What Was Dubai Called Before?

By Alice Nichols

Have you ever wondered what Dubai was called before it became the global city that it is today? The city has a rich history, and its name has undergone several changes over the years. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover the different names of Dubai throughout history.

The Early Days of Dubai

Dubai’s origins can be traced back to the 18th century when it was just a small fishing village. At that time, it was known as Al Wasl, which means “the connection” in Arabic. This name was given to the settlement because it was located at the intersection of two important trade routes: one between Mesopotamia and Oman and the other between Persia and India.

The British Era

In 1833, Dubai came under British protection, and its name was changed to “Dubai”. The origin of this name is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been derived from the word “daba”, which means “to creep”. This is because of how slowly Dubai developed during this period.

The Trucial States Period

In 1971, Dubai joined with six other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During this time, Dubai was known as one of the Trucial States. However, its official name at that time was still “Dubai”.

The Modern Era

Dubai began its transformation into a global city in the 1990s when it started experiencing rapid economic growth. The city’s skyline changed dramatically as skyscrapers were built one after another. With this transformation came yet another change in name – “Dubai” became “Dubai City”.

However, this name did not stick for long. In 2011, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that Dubai City would now be known simply as “Dubai”. The decision was made to simplify the city’s name and to make it more concise.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the different names of Dubai throughout history. From Al Wasl to Dubai City, the city has come a long way.

Today, Dubai is a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. Its name may have changed over time, but its spirit of progress and development remains constant.