:History of the United Arab Emirates|Dubai]]

Revision as of 11:07, 1 June 2009

File:Dubai Old.jpg
The Sheikh Zayed Road in 1990
The Sheikh Zayed Road in 2004

The history of Dubai began in approximately 3000 BC, when the area was inhabited by Nomadic cattle herders. In the 3rd century, the area came under the control of the Sassanic Empire which lasted until the 7th century, when the Umayyan's took control and introduced Islam to the area. The area was sustained by fishing & pearl diving for a thousand years, with the first records of the town being made in 1799 when the Bani Yas clan established it as a dependent of Abu-Dhabi. Dubai then became independent in 1833, when the al Maktoum dynasty of Abu-Dhabi took it over peacefully. The Great Depression in 1929 caused a collapse in the pearl market, leading to Dubai becoming one of the leading re-export ports in the world. In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai, which changed the country beyond recognition & led to Dubai becoming the vibrant, modern, business-centred city it is today.

Early History

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 & 1998, remnants of a mangrove swamp were uncovered which were dated to approximately 7000 BC.[1] It's thought that by about 3000 BC, the coastline had moved inland sufficiently towards the present day coastline & the area became covered in sand.[2] As it became more inhabitable, Nomadic cattle herders used the area to live & herd in.[3] The date palm, on which the Palm Islands are based, began to be grown in 2500 BC & was the first instance of the land being used for agricultural purposes. [4] The herders worshipped the idol god Bajir[5] & various evidence suggests links to the mysterious Magan civilisation, who it is thought controlled the copper trade of the ancient world.[6] For the next 4000 years there are no more details, probably because of the desertification of the area, until the area came under the control of the Sassanian Empire, the last pre-Islamic Iranian Empire,[7] in the 3rd century.[8] Recent excavations of the Jumeirah area of Dubai have unearthed a 6th century caravan station[9][10] suggesting the area was inhabited, though sparsely during this period. The introduction of Islam in the 7th century by the Umayyads,[11] regarded as the first Muslim dynasty,[12] ensured the religion of the area remained Islam until the present day.

7th century - 1800

The arrival of the Umayyads sparked the re energisation of the area, opening up old trade routes, supported by fishing & pearl diving, with reports of ships travelling as far as China to trade.[13] The earliest written mention of the area of Dubai was in 1095, by Abū 'Ubayd 'Abd Allāh al-Bakrī, in his book, 'Mojam Ma Ostojam men Asmae Al belaad wal Mawadhea',[14] in which he describes many places of the world taken from other people's accounts of them,[15] but it wasn't until 1799 that the town had its first record.[16] However the Venetian, Gaspero Balbi, a renowned pearl merchant,[17] when visiting in 1580, remarked on the area & how many Venetians were working there in the pearl industry.[18][19]

1800 - 1966

1800 - 1912

In the early 19th century, the Al Abu Falasa clan (part of the House of Al-Falasi)[20] of the Bani Yas clan established Dubai, which remained a dependent of Abu Dhabi until 1833.[21] 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 & piracy in the region & was the first formal denunciation of the slave trade in history.[22] 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 Fasala clan without resistance, led by Maktoum bin Butti,[23] the founder of the present day al-Maktoum dynasty. In 1841 the town was hit by a devestating smallpox outbreak which forced many to relocate east to the town of Deira.[24] Then in 1894, a fire swept through Deira, burning down most of the homes,[25] however perfect geographical positioning & healty, thriving business led Sheikh Maktoum to sign an exclusive business deal with the British in 1892, making Dubai a British protectorate, & 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.[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 - 1958

After various rulers, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum who became Emir in 1912,[30] was the first Emir to rule for a substantial period of time & 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, & coupled with the effects of the depression caused the Sheikh to explore other opportunities for expansion.[32] In 1929, he was briefly deposed & succeeded by Sheikh Mani bin Rashid, an uncle,[33] however three days later he was restored to the throne & 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 & immediately exported to another market.[34]

1958 - 1966

File:Rashid-bin-Said.jpg
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum

In 1958, upon the death of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum,[35] Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became Emir. 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.[36][37] The dredging of Dubai Creek in 1963,[38] enabling any boat to dock, 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.[39] Since the beginning, Dubai was constantly at odds with Abu Dhabi. In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai & Abu Dhabi on their northern border erupted into war between the two states[40][41] & forced the involvement of the British & the subsequent creation of a buffer zone which resulted in a temporary ceasefire.[42] However, border disputes between the emirates continued even after the formation of the UAE & it was only in 1979 that a formal compromise was reached that ended hostilities between the two states,[43] 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

The discovery of oil

The major turning point in the history & fortunes of Dubai was the discovery of oil in 1966.[44] Coupled with the joining of the newly independent country of Qatar & Dubai to create a new currency, the Riyal,[45] after the devaluation of the Persian Gulf rupee which had been issued by the Government of India,[46] it enabled Dubai to rapidly expand & grow. Once the first shipment of oil was made in 1969, the future of Dubai as an autonomous state was secured.[47]

The formation of the UAE

Britain left the Persian Gulf in the early part of 1971, having announced their intentions in 1968, causing Dubai & Abu-Dhabi, in conjunction with five other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates.[48] Dubai & 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.[49] The Jebel Ali Free Zone was introduced in 1979, providing companies with unrestricted import of labour & export of capital, which helped to jumpstart the influx of global companies seen today. [50]

1990 - present day

The current Emir, Sheikh Mohammed al-Maktoum

The death of Sheikh Rashid al-Maktoum resulted in the accesion of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the throne & since then, Dubai has taken on more of a role in global politics, aligning itself with the West. The Persian Gulf War of 1990, in which Dubai as part of the UAE provided military aid to the coalition, unsettled the economy,[51] however during the middle of the 1990's this stabilised & many foreign trading communities moved their businesses to Dubai. During the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, Dubai provided refueling bases to allied forces in the Jebel Ali free zone as they did during the Persian Gulf War.[52] 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,[53] Dubai Media City[54] & Dubai Maritime City.[55] In the past decades, Dubai has become known for its ambitious building projects, including the Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest freestanding hotel,[56] The Palm Islands & The World Islands & Burj Dubai. In 2006, upon the death of Sheikh Maktoum al-Maktoum, his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum became Emir.

The economic depression has hit Dubai extremely hard,[57][58] due to its dependence on tourism & building which has led to many newspaper reports of construction slowing & in some cases stopping altogether.[59][60][61] In an effort to combat the recession, Dubai has announced various tax cutting measures to incentivise businesses in the region.[62]

Rulers of Dubai

A simplified family tree of the al-Maktoum family

The following is a list of rulers of Dubai, Al Abu Falasa dynasty, going back at least to 1833.[63]

  • ... - 9 June 1833 Sheikh `Ubayd ibn Said
  • 9 June 1833 - 1852 Sheikh Maktoum I ibn 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 ibn Maktoum (d. 1894)
  • 7 April 1894 - 16 February 1906 Sheikh Maktoum II ibn Hushur (b. 18.. - d. 1906)
  • 16 February 1906 - November 1912 Sheikh Bati ibn 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 ibn Rashid
  • 18 April 1929 - September 1958 Sheikh Saeed II bin Maktum (2nd time)
  • September 1958 - 7 October 1990 Sheikh Rashid II ibn Said Al Maktoum (b. 1912 - d. 1990)
  • 7 October 1990 - 4 January 2006 Sheikh Maktoum III bin Rashid Al Maktoum (b. 1943 - d. 2006)
  • 4 January 2006 - Present 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.

References

  1. ^ "Dubai". Solar Navigator. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
  2. ^ "United Arab Emirates Yearbook 2006" (PDF). UAE Interact. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  3. ^ "History of the UAE". Asia Rooms. Retrieved 2009-05-29.
  4. ^ Dubai. Lonely Planet. September 15th, 2004. ISBN 1740597613. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "Dubai Historical Background". Travel Channel. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  6. ^ Dubai. Lonely Planet. September 15th, 2004. ISBN 1740597613. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "History of Iran:Sassanid Empire". The Iran Chamber Society. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  8. ^ "Attractions in Dubai". Dubai.com. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  9. ^ "Dubai:A short history". PropDubai. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  10. ^ "Dubai City Guide". Dhow Palace Dubai. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  11. ^ United Arab Emirates, A New Perspective. Trident Press. 21 June 2001. p. 320. ISBN 1900724472. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Umayyads, the first Muslim dynasty". Princeton University. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  13. ^ "History of Dubai". Ski Dubai. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  14. ^ [www.dubairugby7s.com/about-dubai-rugby-sevens/about-dubai.html "About Dubai"]. Dubai Rugby Sevens. Retrieved 2009-05-30. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  15. ^ "Geography". Islamic Spain. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  16. ^ "History of Dubai from the Dubai Museum". Daily News Egypt. 2008-14-11. Retrieved 2009-05-30. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Emirates prepares new Dubai-Venice link". AME Info. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  18. ^ "History of Dubai". Dubai Places. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  19. ^ "Dubai". Ahram Weekly. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  20. ^ "History of the Bani Yas". Sheikh Mohammed Official Website. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  21. ^ "UAE profile" (PDF). Library of Congress. July 2007. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  22. ^ "UAE profile" (PDF). http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/UAE.pdf. July 2007. Retrieved 2009-05-30. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ "Bani Yas". Sheikh Mohammed Official Website. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  24. ^ "Best of Dubai". GVPedia. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  25. ^ "Architecture in Dubaiaccessdate=2009-05-30". Al Shindagah.
  26. ^ "Dubai History". Yahoo. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  27. ^ "Trucial Oman Area". British Empire.co.uk. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  28. ^ "Dubai". lowtax.net. Retrieved 2009-05-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ . FDI Magazine. 2003-20-06 http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/297/Dubai:_an_ambitious_emirate.html. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite journal requires |journal= (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)
  30. ^ "Sheikh Sayeed". Sheikh Mohammed Official Website. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  31. ^ Graeme, Wilson (1991). Father of Dubai. Media Prima.
  32. ^ "History of Dubai". Go Dubai. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  33. ^ Dubai (3rd ed.). Lonely Planet. ISBN 1740597613. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ "Trade in UAE". UAE Gov. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
  35. ^ Records of Dubai, 1761-1960. Vol. 2 (Archive Edition ed.). 1994. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
  36. ^ Gluckman, Ron. "Hong Kong of the desert?". Gluckman. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  37. ^ "Dubai Modern History" (PDF). Dubai Tourism. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  38. ^ "Dubai Creek". Visit Dubai. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  39. ^ "About Dubai". Dubai Duty Free. Retrieved 2009-05-31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ A. Burdett, ed. (2000). Records of Dubai 1761-1960.
  41. ^ "The Making of Dubai". Fodor's. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  42. ^ "Dubai-History". Hotels Dubai. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  43. ^ "How united is the UAE?". Slate.com. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  44. ^ "About Dubai". Emporis. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  45. ^ "Quatar & Dubai History". Islamic Banknotes. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  46. ^ "Gulf Rupees". Islamic Banknotes. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  47. ^ "Historical Background of Dubai". Travel Channel. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  48. ^ "Timeline of the UAE". BBC News. 2009-11-03. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  49. ^ "The Dirham". CRN India. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  50. ^ "Jebel Ali Free Zone". Wisconsin Project. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  51. ^ "Dubai". City Vacations. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  52. ^ "Dubai does brisk war business". Corpwatch. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  53. ^ "Dubai Internet City". Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  54. ^ "Dubai Media City". Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  55. ^ "Dubai Maritime City". Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  56. ^ "Burj al Arab". Lovetripper. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  57. ^ "Dubai bonds signal economic Depression". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  58. ^ "Dubai not so glamorous in economic downturn". Current.com. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  59. ^ "Property Overseas". Guardian. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  60. ^ "Dubai Property Scandal". The Independent. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  61. ^ "Dubai homeowners go on offensive". The National. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  62. ^ "Resilient Dubai". Khaleej Times. 2009-05-30. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
  63. ^ "Dubai Rulers". Dubai Official Government Portal. Retrieved 2009-05-31.
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