| Why is Dubai dotted with so many hotels which | | | | grown to be made up of expatriates by the year |
| include a staggering number of five-star and the | | | | 1930s, the figures suggest. |
| world's only existing seven-star on its soil? Any | | | | Much of the recent economic boom came after |
| visiting traveler normally wonders while looking at | | | | the late 1950s though, which also coincided with |
| the perplexing skyline Dubai has been able to | | | | the first oil shipments from Dubai and the coming |
| garner. Even people from the western countries | | | | to power of a great visionary in Sheikh Rashid bin |
| would stop to say a few words of | | | | Saeed Al Maktoum. The policies Sheikh Rashid led |
| acknowledgment on the vast infrastructure Dubai | | | | became instrumental in making Dubai' wealth grow |
| has been able to cultivate and continues to get its | | | | rapidly. If you are witnessing the landmarks like |
| dividends from. But, wasn't this a piece of arid | | | | Burj Al Arab and the upcoming Dubai Marina |
| land only some 150 odd years ago, one normally | | | | today, then much of the acknowledgement has |
| wonders while walking across Dubai's lush alleys. It | | | | to go to the leaders like Sheikh Rashid. His son |
| may sound however weird, but that's what | | | | Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum |
| Dubai's history seems to indicate about its recent | | | | continuously followed the same policies until his |
| past. | | | | demise early this year. |
| As per available records, the place where Dubai | | | | Apart from being ably governed, Dubai has also |
| stands towering on fame and wealth right now | | | | seen very conducive periods of political stability. |
| had no significant human habitation even during | | | | The British presence in the whole of Gulf region |
| the early part of nineteenth century. It was taken | | | | until 1971, when they finally decided to depart, |
| over by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the | | | | was a crucial factor in Dubai's having smooth ride |
| Liwa oasis in around 1830, led by the Maktoum | | | | towards economic gains. The departure resulted |
| family - who still rule the emirate today. Originally | | | | into the coming together of seven emirates to |
| settled as a small fishing community, they hardly | | | | form a new union called UAE. The union itself has |
| had anything else but the marine life to survive | | | | allowed its member states to enjoy a fair degree |
| on. Cultivating dates and keeping goats and sheep, | | | | of political freedom, but has always shown unity |
| something they also did, would hardly have taken | | | | on issue of common economic concerns. No |
| them anywhere. But, it was their entrepreneurial | | | | doubt, Dubai was the best situated to gain out of |
| abilities that began attracting trade and commerce | | | | this conducive scenario. |
| by the start of twentieth century, and the things | | | | The saga of Dubai's rise from sand dunes to |
| started to take shape from thereon. | | | | goldmines is perplexing, but it also suggests why |
| Having established themselves in the trade of | | | | they have been able to gain so much materially |
| pearls, and realizing the importance of Dubai on | | | | against so many odds. Factors such as tough |
| the trade route from India to west Asia and | | | | policy making, craftsmanship in trade and |
| Europe, the settlers began attracting traders from | | | | commerce and a desire to have bonds with other |
| India, Turkey, Iran and other regional destinations. | | | | cultures and faiths have been some defining |
| By the start of twentieth century, they had a | | | | issues. The world was quick in realizing the gains it |
| fully functioning port placed in Dubai and some | | | | stood to have by siding on with such an |
| brisk commerce activities taking place around. | | | | enterprising mass. The resulting partnership, as |
| Unlike many other rulers of the region, the | | | | per expectations, has been moving on from |
| Maktoums had a very liberal attitude towards | | | | strength to strength till this juncture. You realize |
| people from various faiths, which made Dubai | | | | this well while gazing across Dubai's horizon from |
| even more popular among distant lands. A | | | | your cozy hotel room. |
| significant quarter of Dubai's 20,000 populace had | | | | |