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Dubai is a land rich in its heritage and culture.
There have been many rapid changes to the once small pearling
settlement. Below are some of the most significant events that have
contributed to its global success.
1934 First British sea plane lands in Dubai creek.
1958 Sheikh Rashid succeeds as Ruler of Dubai, a visionary
figure, instrumental in the establishment of Dubai’s industries.
1959 Dredging of the creek completed.
1962 First bridge over Dubai creek completed.
1966 Oil discovered in Dubai’s Fateh Oil field.
1969 Dubai begins exporting oil, providing the resources
which have enabled Dubai to develop its infrastructure.
1971 British withdrawal from the area.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) formed, a Federation of the seven
emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al
Quwain and Fujairah) formed for mutual defence, security, prosperity
and law & order.
Dubai International Airport opens. Operating under an open
skies policy, Dubai Airport is now served by over 96 worldwide
airlines.
1972 Port Rashid completed. This greatly increased Dubai’s
import and export trade, which has proved vital to Dubai’s trading
community.
1975 Dubai’s first five star hotel, Sheraton Deira opens.
1979 Jebel Ali port opens a huge 67 berth setup that now
ranks 12th amongst the world’s container handling operations.
Dubai World Trade Centre opens, a landmark property, which
now plays host to a great number of international conferences and
exhibitions.
1981 Arab Gulf Cooperation Council formed. An agreement to
abolish the double taxation of goods from any member country (UAE,
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Oman) was introduced,
further enhancing trade.
1985 Emirates airline launched, the national airline of Dubai
and the UAE, now famed for its award-winning service and excellence.
Jebel Ali Free Zone inaugurated. There are currently over
2,000 companies in residence.
Emirates Golf Club opens. The first grass golf course in the
Middle East.
Dubai Desert Classic. The first golf tournament held in Dubai
as part of the PGA European Tour.
1989 Dubai Commerce & Tourism Promotion Board established.
Dubai establishes its own Government department for the marketing of
the emirate’s tourism & commerce.
1996 Dubai World Cup, the richest horse race in the world,
held for the first time.
1996 Dubai Shopping Festival launched attracting 1.6 million
visitors.
Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing replaces Dubai Commerce
and Tourism Promotion Board.
1997 The Jumeirah Beach Hotel opens.
1999 The Burj Al Arab, world’s tallest hotel opens.
Airport Free Zone opened. There are currently 183 companies
in residence.
Sheikh Rashid Terminal, new airport terminal opens.
Dubai Internet City opened. There are currently over 200
companies in residence.
Dubai Media City opened with currently 280 companies.
2001 The Dubai Cruise Terminal officially opened at Port Rashid.
2002 The Palm, construction of the palm shaped island commenced.
2002 Children’s City opens, a three-storey interactive
children’s science and cultural centre.
2002 Bastakiya Restoration. Restoration on the Sheikh
Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is completed.
2002 Community Theatre for amateur and professional groups opens.
2003 Hydropolis Hotel. Construction commences on the word’s
first luxury underwater hotel due for completion in 2006.
2003 The World. Development of 200 man-made islands to be
built into clusters like the shape of the world starts.
2003 Dubai Festival City. Construction begins to transform a
4km site along the creek waterfront in Al Garhound into a
world-class destination for dining, shopping and family
entertainment.
2003 Dubailand theme park. The £3 billion mixed-use theme
park is announced. Due to be completed in 2006, the development will
also include a shopping mall.
2003 Burj Dubai. Work begins on building the world’s tallest
tower.
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