What Was Dubai Before 1971?

By Robert Palmer

Dubai is a city that has rapidly grown and developed over the years. From a small fishing village to a global business hub, Dubai has come a long way.

But what was Dubai like before 1971? Let’s take a look.

Before the Discovery of Oil

Before the discovery of oil, Dubai was primarily a fishing and pearling village. The people of Dubai were involved in fishing, trading, and pearling. Fishing was their primary source of food and income, while pearl diving was also an important trade.

However, life in Dubai was tough before the discovery of oil. The climate was harsh with extreme temperatures, making it difficult for people to survive. There were no proper roads or infrastructure, and transportation was limited to camels or boats.

The Discovery of Oil

The discovery of oil in Dubai in 1966 changed everything. It transformed the economy and reshaped the city’s future. With the revenue from oil exports, Dubai invested heavily in infrastructure development and modernization.

With the influx of wealth from oil exports, Dubai started building roads, schools, hospitals, hotels and other modern amenities that made life easier for its residents.

The Union of Emirates

On December 2nd, 1971, seven emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai joined together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This move brought about significant changes to Dubai’s political landscape.

As part of this new union, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became the ruler of Dubai. He played a crucial role in transforming Dubai into one of the world’s most prosperous cities.

The Rise of Tourism

Dubai’s transformation into a global business hub owes much to its focus on tourism. In recent years, tourism has become one of the most important sectors in Dubai’s economy. The city has invested heavily in building world-class hotels, amusement parks, shopping malls and other attractions to attract tourists from around the world.

The Future of Dubai

Dubai is a city that continues to grow and evolve. With its focus on innovation and development, Dubai is poised to become even more prosperous in the years ahead. From the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa to hosting World Expo 2020, Dubai has ambitious plans for its future.

  • In conclusion,
  • it’s clear that Dubai has come a long way since its early days as a fishing village.
  • The discovery of oil changed everything and transformed Dubai into a global business hub.
  • With its focus on tourism and innovation, Dubai is poised to become even more prosperous in the years ahead.

So next time you visit this stunning city, take a moment to appreciate how far it has come!