History
The History Of U.A.E.
The United Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates that came together on the 2nd December 1971 to form the UAE. The capital city is Abu Dhabi. The 7 emirates are:
1. Abu Dhabi
2. Dubai
3. Sharjah
4. Umm Al Quwain
5. Ajman
6. Fujairah
7. Ras Al Khaimah
Dubai started as one of the seven Trucial States, a federation of separate states, all which featured their own rulers or emirs. Becoming a key destination for those on their way to the key Islamic area of Iraq, Dubai evolved into a pearl diving and fishing hub in around the 5th and 6th century. Dubai's location has long been a driving force in its prosperity. Such a location offers many key benefits, something that didn’t go unnoticed by the superpower at that time, Great Britain. With other powerful nations such as France and Russia showing interest in Dubai, Britain agreed a deal with Dubai. It would offer Dubai protection and would not interfere with local politics if the Trucial States agreed to ignore the advances of all other nations.
It is as far back as 1833 that the current family ruling Dubai took initial control. The Maktoum Family still to this day preside over Dubai in the form of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. And it is from this time on that Dubai really began to take off. Aware of the superior military muscle of surrounding neighbors, an agreement was signed with the British which brought increased stability which in turn increased trade, which was for the most part focused around the Dubai Creek. Here is where the Dubai pearl diving industry was started and it continued to grow at an impressive rate with exports to India, Persia and as far as Europe. This lucrative business lead many traders to relocate to the city, most of them staying, to form a diverse population, something that is very much a part of modern day Dubai.
Dubai's increased prosperity at this time was due to many factors, but perhaps the most significant of which was the lack of taxes for a large proportion of its workers, along with the positive business initiatives introduced by then ruler Sheikh Maktoum, that further enhanced trade. However it was the start of the century that saw Dubai's population increase rapidly to 20,000 people, almost twice its previous size. The main catalyst for this was certainly the removal of commercial taxes. However the pearl trade began to slow after the Japanese discovered cultured peals and the general slow down in trade around the globe in the 1930's clearly played a massive role. Although not the scene of any fighting during Word War, the Trucial states were but both by the lack of trade and food shortages. Things were kick started again with the discovery of oil within the region. Dubai was quick to see the potential of this opportunity, with the large equipment needed by oil companies and the large man power required giving rise to the prospect of a large amount potential trade. As a result the creek was expanded, allowing large vessel access, meaning business boomed and as a result so did Dubai's population. Towards the end of the 1970's, almost 250,000 people lived in Dubai. Britain had ended its influence in the area by 1971, and as a result the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is known today as the United Arab Emirates.
And it was during the 1970's that Dubai began to witness large scale industrial investment to build upon the wealth generated by the oil, and it 1979 the World Trade Centre was opened. This started off the trend of large foreign companies coming to Dubai, something which gathered pase throughout the 1980's. However it was during the late 90's that Dubai began to turns its focus to tourism and the Dubai most people know today began to emerge. Today sees Dubai with a large white collar workforce, and with the internet and media cities specialized service related business clusters, and of course a booming tourism industry. Dubai has continuously built upon its roots as a 6th century trading post and as a result is now enjoying the benefits.
Language
Whilst the official language in the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken in all walks of life. Both languages are used in business and commerce, with English often being the preferred choice due to the large numbers of expatriates working in Dubai. Signs and information are written in both English and Arabic. You can also expect to hear a good deal of Urdu and Farsi as well.
Dubai is an Islamic country and as a result Islamic culture plays a large role in the general lifestyle of the UAE, with most of the local population being Sunni Muslims. Nonetheless, the UAE in general is very tolerant of the many beliefs that abound amongst the large expatriate population, whom make up around 80% of the population. And whilst the predominant and official religion of the region is Islam, other religions are free to openly practice their faith, and there are even a number of churches. The UAE has long enjoyed a reputation for its hospitable, kind and friendly attitude that exists in both business and social situations. Foreigners will find they are treated with respect and kindness, and they too are in turn are asked to respond to their host’s kindness by respecting the religious beliefs, local laws and customs of the UAE.
The United Arab Emirates consists of 7 emirates that came together on the 2nd December 1971 to form the UAE. The capital city is Abu Dhabi. The 7 emirates are:
1. Abu Dhabi
2. Dubai
3. Sharjah
4. Umm Al Quwain
5. Ajman
6. Fujairah
7. Ras Al Khaimah
Dubai started as one of the seven Trucial States, a federation of separate states, all which featured their own rulers or emirs. Becoming a key destination for those on their way to the key Islamic area of Iraq, Dubai evolved into a pearl diving and fishing hub in around the 5th and 6th century. Dubai's location has long been a driving force in its prosperity. Such a location offers many key benefits, something that didn’t go unnoticed by the superpower at that time, Great Britain. With other powerful nations such as France and Russia showing interest in Dubai, Britain agreed a deal with Dubai. It would offer Dubai protection and would not interfere with local politics if the Trucial States agreed to ignore the advances of all other nations.
It is as far back as 1833 that the current family ruling Dubai took initial control. The Maktoum Family still to this day preside over Dubai in the form of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. And it is from this time on that Dubai really began to take off. Aware of the superior military muscle of surrounding neighbors, an agreement was signed with the British which brought increased stability which in turn increased trade, which was for the most part focused around the Dubai Creek. Here is where the Dubai pearl diving industry was started and it continued to grow at an impressive rate with exports to India, Persia and as far as Europe. This lucrative business lead many traders to relocate to the city, most of them staying, to form a diverse population, something that is very much a part of modern day Dubai.
Dubai's increased prosperity at this time was due to many factors, but perhaps the most significant of which was the lack of taxes for a large proportion of its workers, along with the positive business initiatives introduced by then ruler Sheikh Maktoum, that further enhanced trade. However it was the start of the century that saw Dubai's population increase rapidly to 20,000 people, almost twice its previous size. The main catalyst for this was certainly the removal of commercial taxes. However the pearl trade began to slow after the Japanese discovered cultured peals and the general slow down in trade around the globe in the 1930's clearly played a massive role. Although not the scene of any fighting during Word War, the Trucial states were but both by the lack of trade and food shortages. Things were kick started again with the discovery of oil within the region. Dubai was quick to see the potential of this opportunity, with the large equipment needed by oil companies and the large man power required giving rise to the prospect of a large amount potential trade. As a result the creek was expanded, allowing large vessel access, meaning business boomed and as a result so did Dubai's population. Towards the end of the 1970's, almost 250,000 people lived in Dubai. Britain had ended its influence in the area by 1971, and as a result the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is known today as the United Arab Emirates.
And it was during the 1970's that Dubai began to witness large scale industrial investment to build upon the wealth generated by the oil, and it 1979 the World Trade Centre was opened. This started off the trend of large foreign companies coming to Dubai, something which gathered pase throughout the 1980's. However it was during the late 90's that Dubai began to turns its focus to tourism and the Dubai most people know today began to emerge. Today sees Dubai with a large white collar workforce, and with the internet and media cities specialized service related business clusters, and of course a booming tourism industry. Dubai has continuously built upon its roots as a 6th century trading post and as a result is now enjoying the benefits.
Language
Whilst the official language in the UAE is Arabic, English is widely spoken in all walks of life. Both languages are used in business and commerce, with English often being the preferred choice due to the large numbers of expatriates working in Dubai. Signs and information are written in both English and Arabic. You can also expect to hear a good deal of Urdu and Farsi as well.
Dubai is an Islamic country and as a result Islamic culture plays a large role in the general lifestyle of the UAE, with most of the local population being Sunni Muslims. Nonetheless, the UAE in general is very tolerant of the many beliefs that abound amongst the large expatriate population, whom make up around 80% of the population. And whilst the predominant and official religion of the region is Islam, other religions are free to openly practice their faith, and there are even a number of churches. The UAE has long enjoyed a reputation for its hospitable, kind and friendly attitude that exists in both business and social situations. Foreigners will find they are treated with respect and kindness, and they too are in turn are asked to respond to their host’s kindness by respecting the religious beliefs, local laws and customs of the UAE.