| Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was | | | | pearling. However, the liberal attitude of the rulers |
| taken over in the 18th century by a branch of | | | | made the emirate attractive to traders from |
| the Bani Yas tribe led by the Maktoum family | | | | India and Iran. In 1971, joining together with Abu |
| who still rule the emirate today. At that time the | | | | Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah |
| usual modes of attaining sustenance were herding | | | | and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah formed the |
| sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and | | | | federation of the United Arab Emirates. |