Dubai is a city located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is often referred to as the “City of Gold” due to its luxurious lifestyle and numerous opportunities for business and tourism. However, despite its location in the UAE, Dubai has a significant number of Indian residents and businesses, leading many to wonder whether Dubai is an Indian or UAE city.
The History of Dubai
Dubai was founded in the 18th century by members of the Bani Yas tribe, who were originally from the Arabian Peninsula. Over time, Dubai became an important trading hub due to its strategic location on the coast of the Persian Gulf. In 1833, Dubai became a dependency of Abu Dhabi and remained so until 1971 when it joined six other emirates to form the UAE.
The Indian Influence in Dubai
Dubai has a large Indian population, with estimates suggesting that around 30% of the city’s residents are from India. This can be attributed to several factors such as historical trade relations between India and Dubai, as well as job opportunities in various sectors such as construction, hospitality, and finance.
Furthermore, there are numerous Indian businesses operating in Dubai, ranging from small shops selling Indian spices and textiles to large corporations like Tata Group and L&T Construction. Additionally, there are several Indian schools and cultural centers that cater to the needs of the Indian community living in Dubai.
Dubai’s Culture
Despite its large Indian community, Dubai remains a predominantly Arab city with its own unique culture. The official language is Arabic and Islamic traditions are prevalent throughout society. However, due to its cosmopolitan nature, Dubai also embraces other cultures and religions.
Visitors to Dubai can enjoy a variety of cultural experiences such as visiting traditional souks (markets), trying local cuisine like shawarma or machboos (a rice dish), or attending events like Eid Al Fitr (a Muslim festival) or Diwali (a Hindu festival).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dubai is located in the UAE and has a predominantly Arab culture, it also has a significant Indian population with their own businesses and cultural institutions. Therefore, it can be said that Dubai is neither solely an Indian nor a UAE city, but rather a multicultural hub that embraces various cultures and traditions.