History

Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over around 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.

Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling.

The liberal attitudes of the emirate's rulers made Dubai attractive to traders from India and Persia who began to settle in the growing town, which soon developed a strong reputation as the leading entrepôt for the region

An independent emirate for most of its history, in 1971 Dubai came together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates.

The discovery of oil in 1966 dramatically transformed the emirate by allowing the development of the economic and social infrastructure which laid the foundations for today's modern society.

Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues were deployed to maximum effect.

His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Geography

The second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is located on the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It has an area of some 3,900 square kilometres.

Outside the city itself, the emirate is sparsely inhabited and characterised by desert vegetation. The landscape ranges from rugged mountains to majestic sand dunes. These days, oil contributes just twenty per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services -- including tourism -- now dominate the economy.

Local Time

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT.