1901: Dubai Established as a Free Port
In 1901, Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum declared Dubai a free port, exempting imports and exports from taxation. Merchants received land, protection, and tolerance, attracting them from Lingeh, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.
1902: Increased Shipping Activity to Dubai
The Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company's vessels made 21 visits to Dubai in 1902, a significant increase from previous years, signaling Dubai's growing importance as a port.
1904: Fortnightly Steamer Service to Dubai
By 1904, steamers from the Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company began calling at Dubai every two weeks, further solidifying Dubai's role as a major trading hub.
1906: Dubai Surpasses Lingeh as a Trading Center
In 1906, Dubai handled 70,000 tonnes of cargo, surpassing Lingeh as the primary entrepôt of the Trucial States, signifying its successful transformation into a preferred trading hub.
1908: The Great Storm Devastates Dubai's Pearling Industry
The "great storm" of 1908 resulted in the loss of numerous pearling boats and over 100 men, significantly impacting Dubai's economy and leading to widespread financial hardship.
1910: Bombardment of Dubai by HMS Hyacinth
In 1910, during the Hyacinth incident, HMS Hyacinth bombarded Dubai, resulting in the death of 37 people.
1911: Poverty and Conflict in Dubai
In 1911, Dubai faced widespread poverty and internal conflict due to the pearling industry's decline and hardships experienced by the tribes in the interior regions.
1929: Decline of Dubai's Pearl Industry
The Great Depression of 1929, along with the emergence of cultured pearls, severely impacted Dubai's pearl trade, leading to economic depression and migration.
1937: Oil Exploration Contract Signed
An oil exploration contract was signed in 1937, securing royalty rights for Dubai and payments to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum. However, oil exploration was delayed until 1966 due to World War II.
1947: Border Dispute Between Dubai and Abu Dhabi
A border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 1947 escalated into a conflict. British intervention led to a ceasefire.
1954: Dubai Municipality Establishment
The Dubai Municipality (DM) was established in 1954 by Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then ruler of Dubai. This marked the beginning of structured city planning, citizen services, and maintenance of local facilities. The DM has since evolved into the autonomous Government of Dubai, responsible for both the city and the larger emirate.
1956: Dubai Police Force Establishment
The Dubai Police Force was established in 1956 in the Naif district, marking the beginning of a dedicated law enforcement entity for the emirate. This move solidified Dubai's commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring a safe and secure environment for its residents and visitors.
1958: Sheikh Rashid's Infrastructure Development
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler from 1958, invested trading revenues in infrastructure development, establishing private companies to manage utilities and transportation.
1959: Construction of Dubai's First Airport Begins
Construction of Dubai's first airport commenced in 1959 on the northern outskirts of the town, marking a crucial step in connecting Dubai to the world.
1959: Dubai's First Hotel
The Airlines Hotel, Dubai's first hotel, was constructed in 1959, marking the beginning of the emirate's tourism industry.
1959: Dubai's First Master Plan
John Harris, from the British firm Halcrow, designed Dubai's first master plan in 1959, envisioning a city expanding from Dubai Creek with a comprehensive road system and designated zones.
1959: Establishment of Dubai's First Telephone Company
Dubai's first telephone company was established in 1959, with joint ownership by IAL and Sheikh Rashid along with local businessmen.
September 1960: Dubai's First Airport Terminal Opens
The terminal building of Dubai's first airport became operational in September 1960, initially served by Gulf Aviation, and later by Iran Air with flights to Shiraz in 1961.
April 1961: MV Dara Disaster
In April 1961, the MV Dara, a British ship, caught fire and exploded off the coast of Umm al-Quwain, resulting in the loss of 238 lives out of 819 passengers, despite rescue efforts from nearby emirates.
1961: Operational Electricity and Telephone Networks
Dubai's electricity and telephone companies successfully implemented operational networks in 1961, marking a significant step in modernizing the emirate's infrastructure.
1961: Iran Air Commences Flights to Dubai
Iran Air initiated services to Shiraz from Dubai in 1961, expanding the airport's connectivity beyond regional routes.
1962: Dubai's Growing Economy and Infrastructure Development
In 1962, despite concerns from British authorities, Sheikh Rashid continued investing heavily in infrastructure, including a jet airport, leading to economic growth and attracting businesses.
1962: Loan for Dubai's First Creek Crossing
In 1962, to fund the construction of Dubai's first bridge over the creek, Sheikh Rashid secured a loan from the Ruler of Qatar, demonstrating his commitment to improving connectivity within the emirate.
May 1963: Completion of Dubai's First Creek Crossing
The first bridge across Dubai's creek, financed by a toll, was completed in May 1963, enhancing transportation and trade between Dubai and Deira.
1965: Asphalt Runway Opens Dubai to International Flights
The completion of Dubai Airport's asphalt runway in 1965 enabled the airport to accommodate both regional and long-haul flights, attracting numerous international airlines.
1966: Dubai Becomes a Major Gold Importer
In 1966, Dubai emerged as a leading importer of gold, receiving more gold shipments from London than most other countries, surpassed only by France and Switzerland, highlighting its growing role in the global gold market.
1966: Oil Discovery
In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai's territorial waters, marking a turning point in the city's history. The first oil field, named "Fateh" ("good fortune"), though smaller than those in Abu Dhabi, fueled Sheikh Rashid's infrastructure plans and led to a construction boom attracting numerous foreign workers, primarily from Asia and the Middle East.
1966: Oil Discovery in Dubai
Oil was discovered in Dubai in 1966, following the signing of an oil exploration contract in 1937.
1967: Profitable Gold Trade in Dubai
The gold trade in Dubai thrived in 1967, with the market price of gold in India being significantly higher than the international price, allowing Dubai's merchants to generate substantial profits.
January 1968: British Withdrawal Announcement
On January 16, 1968, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson declared the withdrawal of British troops from "East of Aden," including the Trucial States. This announcement created a political vacuum, leading the emirates, along with Qatar and Bahrain, into intense negotiations to determine their future governance.
February 1968: Union Agreement
In February 1968, Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai reached a pivotal agreement to pursue the formation of a union, aiming to include other emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. This agreement marked the beginning of the journey towards the creation of the United Arab Emirates.
1968: Reliable Piped Water Supply in Dubai
By 1968, Dubai achieved a consistent piped water supply due to the efforts of the water company, led by Sheikh Rashid, which built a pipeline and storage tanks.
1968: Dubai's Flourishing Gold Trade
Dubai witnessed a booming gold trade in 1968, with imports reaching £56 million. Most of this gold was re-exported, particularly to customers in international waters near India, as gold imports to India were prohibited.
1968: Expansion of Dubai's Hotel Industry
The Ambassador and Carlton Hotels were built in 1968, following the success of the Airlines Hotel, further expanding Dubai's hospitality sector.
1968: Construction Boom and Population Growth
Between 1968 and 1975, Dubai's population surged by over 300% due to the influx of foreign workers attracted by the city's construction boom, driven by oil revenues.
October 1969: Setback in Union Negotiations
In October 1969, negotiations for a nine-state union experienced a major setback. British intervention against actions by two emirates prompted Bahrain and Qatar to withdraw from the talks, leaving only six of the seven Trucial States to continue pursuing unification.
1969: Oil Revenue Fuels Growth
Starting in 1969, Dubai's oil revenues began to fuel a period of infrastructural development and economic growth under Sheikh Rashid's leadership. This policy focused on diversification to prepare for the eventual depletion of the emirate's limited oil reserves.
1970: New Airport Terminal and Duty-Free Shops
In 1970, a new terminal building was constructed at Dubai Airport, featuring the emirate's first duty-free shops, further enhancing its appeal to international travelers.
July 1971: Six Emirates Agree on Union
On July 18, 1971, six of the seven Trucial States, including Dubai, successfully agreed on the formation of a union, setting the stage for the official establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
December 1971: Formation of the United Arab Emirates
On December 2, 1971, Dubai, alongside Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah, formally joined the Act of Union, marking the official establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
February 1972: Ras Al Khaimah Joins the UAE
On February 10, 1972, Ras Al Khaimah, the seventh emirate, joined the United Arab Emirates. This followed Iran's annexation of the Tunbs islands, which were claimed by Ras Al Khaimah, prompting its decision to join the UAE for security and collective strength.
October 1972: Port Rashid Inauguration
On October 5, 1972, Port Rashid, a deep water free port constructed by the British company Halcrow, was officially inaugurated. This marked a significant milestone in Dubai's development, attracting numerous ships and solidifying the emirate's position as a trading hub.
1973: Uniform Currency Adoption and Monetary Union Dissolution
In 1973, Dubai and the other emirates agreed to adopt a unified currency, the UAE dirham. This significant move solidified the economic integration of the newly formed nation. The same year, the existing monetary union with Qatar was dissolved, and the UAE dirham became the sole currency circulating throughout the Emirates.
1975: Port Rashid Expansion
In 1975, Port Rashid underwent a major expansion, adding 35 more berths to accommodate the growing number of ships seeking access to Dubai's thriving port facilities. This expansion further cemented Dubai's status as a major maritime hub.
1975: Population Growth Peak
By 1975, Dubai's population had reached its peak growth, marking the end of a period of rapid expansion fueled by the construction boom and oil revenues.
1977: Decision to Construct Dubai Hospital
The decision to construct Dubai Hospital was made in 1977.
1979: Jebel Ali Port Establishment and Border Dispute Resolution
The year 1979 saw two important developments in Dubai. Firstly, the Jebel Ali port, designed to accommodate larger vessels, was established, marking a significant step in enhancing Dubai's maritime capabilities. Secondly, after years of persisting border disputes, a formal compromise was reached among the emirates, putting an end to disagreements that had lingered even after the formation of the UAE.
1983: Dubai Hospital Begins Admitting Patients
Dubai Hospital began admitting patients in March 1983, featuring 14 stories with designated areas for Accident & Emergency, outpatients, and wards.
1985: JAFZA Creation
In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum spearheaded the creation of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). This strategic move allowed foreign companies to operate with unrestricted import of labor and export of capital, attracting significant foreign investment and boosting Dubai's economic growth.
1990: Oil Dependency Decreases
By 1990, oil accounted for only 24% of Dubai's GDP, highlighting the emirate's progress in diversifying its economy away from oil dependence.
1991: Gulf War Impact and Rebound
The Gulf War in early 1991 negatively impacted Dubai's economy, with investors and traders withdrawing funds and trade experiencing a downturn. However, Dubai quickly recovered, adapting to the shifting political climate and continuing to thrive.
1995: Introduction of Internet in Dubai
The internet was introduced in Dubai and the wider UAE in 1995.
December 1999: Burj Al Arab Hotel Opens
In December 1999, the Burj Al Arab hotel, a luxury hotel often called the "world's only 7-star hotel", opened its doors. While the hotel's management claims it to be a "five-star deluxe property", the term "7-star hotel" was coined by a British journalist to describe their experience at the hotel.
March 2000: Establishment of Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) was established in March 2000 as a secondary market for trading local and foreign securities and bonds.
2001: Start of Property Value Tracking Period
The assessment of Dubai's property market tracked property values starting from 2001, revealing a depreciation trend, with some properties losing up to 64% of their value by November 2008.
2001: Construction Begins on Palm Jumeirah
Construction began on the Palm Jumeirah in 2001. This artificial archipelago, designed and developed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects, Inc., was created using land reclamation by Nakheel, a Dubai government-owned company.
2002: Establishment of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
DMCC was established in 2002 and has become the world's fastest-growing free zone.
2002: Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law
Dubai enacted the Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law in 2002 to address digital signatures and electronic registers, prohibiting Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from disclosing information gathered in providing services.
2003: Dubai as Refueling Base
During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Dubai, particularly the Jebel Ali Free Zone, served as a crucial refueling base for allied forces. This role highlighted Dubai's strategic importance and its supportive stance towards international collaborations.
2003: Executive Authority Delegation
In 2003, a significant shift in governance took place in Dubai. The executive authority for managing and overseeing Dubai's governmental agencies was delegated to the Dubai Executive Council, led by Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. This delegation aimed to streamline governance and enhance efficiency.
September 2004: Opening of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Dubai International Financial Centre opened in September 2004, attracting leading international firms and establishing NASDAQ Dubai for trading various financial instruments.
2004: Announcement of Al Maktoum International Airport
The development of Al Maktoum International Airport, envisioned as the world's largest upon completion, was announced in 2004.
2004: Oil Dependency Further Diminishes
Dubai's efforts to diversify its economy continued, resulting in oil accounting for a mere 7% of GDP in 2004, demonstrating the success of Sheikh Rashid's long-term economic vision.
2004: Property Appreciation in Dubai
The Dubai government's decision to diversify the economy led to property appreciation between 2004 and 2006.
2004: Start of the Dubai International Film Festival
The annual Dubai International Film Festival, a platform for Arab and Middle Eastern filmmaking, was first held in 2004.
2005: Demographics of Dubai
By 2005, metropolitan Dubai had a large foreign-born population, comprising 84% of the total population, with approximately half of them originating from India.
2005: Formation of the Roads and Transport Authority
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), responsible for Dubai's transportation, was established in 2005 by royal decree.
March 2006: Government Announces Steps to Allow Construction Unions
In March 2006, the UAE labor minister announced steps to permit construction unions, stating that laborers would be allowed to form unions.
2006: Weekend Change
From 2006 to 2022, Dubai's weekend was on Friday and Saturday, reflecting a compromise between Muslim and Western weekend traditions.
2006: Establishment of Du
In 2006, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), better known as Du, was established, ending Etisalat's virtual monopoly over telecommunication services in Dubai.
2006: DFM Trading Volume and Market Capitalization
In 2006, the DFM had a trading volume of 400 billion shares, worth $95 billion, and a market capitalization of $87 billion.
2006: Construction of Bus Shelters
In 2006, the transport authority announced plans to build 500 air-conditioned bus shelters, with an eventual goal of 1,000 shelters to promote bus usage.
2006: Palm Jumeirah Construction Completed
The construction of the Palm Jumeirah, the smallest of the three planned Palm Islands extending into the Persian Gulf, was completed in 2006.
2006: End of Property Appreciation Period
The property appreciation period in Dubai, driven by economic diversification, lasted from 2004 to 2006.
2007: Dubai's Ranking as a Financial City
In 2007, Dubai was ranked 44th among the world's best financial cities by City Mayors and 37th in the MasterCard Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index.
November 2008: Dubai Property Market Downturn
Dubai's property market experienced a significant downturn in 2008, with some properties losing up to 64% of their value since 2001.
2008: Emergence of Dubai's Contemporary Art Scene
Beginning in 2008, prominent contemporary art galleries like Carbon 12 Dubai, Green Art, gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, and The Third Line played a key role in elevating Dubai's status in the international art world.
2008: Bus System Ridership
Dubai's public bus system transported over 109 million passengers in 2008, servicing 140 routes.
February 2009: Dubai's Foreign Debt
By February 2009, Dubai's foreign debt was estimated at $80 billion due to the global economic slowdown.
April 2009: Middle East's First Monorail Opens
On April 30, 2009, the Middle East's first monorail began operation, connecting Palm Jumeirah to the mainland.
September 2009: Dubai Metro Inauguration
Dubai Metro, the Arabian Peninsula's first urban train network, commenced operations in September 2009.
2009: Taxi Usage Statistics
In 2009, taxis in Dubai made over 70 million trips, serving approximately 140.45 million passengers.
2009: Documentary Exposes Mistreatment of Foreign Laborers in Dubai
The 2009 documentary "Slaves in Dubai" shed light on the alleged mistreatment and "less than humane" living conditions faced by some of the 250,000 foreign laborers in Dubai, as reported by Human Rights Watch. The Dubai government denied these claims.
2009: Estimated Car Ownership
In 2009, Dubai Municipality statistics estimated there were 1,021,880 cars in Dubai.
2009: Public and Private Schools in Dubai
As of 2009, Dubai had 79 public schools run by the Ministry of Education and 207 private schools catering to various communities.
2009: Rugby World Cup Sevens
Dubai hosted the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
January 2010: Dubai's Skyline and Burj Khalifa's Observatory Deck
By January 2010, Dubai had the world's tallest skyline due to the completion of the Burj Khalifa. The observation deck at the top of Burj Khalifa, the second-highest in the world at that time, became one of Dubai's most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 1.87 million visitors in 2013.
January 2010: Public Transport Usage
In January 2010, only 6% of Dubai residents used public transport.
January 2010: Burj Khalifa Officially Opens
On January 4, 2010, the Burj Khalifa, previously known as Burj Dubai, was officially opened. Standing at 828 meters (2,717 feet) high, the skyscraper took inspiration from the structure of the Hymenocallis desert flower. It was built by a diverse workforce of over 30 contracting companies and workers from 100 nationalities.
2010: Bus Fleet Expansion
By the end of 2010, the city aimed to have 2,100 buses operating in its public transport fleet.
2010: Burj Khalifa Completion
In 2010, the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 829.8 meters (2,722 feet), was completed. The design of this iconic skyscraper was inspired by Islamic architecture, particularly the patterns found in the hymenocallis desert flower, which is native to the Dubai region.
November 2011: Dubai Enters Expo 2020 Bid
Four cities had already submitted their bids for Expo 2020 when Dubai made a last-minute entry in November 2011.
2011: Dubai's Gold Trade
In the first half of 2011, Dubai's total gold trading volume reached 580 tonnes with an average price of US$1,455 per troy ounce.
2012: Dubai Recognized as World Festival and Event City
In 2012, the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) named Dubai as the "IFEA World Festival and Event City" in the category for cities with over a million residents.
2012: Medical Clinics in Dubai
By the end of 2012, Dubai had a total of 1,348 medical clinics, with 97% operated privately.
2012: Dubai Ranked 27th Richest City
In 2012, City Mayors ranked Dubai as the 27th richest city in the world based on purchasing power parity.
2012: Dubai's Ranking in Global City Competitiveness Index
In 2012, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Dubai 40th in the Global City Competitiveness Index with a score of 55.9.
February 2013: Dubai Miracle Garden Opens
On February 14, 2013, the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest flower garden, opened its doors to the public. The 72,000-square-meter garden boasts a vibrant display of over 50 million flowers from more than 70 species of flowering plants. Notably, the garden utilizes treated wastewater from the city's municipality and employs a drip irrigation system for watering the plants.
February 2013: Bureau International des Expositions Visits Dubai
In February 2013, a delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions visited Dubai to assess the Emirate's preparedness for Expo 2020. The delegation was impressed by the infrastructure and the level of national support for the event.
May 2013: Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan Unveiled
The Master Plan for Dubai Expo 2020 was revealed in May 2013, showcasing the vision and layout for the event.
September 2013: Dubai Creek Proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Site
In September 2013, Dubai Creek was proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its vital role in sustaining the city's community and economic development.
November 2013: Dubai Wins Expo 2020 Bid
On November 27, 2013, Dubai was officially awarded the right to host Expo 2020, winning the bid against other competing cities.
2013: Projected Improvement in Dubai's Ranking
A 2013 research report projected that Dubai would move up to 23rd place in the Global City Competitiveness Index by 2025.
2013: China's Trade Growth with Dubai
Dubai's trade with China in 2014 increased by 29% compared to 2013, reaching $47.7 billion.
2013: Dubai's Demographic Composition Revealed
In 2013, only 15% of Dubai's population were UAE nationals, with the majority being expatriates, largely from Asia (85%), including Indians (51%) and Pakistanis (16%).
2013: Synergy University Dubai Campus Opens
Synergy University Dubai Campus opened in Jumeirah Lakes Towers in 2013, becoming the first university in Dubai located outside designated Educational Zones.
2013: Burj Khalifa Attracts Millions of Visitors
The Burj Khalifa's observation deck continued to be a major attraction for tourists in 2013, with over 1.87 million visitors experiencing its breathtaking views.
March 2014: Inaugural Dubai Food Festival
The first Dubai Food Festival, aimed at highlighting the city's culinary diversity, was held from February 21 to March 15, 2014, featuring over 200 nationalities' cuisines.
2014: Tramway Opening in Al Sufouh
The first section of the Al Sufouh tramway, spanning 10.6 kilometers and serving 11 stations, opened in 2014.
2014: American University in Dubai in QS World University Rankings
The American University in Dubai was one of six UAE universities featured in the QS World University Rankings for 2014/2015.
2014: Religious Diversity in Dubai Highlighted
In 2014, over 56% of Dubai residents were Muslims, 25% were Christians, 16% were Hindus, and 2% adhered to other religions, indicating the city's diverse religious landscape.
2014: Dubai's Largest International Trading Partners
In 2014, China emerged as Dubai's largest international trading partner with $47.7 billion in trade flows, followed by India at $29.7 billion and the United States at $22.62 billion. Saudi Arabia was Dubai's fourth largest trading partner, with Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and the UK also having significant trade values.
2014: Dubai's Birth and Death Rates Recorded
In 2014, Dubai recorded an estimated 15.54 births and 1.99 deaths per 1,000 people.
2014: Dubai's Non-Oil Foreign Trade Reaches $362 Billion
Dubai's non-oil foreign trade reached $362 billion in 2014, with imports accounting for the largest share at $230 billion, while exports and re-exports amounted to $31 billion and $101 billion, respectively.
2014: Dubai's Economy Grows by 6.1%
Dubai's economy experienced a significant growth rate of 6.1% in 2014, demonstrating the city's economic strength and resilience.
2014: Cargo Handling at Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport handled 2.37 million tons of cargo in 2014, solidifying its position as the sixth-busiest cargo airport globally.
2015: Mandatory Health Insurance in Dubai
Dubai implemented mandatory health insurance for all residents in 2015, leading to increased demand for medical services.
2015: American University in Dubai in QS World University Rankings
The American University in Dubai was one of six UAE universities featured in the QS World University Rankings for 2014/2015.
2015: Rugby 7 Dubai
The Dubai Sevens, a traditional rugby union tournament and part of the Sevens World Series, took place in Dubai in 2015.
2015: Completion of Dubai Design District Phase One
The first phase of the Dubai Design District, costing AED 4 billion, was completed in 2015, aiming to attract leading local and international designers.
August 2016: Dubai Opera House Opening
Dubai Opera, a 2,000-seat multifunctional performing arts center, was inaugurated on August 31, 2016, with a performance by Plácido Domingo.
2016: Number of Overnight Visitors in Dubai
Dubai hosted 14.9 million overnight visitors in 2016.
2016: DMCC Named "Global Free Zone of the Year"
The Financial Times Magazine named DMCC the "Global Free Zone of the Year" in 2016.
February 2017: Second Dubai Food Festival
The second Dubai Food Festival took place from February 23 to March 11, 2017, continuing the celebration of Dubai's rich gastronomy.
March 2017: Conclusion of the Second Dubai Food Festival
The second Dubai Food Festival concluded on March 11, 2017, after showcasing the diverse culinary offerings of the city.
2017: Dubai's Crime Rate Reduced by 15%
During 2017, Dubai experienced a 15% reduction in crime, while cases related to drug operations increased by 8%.
2018: Dubai's Ranking as a Tourist Destination
As of 2018, Dubai was the fourth most-visited city globally and the fastest-growing tourist destination, with a 10.7% increase in international visitors.
2018: Dubai Marina Reaches 55,052 Population
As of 2018, the population of Dubai Marina, an artificial canal city built along a 3-kilometer stretch of the Persian Gulf shoreline, reached 55,052. The development was inspired by the Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver, Canada, and is expected to accommodate over 120,000 people in residential towers and villas upon completion. The proximity to the open sea has led to several instances of marine life, such as whales and sharks, venturing into the marina.
2018: Emirates Airline Global Reach
By 2018, Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, had expanded its international operations to over 150 destinations across 70 countries and six continents.
2018: Dubai's Fourth Consecutive Year as Top Tourist Spending Destination
Dubai topped the list for tourist spending for the fourth consecutive year in 2018, with a total expenditure of $30.82 billion and an average daily spend of $553.
2018: Dubai's Economic Dependence Shift
In 2018, oil production constituted less than 1% of Dubai's GDP, demonstrating the emirate's shift towards revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate, and financial services.
September 2019: Dubai's Population Reaches 3.33 Million
As of September 2019, Dubai's population reached 3,331,420, marking a 5.64% growth rate with an annual increase of 177,020 people.
September 2019: Establishment of Higher Committee for Real Estate Planning
In September 2019, Dubai's ruler ordered the establishment of the Higher Committee for Real Estate Planning to study future real estate projects and achieve a balance between supply and demand in the property market.
October 2019: Dubai Loosens Liquor Laws
In October 2019, Dubai made a significant change to its liquor laws, allowing tourists to purchase alcohol from state-controlled stores. Previously, only locals with special licenses could access alcohol. This policy shift was prompted by a severe economic crisis in the United Arab Emirates that had negatively impacted alcohol sales.
2019: "Hi Dubai" Cross-Media Project
In 2019, Italian artist Princess Bee launched "Hi Dubai", a cross-media project showcasing Dubai's lifestyle through the experiences of 25 Emirati and expat women.
2019: Dubai Tops Tourist Spending
Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index 2019 revealed that tourists spent more money in Dubai than in any other country.
2019: Dubai Ranked Seventh Safest City Globally
In 2019, Dubai was ranked the seventh-safest city in the world, boasting one of the world's lowest violent crime rates.
January 2020: Sri Lankan Expats Fined for Islamophobic Facebook Posts
In January 2020, three Sri Lankan expatriates were fined US$136,000 each for posting defamatory and Islamophobic content on Facebook, highlighting the punishable offense of social media defamation in Dubai.
April 2020: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Build Temple in Dubai
On April 5, 2020, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to build a temple in Dubai, highlighting the UAE's religious tolerance and the growing presence of various faiths.
October 2020: Original Expo 2020 Dates
Initially, Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to run for 173 days, starting from October 20, 2020, and concluding on April 10, 2021.
December 2020: Jumeirah Gate Opens
Jumeirah Gate, a set of two towers connected by a sky bridge at the top, officially opened in December 2020. The sky bridge, spanning from the 63rd to the 77th levels, houses luxury apartments on the world's highest occupiable sky bridge floor at 294.36 meters. Located along the beach, the towers also boast the world's highest infinity pool in a building, situated on the roof at a height of 293.906 meters.
2020: Dubai Expo 2020 Main Site
The main site for Dubai Expo 2020 was a 438-hectare area, located within the new Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali urban development. This site, situated midway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, served as the central hub for the Expo.
2020: Opening of the Theatre of Digital Art Dubai
The Theatre of Digital Art Dubai (ToDA), dedicated to showcasing immersive digital art, including contemporary works, opened in 2020.
2020: Expo 2020 Impacts Dubai
The Expo 2020 in Dubai brought about several social and economic benefits to the city, including the initiation of the world's largest solar power project.
2020: COVID-19 Impacts Expo 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on Dubai Expo 2020, forcing the organizers to postpone the event by a year due to global travel restrictions and safety concerns.
2020: Report Highlights Dubai's Role in Illicit Financial Flows
The 2020 "Dubai’s Role in Facilitating Corruption and Global Illicit Financial Flows" report by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace revealed Dubai's prosperity being partly fueled by illicit funds from corruption and crime.
2020: Planned Metro Lines
Plans for a Blue Line and a Purple Line for the Dubai Metro were under development.
2020: Federal Public Prosecution Clarifies Penalties for Public Employee Strikes
In 2020, the federal public prosecution clarified that collective work abandonment by public employees for an unlawful purpose is an offense punishable by imprisonment, with foreigners facing deportation. Spreading discord among employees is also punishable by imprisonment.
2020: Exposure of Questionable Real Estate Ownership in Dubai
In 2020, a report by the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) revealed that numerous real estate owners in Dubai were either subject to international sanctions or involved in criminal activities.
2020: KHDA School Ratings
In 2020, Dubai's education regulator, KHDA, rated 17 schools as Outstanding and 40 as Very Good, contributing to overall school improvement in the emirate.
2020: Expo 2020 Held in Dubai
Expo 2020 was hosted in Dubai. The event showcased pavilions from 192 countries, offering diverse narratives from around the globe. It also featured thematic districts that promoted learning experiences, including a wildlife forest exhibit.
2020: Indian Premier League in UAE
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian Premier League cricket competition was held in the UAE in 2020.
2020: Projected Tourist Arrivals in Dubai
Dubai aimed to reach 20 million tourists by 2020, according to projections made in 2016.
2020: Launch of Dubai Fashion 2020
Dubai Fashion 2020 was launched as a major project to support the economy and develop the fashion sector.
2020: Population and Investment Projections
By 2020, Dubai's population was projected to surpass 3.5 million, with over AED 70 billion invested in transport improvements.
April 2021: Original Expo 2020 End Date
The original end date for Dubai Expo 2020 was April 10, 2021, marking the conclusion of the 173-day event.
June 1, 2021: Red Line Extension Opening
On June 1, 2021, an extension of the Dubai Metro's Red Line opened, connecting to the EXPO 2020 site.
October 2021: New Start Date for Expo 2020
Due to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of Expo 2020 decided to postpone the event by a year. The new start date was set as October 1, 2021.
2021: UAE Ranked Among Most Dangerous for LGBTQ Tourists
In 2021, the United Arab Emirates was ranked as one of the 20 most dangerous destinations for LGBTQ tourists.
2021: Dubai's Gross Domestic Product Projected at Over US$177 Billion
In 2021, Dubai's gross domestic product was projected at over US$177 billion, showcasing the city's robust and rapidly growing economy.
January 2022: Shift to Four-and-a-Half Day Work Week
Dubai transitioned to a four-and-a-half day working week in January 2022, with weekends encompassing Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.
March 2022: New End Date for Expo 2020
Expo 2020 concluded on March 31, 2022, marking the end of the event which had been postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 2022: Discrimination Against LGBTQ Tourists
In March 2022, Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon was deported from Dubai despite having travelled there to perform at the Expo 2020. She was sent back because her passport stated her gender as male while she identifies as a woman. This incident is one of several in 2022, where LGBTQ tourists faced issues and deportation in Dubai, despite the UAE being ranked amongst the 20 most dangerous places for LGBTQ tourists in 2021.
2022: Data Leak Exposes Dubai's Connection to Illicit Financial Activities
A 2022 data leak obtained by the U.S. Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) exposed Dubai's involvement as an investment base for the international drug trade and money laundering operations by Balkan and Belgian criminal organizations, as well as Russian oligarchs and politicians.
2022: Dubai's Population Reaches 3.6 Million
By 2022, Dubai's population reached approximately 3.6 million, with over 90% being foreigners, highlighting its attractiveness as a global hub.
April 2024: Record-Setting Flooding
In April 2024, Dubai experienced unprecedented flooding due to record-breaking rainfall. This event exposed the city's vulnerability to the increasing challenges posed by climate change and highlighted the need for improved drainage systems to handle intense precipitation.
2025: Projected Future Ranking of Dubai
By 2025, Dubai is projected to reach 23rd place in the Global City Competitiveness Index, according to a 2013 research report.
2025: New Hospitals in Dubai
Three more major hospitals are scheduled to be built in Dubai by 2025, adding to the existing 28 hospitals (6 public and 22 private).