Dubai History, United Arab Emirates

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the country aptly named as United Arab Emirates. Each emirate exists on its own and in conjunction with the other emirate under the federal law. Following its founding in 1971, this city has grown into becoming the emirate with the largest population. Its growing economy as well as its incredible infrastructure has gained the attention of the world. As of 2005, it has an economy worth 37 billion US dollars predominantly because the revenues are from trade, manufacturing and financial services. Its growing economy has attracted millions of foreign workers owing to its conservative yet lenient foreign relations. Currently, it is one of two emirates that have veto power over critical matters of national importance in the country's legislature. Before the Islamic invasion, the city was under the rule of the Sassanian Empire that was a staunch believer of a religion known as Bajir - a small deity-based faith. However, with the expansion of Islam in the South Eastern Arab region as perpetuated by the Ummayad Caliphate, the Sassanian people as well as their minor religion were banished from the land. This has been proven in the various excavations in Al-Jumayra (Jumeirah) by the Dubai Museum. The Spanish-Arab geographer Abu Abdullah al-Bakri has mentioned the existence of the city in 1095 as recorded in his book - “Book of Geography”. Moreover, Venetian pearl merchant Gaspero Balbi visited it in 1580 and mentioned Dubai (Dibei) for its pearling industry. In the early 19th century, it was the Al Abu Falasa clan of Bani Yas clan who was credited for the establishment of Dubai. From then on, it remained under the shadow of the larger city of Abu Dhabi from which it was dependent until 1833. In 1892, it was under the rule of the British government following a treaty with the Al Maktoum dynasty by way of the 'Exclusive Agreement' of 1892 because the former promised to protect the young city against the rampaging Ottoman tribe. During those years, the town of Dubai had a taste of progress because of its proximity to India. In spite of its growing independence, it began war with sister state Abu Dhabi because of Border issues in 1947. However, due to the intervening measure of the British Government, the hostilities ceased. This peace went on until the country of United Arab Emirates was established in 1971.

 Dubai has had its share of history only found in their Museum. Several artifacts have been excavated in the city that date back as far as the Islamic empire. Moreover, the emergence of Islam gave rise to the Mosques around the city.

Now Dubai is a real beauty to behold.

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• A Few Days Vacation in Dubai
  review by MadSuh posted more then 30 days ago
  This was an interesting trip. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was certainly surprised. I think that most people living in the Western World have some prejudice against the Arab world. I certainly thought I would feel a bit uneasy in an Arab State. We are used to personal freedom and modern...

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• Dubai Museum
  travel tip by MadSuh posted more then 30 days ago
  This Museum is located inside the Al Fahid Fort and is one of the best places to experience some of the truly original Arabic artwork and more. The museum documents the life and history of Dubai and the entire Arabic peninsula

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