How Was Dubai Built So Fast?

By Robert Palmer

Dubai is a city that has undergone an incredible transformation in the last few decades. From being a small fishing village to becoming one of the most iconic cities in the world, Dubai has come a long way.

The speed at which this transformation took place is nothing short of remarkable. But how was Dubai built so fast? In this article, we will explore some of the factors that contributed to Dubai’s rapid development.

The Vision

One of the key factors that contributed to Dubai’s rapid development was the vision of its leaders. The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled from 1958 until his death in 1990, had a clear vision for Dubai. He wanted to transform it into a modern and prosperous city that would serve as a hub for trade and commerce.

Under Sheikh Rashid’s leadership, the government invested heavily in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and airports. They also developed policies to attract foreign investment and encourage entrepreneurship.

Oil Wealth

Another factor that contributed to Dubai’s rapid development was its oil wealth. In the 1960s and 70s, Dubai started exporting oil, which brought in significant revenue for the government.

This oil wealth allowed the government to invest heavily in infrastructure projects and other initiatives aimed at developing the city. For example, they built modern hospitals and schools, established free trade zones, and developed tourism infrastructure.

Strategic Location

Dubai’s strategic location also played a significant role in its rapid development. Situated between Europe and Asia, Dubai has always been an important trading hub.

The government recognized this strategic location and invested heavily in developing ports and other logistics infrastructure. This made Dubai an attractive destination for companies looking to set up their operations in the region.

The Role of Technology

Technology played a crucial role in Dubai’s rapid development. The government invested heavily in building a world-class telecommunications infrastructure, which helped connect the city to the rest of the world.

They also embraced new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, which helped streamline government services and attract innovative companies to the city.

The Human Factor

Finally, Dubai’s rapid development would not have been possible without its people. The government recognized the importance of human capital and invested heavily in education and training programs.

They also welcomed people from all over the world, creating a diverse and cosmopolitan city that is attractive to both businesses and tourists.

In conclusion, Dubai’s rapid development can be attributed to a combination of factors. The vision of its leaders, oil wealth, strategic location, technology, and human capital all played important roles in transforming Dubai into the modern city it is today.