As you walk the streets of Dubai you don't get the impression that it is a region that has much of a history. The buildings are lavish and new, and even old Dubai was created to replicate an aged appearance. In some sense the significance of this particular area of the Gulf has been relatively new. Oil resources will do that. It demonstrates how rapidly wealth can transform an area. A long stretch of territory that was once desert sand overlooking the ocean is now a global hub. How did this all come to be? What were the Emirates like before this boom? Here we will primarily emphasize Dubai as we explore these questions.
Early History
When speaking of early history one often must look to geography before an analysis can be made. The modern border is drawn with Saudi Arabia and Oman. Saudi Arabia of course being the birthplace and still most significant place for the Muslim religion. A land with harsh deserts that deterred many of their neighbors. We know that the area comprised Arabs and Persians for much of its history. It fits with the broader history of a territory long known as Arabia. A territory inhabited by Bedouin tribes and clans making their living under the desert sun. Not much is known of their pre-Islamic past time but we do know the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Persians were their trading partners.
We know that for Dubai specifically there was a high degree of civilization around 3,000BC. They had their affiliations with the desert but also enjoyed the prosperous coastline. Some would fish and others were pearl divers. Today key archaeological excavations in Hatta, Qusais, and Jumeira are beginning to unravel the livilihood of these early settlements.
According to the Dubai Museum the area first became an independent political entity in 1833, when 800 men under Maktoum Bin Butti's Bu Flasa tribe settled in the area. Here they constructed a fortress in Bur Dubai and later Bur Deira as their population increased.
By 1894 they experienced some initial economic prosperity by giving foreigners tax exemptions on trade. They exported their pearls, shells, dried fish and imported dates, rice, sugar, cane, and spices establishing themselves as a trading hub.
Modern History
Their position as a trading hub would continue to increase during the 20th century. The broader territory became increasingly important as a result of its trade routes and the opening of the Suez Canal, which brought about a closer connection for the eastern and western worlds. This position became very important to competing Western interest in the region. The frequency of ships was positive for trade but not for their eroding coastline. These factors led to their first major industrialization before the discovery of oil.
Relations with the British
This western influence was tamed by strategic agreements made with the British dating back to the 19th century. The major emirates had made their own peace deals and trade truces which by 1892 led to Britain controlling their foreign affairs. Britain protected the Emirates in exchange for favourable trade arrangements to secure their resources. Before they were known as the Emirates they were known as the Trucial States, which Britain established as a council in the 1950s, a precursor to the eventual Emirates.
As we have seen with other nations in our histories, the British would seek independence for their protectorates. This came long after the Second World War and when the UAE received a spark of good fortune.
Striking Oil
The modest souks became less significant in the 1960's when oil was discovered. Their prosperity instigated the initial wave of infrastructure that still persists today. Oil exports began in 1969 at a time when the population was a mere 59,000. Dubai and Abu Dhabi merged their Emirates and continued working through British withdrawal.
Seven Emirates
In 1971 the 'Emirs' that ruled their own regions and resources along the coast decided to join forces with each other. There were seven in total which formed to create the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is what we know them for today. They rule as a group of constitutional monarchs with Dubai and Abu Dhabi holding the highest positions.
Architectural Standard Setters
Over the last few decades Dubai and the rest of the UAE has used their wealth to produce stunning buildings and districts that are seemingly unparalleled by the rest of the world. They have the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa and the world's only seven star hotel at the Burj Al Arab. Despite this, they continue to push the envelop with new construction and district development that is attracting tourists and expats to the region. The construction of these on the loose desert sand is no small feat, but the UAE continues to surprise to world. They place a unapologetic emphasis on luxury and high standard which appears to only be growing. One must wait as the 21st century continues to see where their ambitions will take them next.
Sources:
The Dubai Museum
General Dubai History
http://www.traveluae.com/a-brief-history-of-dubai/
UAE & British Relations
https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/timeline-of-uae-and-united-kingdom-ties-1.1175874