History of Dubai: From Tribal Settlement to Trade Powerhouse
The history of Dubai began in 1833. Around 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Al Maktoum family, settled at the mouth of Dubai Creek. This natural harbor soon became a center for fishing, pearling, and sea trade. As a result, the area laid the foundation for what would grow into a major commercial city.
By the early 1900s, Dubai had evolved into a thriving port. On the Deira side of the creek, the main souk (market) expanded rapidly. It became the largest market along the Gulf coast. With over 350 shops, it attracted a constant flow of traders and merchants. By the 1930s, the population was nearly 20,000. Interestingly, about 25% of the residents were expatriates.
However, in the 1950s, the creek began to suffer from silt buildup. This posed a threat to the city’s growing maritime activities. In response, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum launched a bold initiative. He ordered the dredging of the waterway to restore its function. This ambitious project increased Dubai’s cargo-handling capacity. Consequently, Dubai strengthened its role as a key re-export and trade hub in the region.
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