Dubai Gulf Arabic pronunciation: [dəˈbaj]) is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the country’s seven emirates.
Established in the 18th century as a small fishing village, Dubai grew into a regional trading hub in the early 20th century and grew rapidly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with a focus on tourism and luxury. It has the second-most five-star hotels in the world and boasts the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, which is 828 metres (2,717 ft) tall.
In the eastern Arabian Peninsula, on the coast of the Persian Gulf, it is a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo. Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city, which was already a major mercantile hub.
Dubai has been a centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century, and its economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services. Oil production contributed less than 1 percent of the emirate’s GDP in 2018. The city has a population of around 3.60 million (as of 2022).
History
Establishment of modern Dubai[edit]
In the 1950s, Al Fahidi Fort, located in the historic district of Dubai, likely retained much of its original structure and function, albeit in a vastly different urban landscape compared to today. Here’s a glimpse into what Al Fahidi Fort would have been like during that time:
1. **Historical Significance**: Al Fahidi Fort, also known as Dubai Fort, is one of the oldest existing buildings in Dubai, dating back to the late 18th century. It served as a defensive structure to protect the town from external threats and played a crucial role in safeguarding the burgeoning trading port of Dubai.
2. **Architecture**: The fort’s architecture reflects traditional Arabian defensive design, characterized by thick walls, small windows, and crenellations for defense. Constructed from coral blocks and gypsum mortar, it was a sturdy structure built to withstand the harsh desert environment and potential attacks.
3. **Functionality**: In the 1950s, Al Fahidi Fort likely continued to serve its original purpose as a defensive stronghold, though by that time, its military significance might have diminished. It might have also been used for administrative purposes, such as housing government offices or as a residence for local rulers.
4. **Surrounding Area**: During the 1950s, the area surrounding Al Fahidi Fort would have been vastly different from today’s bustling metropolis. Dubai was then a small trading port, with traditional Arabian architecture dominating the landscape. The fort would have stood as a prominent landmark amidst low-rise buildings and narrow alleyways.
5. **Cultural Heritage**: Even in the 1950s, Al Fahidi Fort would have been recognized as an important cultural and historical site. Its preservation would have been of interest to local authorities and residents, as it represented Dubai’s heritage and connection to its past.
6. **Tourism**: While tourism in Dubai was minimal compared to today, visitors interested in the region’s history and culture may have been drawn to Al Fahidi Fort even in the 1950s. It would have offered insights into Dubai’s origins and provided a glimpse into its past as a trading hub and defensive outpost.
Overall, in the 1950s, Al Fahidi Fort would have stood as a symbol of Dubai’s history and resilience, anchoring the city’s identity amidst the rapid changes brought about by urbanization and modernization.
- Historical Significance: As mentioned earlier, Al Fahidi Fort is one of the oldest existing buildings in Dubai. It was originally built as a defensive structure to protect the town and its important trading port.
- Conversion to Museum: In 1971, the fort was renovated and converted into the Dubai Museum. This transformation was part of efforts to preserve the historical heritage of Dubai and showcase its rich history to residents and visitors alike.
- Exhibits: The Dubai Museum offers visitors a journey through the emirate’s past, presenting exhibits on various aspects of Dubai’s history, culture, and heritage. These exhibits include displays on traditional Bedouin life, pearl diving, fishing, trade, and the development of the city from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis.
- Architecture: The museum’s location within Al Fahidi Fort allows visitors to experience the historical architecture of Dubai firsthand. The fort’s thick walls, wind towers (known as “barjeel”), and traditional layout provide a glimpse into the architectural style of the region in the 18th century.
- Visitor Experience: Visitors to the Dubai Museum can explore the fort’s interior, which includes galleries, dioramas, artifacts, and interactive displays. The museum offers a blend of informative exhibits and immersive experiences, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
- Cultural Importance: The Dubai Museum plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Dubai. It serves as a focal point for educational activities, cultural events, and community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering appreciation for the emirate’s history and traditions.
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- Location: Watchtowers in Bur Dubai would have been strategically positioned along the town’s perimeter, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. They were typically situated on elevated ground to maximize visibility and surveillance capabilities.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of watchtowers was to serve as lookout points for detecting approaching ships, traders, or potential invaders. They played a vital role in early warning systems, allowing residents to prepare for any impending threats and coordinate defensive measures.
- Design: Watchtowers in the 19th century were often simple structures, built from locally available materials such as coral stone, mudbrick, or limestone. They typically featured narrow windows or openings for observation and defense, as well as a raised platform or rooftop for sentries to stand guard.
- Defensive Infrastructure: In addition to watchtowers, Bur Dubai would have had other defensive structures such as city walls, gates, and forts to protect against maritime raids and incursions from neighboring tribes or rival powers.
- Integration with Urban Life: While watchtowers served a primarily military function, they were also integrated into the fabric of urban life in Bur Dubai. They would have been manned by guards or sentries tasked with maintaining vigilance and sounding alarms when necessary.
- Cultural Significance: Watchtowers in Bur Dubai were emblematic of the town’s history and heritage as a trading port and maritime hub. They symbolized the importance of defense and security in safeguarding the town’s prosperity and livelihood.
Pre-oil Dubai
- Economy: Before the discovery of oil, Dubai’s economy relied primarily on maritime trade, pearl diving, fishing, and small-scale agriculture. The pearl diving industry was particularly significant, with many residents depending on it for their livelihoods.
- Trade: Dubai’s strategic location on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula made it a vital trading hub in the region. The town’s natural harbor attracted traders from across the Arabian Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and beyond, facilitating the exchange of goods such as pearls, textiles, spices, and gold.
- Architecture: Pre-oil Dubai was characterized by traditional Arabian architecture, featuring low-rise buildings constructed from materials such as coral stone, mudbrick, and gypsum mortar. Wind towers, known as “barjeel,” were a common feature of residential buildings, providing natural ventilation in the hot desert climate.
- Culture and Society: Dubai’s population during this period was relatively small and close-knit, consisting mainly of Emirati nationals, as well as expatriate communities from neighboring countries and regions. Social life revolved around traditional activities such as dhow sailing, camel racing, and communal gatherings known as “majlis.”
- Infrastructure: Infrastructure in pre-oil Dubai was limited compared to modern standards. Roads were unpaved, electricity was scarce, and access to clean water was a challenge. However, the town’s small size meant that most essential services and amenities were within walking distance for residents.
- Rulership: Pre-oil Dubai was governed by the ruling Al Maktoum family, who provided leadership and guidance to the town’s residents. The rulers played a central role in mediating disputes, promoting trade, and ensuring the well-being of their subjects.
- Education and Healthcare: Educational and healthcare facilities were basic during this time, with limited access to formal schooling and medical services. Most education and healthcare needs were met through traditional methods, such as home schooling and herbal medicine.
- Al Ras District: Al Ras is one of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Dubai, located in the Deira area along the eastern bank of Dubai Creek. In the mid-1960s, Al Ras would have retained much of its traditional Arabian architecture, consisting of low-rise buildings made from materials like coral stone, mudbrick, and gypsum mortar. The district was known for its bustling souks (markets), narrow alleyways, and vibrant street life. Residents would have been predominantly Emirati, with a mix of expatriate communities from neighboring countries and regions.
- Dubai Creek: Dubai Creek has been the lifeline of the city for centuries, serving as a natural harbor and a hub for maritime trade. In the mid-1960s, the creek would have been bustling with activity, with traditional wooden dhows (sailing vessels) carrying goods to and from the port. The creek’s banks would have been lined with warehouses, trading posts, and customs offices, reflecting Dubai’s role as a trading center in the region. The iconic abras (water taxis) would have been ferrying passengers across the creek, providing essential transportation for residents and traders.
- Commercial Activity: The mid-1960s marked a period of economic growth and expansion for Dubai, driven by its strategic location and flourishing trade networks. Al Ras and the surrounding areas would have been buzzing with commercial activity, with merchants from various parts of the world converging on the souks to buy and sell goods such as textiles, spices, gold, and pearls. The creek would have been a hive of maritime activity, with dhows loading and unloading cargo destined for local markets or international ports.
- Infrastructure: While Dubai was still developing its infrastructure in the mid-1960s, efforts were underway to modernize the city and improve amenities for residents and visitors. Basic utilities such as electricity, water, and telecommunications were becoming more widely available, and paved roads were gradually replacing dirt tracks in some areas. However, infrastructure development was still in its early stages compared to the rapid expansion that would occur in the following decades.
BOAC was originally reluctant to start regular flights between Bombay and Dubai, fearing a lack of demand for seats. However, by the time the asphalt runway of Dubai Airport was constructed in 1965, opening Dubai to both regional and long haul traffic, a number of foreign airlines were competing for landing rights. In 1970 a new airport terminal building was constructed which included Dubai’s first duty-free shops
Throughout the 1960s Dubai was the centre of a lively trade, with 1968 imports of gold at some £56 million. This gold was, in the vast majority, re-exported – mainly to customers who took delivery in international waters off The import of gold to India had been banned and so the trade was characterised as smuggling, although Dubai’s merchants were quick to point out that they were making legal deliveries of gold and that it was up to the customer where they took it.
In 1966, more gold was shipped from London to Dubai than almost anywhere else in the world (only France and Switzerland took more), at 4 million ounces. Dubai also took delivery of over $15 million-worth of watches and over 5 million ounces of silver. The 1967 price of gold was $35 an ounce but its market price in India was $68 an ounce – a healthy markup. Estimates at the time put the volume of gold imports from Dubai to India at around 75% of the total market.
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