History is our window to appreciate the present and perhaps predict the future. In this section, you’ll get to learn how the city of Dubai came about, and how it started from humble beginnings before becoming an international powerhouse.
- 1760: Abu Dhabi was found by the Baniyas Tribe
- 1820: A General Treaty of Peace was signed to combat piracy along the Arabian Gulf Coast.
- 1833: Maktoum family settled in Abu Dhabi
- 1835: The Maritime Truce was signed by the British and Trucial States
- 1890’s: Abu Dhabi including the city of Dubai is under Great Britain’s protection
- 1950’s: Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi
- 1952: Seven emirate states formed council to promote cooperation
- 1962: Oil is exported for the first time
- 1963: The Maktoum Bridge was built across the Dubai Creek
- 1966: Oil is again discovered in Dubai’s coast
- 1966: His Honorable Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the ruler of Abu Dhabi state.
- 1971: Great Britain withdrew from the Gulf, making Dubai an independent city. The United Arab Emirates was established, making Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the leader of the new country. UAE also joined the Arab League.
- 1973: Dirham became the official UAE currency
- 1990: Dubai’s leader was succeeded by his son Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum after his death. Burj Al Arab was officially opened and broke the record for becoming the tallest hotel in the world.
- 2006: First national elections were held
- 2007: Qatar and Dubai became two biggest shareholders of London Stock Exchange
- 2008: The French military made Abu Dhabi a permanent military base through the France and UAE agreement.
- 2009: The first public transit system called Dubai Metro was officially opened
- 2011: UAE joins Libya for a military operation
Good-humored, practical,and insightful, Downey’s travel books offer useful information in an easily accessible format. 