Who Founded Dubai?

By Anna Duncan

Dubai, one of the most populous and prosperous cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has a rich history that dates back centuries. The origins of Dubai can be traced back to the early 18th century when it was a small fishing village.

Over time, Dubai has transformed into a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation. However, the question remains – who founded Dubai?

There is no single person credited with founding Dubai since it was established by a group of people who migrated to the area from neighboring tribes. These people were primarily involved in fishing and pearl diving, which were the primary sources of income for the local population.

However, the modern development of Dubai can be attributed to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ruled from 1958 until his death in 1990. Sheikh Rashid recognized early on that oil would not last forever as a source of wealth for his country and therefore worked tirelessly to diversify the economy.

Under his leadership, Dubai underwent massive infrastructure development. He initiated projects such as building roads, hospitals, schools and other amenities that are essential for modern living. One of his most significant achievements is the development of Port Rashid that helped transform Dubai into an international trading hub.

Sheikh Rashid also pioneered policies to attract foreign investment by offering tax-free incentives and establishing free zones where foreign companies could set up their operations without being subject to local laws and regulations.

His vision allowed Dubai to emerge as an economic powerhouse with a thriving tourism industry and a world-class airport that serves as a major transit point between Asia and Europe.

Today, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum is continuing his father’s legacy by pushing forward with ambitious projects such as Expo 2020 and investing heavily in renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, while there is no single founder of Dubai, the vision and leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum played a crucial role in shaping the city into what it is today. His forward-thinking policies and investments laid the foundation for Dubai’s current success as a global center for business, innovation, and tourism.