The Dubai way of life did not always center on oil and its profits. Dubai was originally a fishing settlement. Inhabitants lived by fishing, pearling, herding sheep and goats, and by the turn of the century was an important trading port. Trade expanded even as Dubai was under the British colony, and Dubai began to grow in merchant appeal. By the early 1900s, almost a quarter of the population was foreign.

The population in the 1930s was 20,000, and of that, 2,000 were Persians, 1,000 Baluchis, many Indians and substantial communities from Bahrain, Kuwait and the Hasa province in eastern South Arabia. In 1954, the British established a political agency there as well.

In 1971, the British withdrew and Dubai joined with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Aiman, Umm Al Quwain, Fajairah and later Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates. Oil was discovered in 1966 and by 1969 Dubai exported its first shipment of oil. The success of this venture fueled the rapid development of the area and through the insight of the late ruler provided for the general welfare of the inhabitants. Dubai worked to build up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.

The journey continues today. The story of Dubai reads like a rags-to-riches tale, and indeed, it is hard to imagine anywhere else in the world that has developed at such a pace, in such a short time. Dubai is a magnificent expression of the Emirate’s incredible vision and a tribute to its sea-faring heritage, an uncompromising statement of success in a land that century after century has provided immense opportunity.