📜 Timeline-Style History of Dubai

• Before 18th Century

Early inhabitants lived in the region as fishermen, traders, and pearl divers. Dubai’s location made it an important stop on ancient trade routes.

• 1833 — Founding of Modern Dubai

Around 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti, settled at Dubai Creek.
This marked the beginning of modern Dubai and the start of the Al Maktoum family’s rule.

• Late 1800s – Early 1900s — Trading Hub

Dubai became a free trading port.
The economy grew through pearl diving, fishing, gold trading, and spice trade.

• 1920s–1930s — Pearl Industry Collapse

The arrival of cultured pearls from Japan caused Dubai’s pearl trade to decline, bringing economic difficulties.

• 1958–1960s — Modern Development Begins

Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum started major infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and Dubai Airport.

• 1966 — Discovery of Oil

Oil was discovered in Dubai, transforming the city’s economy.
Oil revenue helped build modern infrastructure and improve living standards.

• 1971 — Formation of the UAE

Dubai joined with Abu Dhabi and other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 2, 1971.

• 1980s–1990s — Diversification

Dubai invested in tourism, aviation, trade, and real estate instead of relying only on oil.
Projects like Jebel Ali Port, Dubai World Trade Centre, and Dubai Creek expansion were built.

• 2000s — Global Mega Projects

Dubai launched world-famous landmarks:

• Palm Jumeirah

• Burj Al Arab

• Dubai Marina

• Burj Khalifa

• Dubai Mall

• 2010s–Present — Global City

Dubai became a major center for:

• Tourism

• Business & finance

• Technology

• Innovation

• International events (like Expo 2020)

Today, Dubai is known worldwide as a modern, diverse, and fast-growing metropolis.