It's hard to imagine, but 30 years ago Dubai was a small desert city awaiting the trade of the Persian Gulf.
In a few decades, thanks to a determined ruling family and oil money, it has become the economic hub of the Middle East and a must-visit tourist destination.
The Emirate of Dubai is one of the seven that make up the United Arab Emirates. It entered the 21st century with an ambitious plan to attract attention to this sunny corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The result is a glittering metropolis whose contagious confidence has enabled unique projects that have amazed the world, such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet, and the Palm Islands, so large they can be seen from space. Sublime beaches and warm waters were the starting point, but a lot of money has been invested to make Dubai a superlative destination. The hotels are the most luxurious; the largest shopping centers, the gourmet restaurants. The nightlife is vibrant, the spas are ultra-modern and the leisure alternatives are limitless. If you want to ski in real snow, no problem.
The city is incredibly multicultural. Millions of foreigners have settled there, from managers in the technology and financial sectors to legions of taxi drivers, waiters and domestic employees. However, Arab hospitality remains the hallmark of Dubai and its inhabitants. Social and economic differences are perceived, but the city has a relatively relaxed attitude towards those who visit it each year Dubai is one of those places that polarize opinions: if you don't like aseptic and somewhat artificial environments or the idea of spending hours searching bargains or chasing a golf ball, Dubai is not your destination. But those who appreciate extraordinary architecture, exceptional hospitality and an overflowing leisure offering will find that Dubai exceeds their expectations.
Geography
The small Emirate of Dubai is the second largest of the seven that make up the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi, with an area of 4,114 square km. Located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, Dubai borders the Emirate of Sharjah to the northeast, Oman to the southeast and Abu Dhabi to the south, while the Dubai enclave of Hatta has borders with the emirates of Ajman, Ras el Khaimah and also with Oman. .
Almost all of it is desert, giving way in the southeast to the Hajar mountains, one of the few elevations in the region that reach 1,300 meters high. There are no permanent rivers in Dubai, but occasional flows disappear before creating oases.
If you decide to go sightseeing in Dubai, you will find a beautiful city that extends along the coastline, bordering Shajah and Hatta, under the Hajar Mountains and bordering Oman.
Chronology
1820: The United Kingdom signs an agreement with the tribal chiefs of the Persian Gulf. The British Navy protects the coast from pirates in exchange for some influence in local affairs.
1833: The Al Maktoum branch of the Bani Yas tribe moves from the northern coast to the area around Dubai Inlet.
1892: Several states (including Dubai) sign agreements with the United Kingdom to manage their internal affairs and have the British take care of foreign policy. The Al Maktoum family designs a progressive trade policy and repeals trade rates.
1912: Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum takes control of Dubai.
1950s: Oil is discovered in the Persian Gulf.
1952: The seven families that rule the emirates form the Trucial States: it is the first formal political link between these city-states.
1958: Sheikh Rasih bin Saeed Al Maktoum rises to power in Dubai. Knowing that oil reserves are limited, it concentrates its economic policy on trade and tourism.
1959: Sheikh Rashid orders the construction of Dubai's first airport.
1960: Draining the inlet costs $850,000, but allows large cargo ships that cannot dock in Abu Dhabi to unload material for the oil industry.
1971: The seven emirates become independent from the United Kingdom and form the United Arab Emirates, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi.
1972: Port Rashid, Dubai's port, opens, attracting new business, partly due to tensions between Iraq and Iran at the northern end of the Persian Gulf.
1979: Sheikh Rashid becomes president of the Emirates. The Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai's first skyscraper, is inaugurated.
1985: The Emirates airline company is inaugurated, based at Duba international airport. The Jebel Ali free zone is founded around the city's second port, the largest artificial port in the world.
1990: Sheikh Rashid dies and is succeeded by his son, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum.
1996: The first Dubai World Cup is held, the equestrian race with the largest prizes in the world.
1999: The Burj Al Arab high-tech hotel opens.
2001: Work begins on the enormous artificial island of Palm Jumeirah.
2002: Foreigners are allowed to own property without limitations in Dubai.
2003: The Dubai Marina and The World projects begin.
2008: The Atlantis hotel, The Palm, on Palm Jumeirah celebrates a spectacular opening party. At the end of 2008, the financial crisis shook Dubai and caused a sudden and dramatic change. New projects are put on hold and those in progress, such as The World, are stopped.
2009: The Dubai Metro transports its first passenger.
2010: The Burj Khalida, currently the tallest building in the world, opens.
2013: Sheikh Mohammed announces the construction project of the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House, which will open in 2016.
The United Arab Emirates
Dubai is one of the seven United Arab Emirates. The largest economically and physically is Abu Dhabi, which holds the leadership in military and political matters. The other emirates are Sharya, Achman, Umm al Qaiwain, Ras al Khaimah and Fuchaira. Each emirate is ruled by a family dynasty. The rulers of Dubai belong to the Al Maktoum family.
Immigrants
Dubai has attracted foreign businesses by creating ultra-modern infrastructure and free zones with long-term fee waivers. Office workers have tax-free salaries and benefits such as housing, health insurance and free school for their children. It is a very popular place to build a future or change your life.
Upon arrival in Dubai
Despite being one of the most tolerant UAE, the recommendation for dressing is not to show shoulders or knees, it is advisable to choose carefully the clothes you want to wear. It is also important to highlight that expressions of affection in public are not welcomed, not even between spouses, that homosexuality is considered illegal and that the sale of alcohol is limited to high-end hotels.