Before its skyscrapers and supercars, Dubai was a quiet coastal settlement along the Arabian Gulf. Its people lived simple lives — fishing, trading, and diving for pearls that once sustained the region’s economy. In the early 19th century, the Al Maktoum family, rulers of Dubai, established a small port that thrived as a trading post between India, Persia, and East Africa. Dubai’s natural harbor made it a hub for merchants seeking safe passage and tax-free trade. The real turning point came in 1966, with the discovery of oil. Yet unlike many other oil-rich regions, Dubai’s leaders had a broader vision.
Under the guidance of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and later Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the city used its oil revenues to diversify — investing in infrastructure, business, and tourism.
