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Dubai
/ History
Originally
a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over around 1830 by
a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the
Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.
Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating
dates, fishing and pearling.
The liberal attitudes of the emirate's rulers made Dubai attractive
to traders from India and Persia who began to settle in the growing
town, which soon developed a strong reputation as the leading
entry port for the region
An independent emirate for most of its history, in 1971 Dubai
came together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah
and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United
Arab Emirates.
The discovery of oil in 1966 dramatically transformed the emirate
by allowing the development of the economic and social infrastructure
which laid the foundations for today's modern society.
Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision
of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who
ensured that Dubai's oil revenues were deployed to maximum effect.
His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Maktoum
bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/dubai/e-01land/ed-lan11.htm
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