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History of Dubai


The history of Dubai is as interesting as the emirate itself is. According to recent archeological evidences found in Al-Qusais, on the outskirts of Dubai, the human settlement in Dubai had existed as early as 8,000 BC. Early inhabitants of the region were nomadic cattle herders, as the whole area had good pasture untill 3,000 BC. Agriculture in the region started with the cultivation of date palm around 2,500 BC. The area remained closely assocaited with the Magan civilization till 2,000 BC. Magan civilization ceased after the 2nd millenium BC, most probably as a result of desertification of the area.

Islamic History Dubai & Magan Civilization Dubai

There are no historical accounts available for the region for almost 2,300 years. The area came under the Sassanian empire around the 3rd century AD, followed by the Umayyads who intorduced Islam to the region in the 7th century AD.

The early Islamic history, from the 7th to 14th century AD, of the region is not documented. Portuguese were first Europeans who arrived in the region in the early 17th century AD, followed by French and Dutch in late 17th and early 18th century. Throughout this period Dubai remained a small fishing and pearling village, and bone of contention between Qawasim and the Bani Yas tribes.

History of Dubai

Cultural History of Dubai

Dubai was a dependent of the settlement of Abu Dhabi until 1833 AD, and historical records of the town are available from 1799 AD onwards. In 1833 AD, Dubai was taken over by the Al Maktoum dynasty of the Bani Yas tribe who still rule the emirate. In 1835, Dubai signed a maritime truce with Britain. The following years saw Dubai emerging as an important sea trading port and settlement growing rapidly. Dubai remained a foremost trading port until the 1930s, primarily known for its pearl exports. Dubai came under the protection of the United Kingdom by the Exclusive Agreement of 1892.

Oil in Dubai

Discovery of oil reserves in Dubai in 1966 completely changed the fortunes of this emirate, and it started to export oil in 1969. Following the British withdrawal from Dubai in 1971, the emirate came together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates. In 1973, Dubai joined the other emirates to adopt a single, uniform currency- the UAE Dirham. Today, Dubai has emerged as a major economic and tourism hub of the world, with world-class free trade zones, financial institutions, hotels, shopping malls, and much more.

Dubai Travel Guide