Dubai, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, has developed at an unprecedented pace over the past few decades. The city is now known for its spectacular skyscrapers, luxurious hotels, and bustling business districts.
However, have you ever wondered how many years it took for Dubai to develop into the magnificent city it is today? Let’s take a look.
The Early Years
Dubai was once a small fishing village on the coast of the Persian Gulf. It was ruled by a tribal leader known as the Sheikh and had a population of just over 20,000 people. In the early 1960s, oil was discovered in Dubai, and this discovery marked the beginning of Dubai’s transformation from a sleepy coastal town to a bustling metropolis.
The 1970s
In 1971, Dubai gained independence from Britain and became one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE was formed with Dubai as its commercial center and Abu Dhabi as its political capital.
During this time, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum took charge of Dubai and began transforming it into a modern city. He invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as roads, airports, and seaports to facilitate trade. He also established free trade zones to attract foreign investment.
The 1980s
In the 1980s, oil prices plummeted worldwide. This had a significant impact on Dubai’s economy as oil revenues were its main source of income. To diversify its economy, Dubai began investing in tourism and real estate sectors.
During this period, several major development projects were initiated such as Palm Jumeirah – an artificial island shaped like a palm tree that would become one of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks – and Burj Al Arab – the world’s first seven-star hotel.
The 1990s
In the 1990s, Dubai continued to attract foreign investment and became a hub for business and tourism in the Middle East. The city’s economy grew rapidly, and it became one of the world’s leading financial centers.
Dubai also invested heavily in developing its infrastructure during this period. Dubai International Airport was expanded, and a new airport – Al Maktoum International Airport – was built to handle the growing number of visitors to the city.
The 2000s
In the 2000s, Dubai experienced a boom in real estate development. The city’s skyline was transformed with the construction of several record-breaking skyscrapers such as Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.
However, Dubai’s economy suffered a setback during the global financial crisis that occurred in 2008/2009. The crisis had a significant impact on its real estate sector, and property prices plummeted.
The Present Day
Despite facing economic challenges over the years, Dubai has continued to develop at an impressive pace. Today, it is known for its futuristic architecture, luxurious shopping malls, and thriving tourism industry.
Dubai is also preparing to host Expo 2020 – a world expo that will showcase innovation and technology from around the globe. This event is expected to attract millions of visitors and generate significant revenue for Dubai’s economy.
Conclusion
So how many years did it take for Dubai to develop? The answer is around five decades.
In just fifty years, Dubai has transformed from a small fishing village into one of the most vibrant cities in the world. It has achieved this by investing in infrastructure projects, attracting foreign investment, and diversifying its economy. With ambitious plans for future development, Dubai shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.