Dubai History
Dubai is the most populous city in United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Dubai is a city of skyscrapers, ports, and beaches, where big businesses take place alongside tourism in search of the sun. Due to its large expatriate population, it looks like a crucible from the Middle East and the atmosphere is generally tolerant. Religious affiliations are not an important aspect of city life. Islam is the majority religion, but Hindu churches and temples coexist with the mosques of Dubai. Dubai History
Country
United Arab Emirates
Emirate
Founded by
Ubaid bin Saeed and Maktum bin Butti Al Maktoum
Dubai Culture
The culture of Dubai is deeply rooted in the Islamic traditions that shape the lifestyle of a UAE national. It is important to note that when tourists visit Dubai, they must respect the culture and behave accordingly, as the minority groups of the Emiratis are very protective of their Islamic culture and traditions. Dubai is known for being the entertainment capital of the Middle East which attracts many party-goers from around the world, especially those who are rich enough to splurge in the most expensive places in the city. Although Dubai has cultivated this image for its tourists, it still discourages its Islamic nationals from engaging in the many entertainment services offered. Therefore, these services are often located in the most touristy areas rather than in residential areas. Dubai History
Alcohol is not prohibited in Dubai, as long as it is confined to designated areas of hotels, bars, or nightclubs. Residents are free to drink at home as long as they have a liquor license issued by the Municipality. It is illegal to drink on the street or in other public places. Pork is also available for consumption by visitors and expatriates. Visitors and expatriates are advised not to display their Western cultural habits on the streets, where they may be seen by conservative nationals who may find this offensive. Having said that, this does not mean that locals are against foreigners visiting Dubai, it is just a courtesy to respect your hosts. Emiratis are traditionally known for their warm hospitality and are very generous when providing refreshments to customers. Remember, in Rome, do like the Romans. Dubai History
Emiratis tend to wear their traditional clothing influenced by their Islamic beliefs. Most men prefer the traditional dishdasha or khandura (a long white shirt dress), with the ghutra (a white headdress) and the agal (a rope worn to hold the ghutra in place). Emirati women tend to wear an abaya (a long black cape), which is worn over conservative clothing, with a sheyla or hijab (a scarf used to wrap around the face and head). Expatriates and visitors are advised to dress appropriately; pants or a dress must be worn to cover under the knee, when driving in the city, especially on historic sites. However, they can wear whatever they want when in a hotel, bar or club and swimwear is tolerated by the pool or at the beach. Normally, tourist photography is acceptable and expected with all the beauty that Dubai has to offer. Do not take pictures of government buildings, military installations, ports, and airports. Like everywhere, it is polite to ask permission before photographing people, especially an Emirati woman. Dubai History
Religion
Dubai, like the rest of the United Arab Emirates, is an Islamic emirate and once in the city, you are surrounded by many mosques, and the call to prayer will be heard frequently. The most religious time of the year in Dubai is the holy month of Ramadan, which lasts about 30 days. It is at this time that Muslims fast during the day to fulfill their duties towards the fourth pillar of Islam. Tourists should be aware that during this period, eating, drinking, and smoking is not allowed in public during the day, although some restaurants obscure their windows to allow people to consume food and drink privately. Bars will not serve alcohol until 19:00 hrs and nightclubs are closed as loud music is not allowed. Dubai History
However, the UAE is tolerant and welcoming to foreigners who do not practice Islam. The government has a policy of tolerance towards non-Muslims and polytheists and, in practice, has very little interference with their religious activities. Dubai’s huge Arab population includes many Middle Eastern countries that follow the Christian faith and non-Muslim expatriates. They are free to practice their own religion as long as they do not distribute literature publicly. In fact, Dubai has other places of religious worship, such as churches, gurdwaras, and temples. The Meena Bazaar district of the city has both a Shiva and Krishna temple. Both are believed to be sanctioned by the late leader of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. There is an electric crematorium run by a group of Indian expatriates. Besides, in early 2001, the land was opened for the construction of several additional churches on a plot of land in Jebel Ali donated by the government of Dubai to four Protestant congregations and one Catholic congregation. The construction of the first Greek Orthodox church in Dubai (to be called St. Mary’s) was completed in November 2009 with the help of General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defense of the United Arab Emirates. united, who donated land to Jebel Ali.
The official language of the country is Arabic, but most people inside and outside the workplace communicate in English. There are so many different nationalities in Dubai and therefore English finds common ground with most people. The majority of road signs, signs, restaurant menus, etc. are in English and Arabic. Dubai History
Historical timeline leading to the rise of Dubai
1830: The small fishing colony of Dubai is taken by a segment of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family who, interestingly, still reigns over the emirate today. Dubai History
1892: Les commerçants étrangers sont attirés à Dubaï en raison de la déclaration selon laquelle ils seront exonérés d’impôt, la population double et l’industrie perlière est en plein essor.
1930-1940: Recession hits the declining pearl industry in Dubai, causing social pressure and feuds among members of the royal family.
1958: Sheikh Rashid officially becomes sovereign of Dubai after the death of his father.
1959: The emir of Kuwait lends millions of dollars to Sheik Rashid to renovate the stream so that it can accommodate large ships in order to develop Dubai’s reputation as a major commercial hub.
1966: Dubai discovers its own oil, attracting traders to settle in Dubai, which in turn stimulates economic growth. Dubai History
1968: Dubai begins to export crude oil and petrodollars.
1973: The Dirham becomes the official currency unit in Dubai.
1980: Dubai’s annual oil revenue drops to US $ 3.
1985: The airline company Emirates is established and Dubai plans to reinvent it as a tourist destination.
1990: Sheik Maktoum takes charge of Dubai, due to the death of his father, Sheik Rashid, during the first Gulf War.
1996: The Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai World Cup are launched and become very popular annual events.
1999: one of the tallest hotels in the world, the Burj Al Arab opens its doors, further strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a tourist destination.
2003: Dubai is recognized by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank as a financial center. Also, at this time, the real estate market in Dubai suddenly developed due to the introduction of freehold properties.
2006: Sheik Mohammed becomes Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the leader of Dubai. It updates the liberal policies of its Maktoum ancestors and develops Dubai further, raising the commercial profile of the city.
2007: Sheikh Mohammed announces the Dubai 2015 strategic plan as well as the inauguration of Dubaï Studio City. The price of the Dubai World Cup has been raised to $ 10 million and the international city of Dubai is being built.
2008: Inauguration of the new Maktoum bridge with Dubai Sports City and Dubai International Terminal 3. The Atlantis, The Palm hotel & resort is inaugurated.
2009: Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the world is inaugurated and Red Line (Dubai Metro) begins operations. The international cricket stadium in Dubai is also open.
2010: Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world opens its doors and Al Maktoum International Airport enters service.
2011: the Dubai metro begins operating the green line as well as the Palm Deira station.
2012: Princess Tower and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai are built as Dubai tenders for the 2020 World Expo.
2013: Dubai wins an offer for the 2020 World Expo and Sheikh Mohammed announces the Dubai water channel.
2014: Announcement of the Mall of the World, the largest shopping center and indoor theme park in the world, and Opera Grand, the first tower of the Dubai Opera district.
2015: UAE develops a Mars probe named Hope.
2016: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates the Dubai water canal.
2017: Dubai Safari Park is open to the public.
2018: Dubai Frame, the largest frame in the world opens in 2018.
2019: Start of construction of Burj Jumeirah.
Crime
Dubai has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and, in 2019, it was ranked the seventh safest city in the world. The Security Industry Regulatory Agency has classified crimes into six categories:
•robbery,
•forced theft,
•domestic burglary,
• fraud
• assault and sexual abuse,
•damages.
These crimes include
•theft
•forced theft
•domestic burglary
•fraud
•sexual assault and abuse
• criminal damages.
According to Gulf News, Dubai police said crime in Dubai had decreased by 15% in 2017. However, drug trafficking cases increased by 8%. Major-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri, Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, praised the force which resolved 86% of the criminal cases.
Statistics also indicate that murder crimes have increased from 0.5 in 2016 to 0.3 in 2017 per 100,000 population, while violent and aggressive crimes in the past 5 years have dropped from 2.2 crimes per 100 000 and fell to 1.2 by the end of 2017, said Al Mansouri. General crimes have decreased since 2013, registering around 0.2 at the end of 2017. Robberies increased from 3.8 in 2013 to 2.1 at the end of last year, while kidnapping cases also went from 0.2 in 2013 to 0.1 in 2017.
Vehicle thefts in 2013 were 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants and fell to 1.7 in 2017. All stolen vehicles were also recovered after being smuggled into neighboring countries, in cooperation with the competent authorities of this country. According to the United States Office of Diplomatic Security, petty theft, pickpocketing, scams, and sexual harassment still occur, although they are generally not violent and no weapons are involved.
Landscape
The western area of Dubai boasts small stretches of sandy beaches, which have helped catalyze the city’s tourism industry. Dubai rulers have sought to widen the city’s limited waterfront and, in the absence of offshore natural islands, developers have been encouraged to build giant artificial islands off the coast of the city. The most famous of them is Palm Jumeirah, which is shaped like a palm tree. Others include the “world” islands, a group of small islands positioned to look like a map of the world viewed from above.