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| Home > City Guide - Dubai - City Overview | ||
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City Overview Surveying the dynamic skyline of Dubai today, it is tempting to think of this emirate as a thoroughly modern creation. But Dubai’s history drifts back to at least the third century BC, when nomadic tribes eked out a living in the arid deserts. Dubai grew to prominence as an important hub on the ancient trading route between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley and, by the 19th century, a fishing village had taken root on the Shindagha peninsula, at the mouth of Dubai Creek. The village was inhabited by the Bani Yas tribe, who were led by the Maktoum family, the dynasty that still presides over Dubai today. As Europe embarked on the mass destruction of World War I, Dubai still had no running water, no real roads and the main mode of transport was the camel. Dubai’s remarkable success story really began in the 1960s. In the process of shaking off the shackles of British colonial rule, oil was struck in 1966. The scene was set for a rapid rise to incredible wealth, as Dubai drew in billions of Dollars from the sale of oil – money that was wisely invested in building up infrastructure and conjuring up a city to match the extent of the newly found riches. Contrary to popular misconceptions about Dubai, however, oil only accounts for 10% of the economy today, as the emirate has expanded into trade, service industries, finance, light industry and tourism. Another misconception is the idea that alcohol is completely banned. The reality is that, in the city’s numerous hotels, bars and restaurants, alcohol flows freely. What cannot be exaggerated is the visible, astronomical wealth ostentatiously on display throughout Dubai, with gleaming skyscrapers vying for attention along Dubai Creek and even more elaborate, government sponsored construction projects underway. The most recent is the Palm Islands, a massive project that will bring 120km (75 miles) of new beachfront, through the creation of the world’s two largest manmade islands, as well as hotels, villas, shopping malls, cinemas and Dubai’s first marine park. Despite the fact that Dubai is one of the hottest and most arid places on the planet, there are four first-rate golf courses and more on the way, with another outlandish plan to build a ski slope with real snow. Dubai does not do things by half measures, with some of the world’s tallest and most costly buildings and top designers brought in to supervise the ever more elaborate projects. The result is that Dubai is now a real playground for the rich and famous. With almost 400 hotels, first-class shopping and plenty of space for future development, there is also enough room for less affluent visitors. Part of the attraction is the weather – Dubai enjoys an idyllic climate for much of the year, with constant sunshine and very little rainfall, although, in summer, the heat is extreme, making trips away from air-conditioned vehicles and buildings unbearable. |
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