History of Dubai in Timeline

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, located on the Persian Gulf's southeastern coast. As of 2025, its population is 4 million, with 92% being expatriates. The broader urban area, including Sharjah, has a population of 5 million (2023), and the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area encompasses 6 million residents.

1901: Dubai declares itself a free port

In 1901, Dubai declared itself a free port, marking a significant step in its development as a regional trade hub.

1901: Dubai established as a free port

In 1901, Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum established Dubai as a free port, implementing policies such as no taxation on imports or exports and providing land parcels and protection guarantees to merchants.

1902: Increased visits by Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company

In 1902, the steamer of the Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company increased its visits to Dubai to 21, indicating the growing importance of the port.

1904: Fortnightly steamer calls begin

From 1904 onward, steamers from the Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company called at Dubai fortnightly, accelerating Dubai's role as an emerging port and trading hub.

1906: Increased Cargo Trade

In 1906, Dubai traded 70,000 tones of cargo as a result of the frequent vessels.

1908: "Great storm" strikes pearling boats

In 1908, the "great storm" struck the pearling boats of Dubai and the coastal emirates, causing significant losses and hardship.

1910: Bombardment by HMS Hyacinth

In 1910, the town of Dubai was bombarded by HMS Hyacinth, resulting in 37 fatalities.

1911: Poverty and conflict among tribes

In 1911, Butti laments the poverty and conflict among the tribes of Dubai in a letter to the Sultan of Muscat.

1937: Oil exploration contract signed

In 1937, an oil exploration contract was signed, guaranteeing royalty rights for Dubai and concessionary payments to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum.

1947: Border dispute escalates into war

In 1947, a border dispute between Dubai and Abu Dhabi escalated into war, which was later resolved through British government arbitration.

1954: Establishment of the Dubai Municipality

In 1954, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then ruler of Dubai, established the Dubai Municipality (DM) for city planning, citizen services, and upkeep of local facilities.

1956: Founding of the Dubai Police Force

In 1956, the Dubai Police Force was founded in the locality of Naif, with law enforcement jurisdiction over the emirate.

1958: Sheikh Rashid becomes ruler

In 1958, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became the ruler of Dubai and used revenue from trading activities to build infrastructure.

1959: First hotel constructed

In 1959, Dubai's first hotel, the Airlines Hotel, was constructed.

1959: Establishment of Dubai's first telephone company

In 1959, Dubai's first telephone company was established, 51% owned by IAL (International Aeradio Ltd) and 49% by Sheikh Rashid and local businessmen.

1959: Sheikh Rashid invites architect John Harris

In 1959, Sheikh Rashid invited architect John Harris to Dubai to discuss the parameters of a town plan to manage the burgeoning real estate market.

1959: Construction of Dubai's first airport begins

In 1959, the construction of Dubai's first airport was started on the northern edge of the town.

May 1960: Harris returns to Dubai with town plan

In May 1960, architect John Harris returned to Dubai with a town plan, created in a matter of weeks using aerial photography of the city.

September 1960: Terminal building opens for business

In September 1960, the terminal building of Dubai's first airport opened for business.

April 1961: MV Dara disaster

In April 1961, the Dubai-based MV Dara was caught in high winds and an explosion occurred off Umm al-Quwain, leading to a disaster where 238 of the 819 persons on board were lost.

1961: Halcrow marks street system

By 1961, the British engineering firm Halcrow was marking the street system throughout the city, as drawn in the town plan, and hardening designated ways with asphalt.

1961: Iran Air commences services to Shiraz

In 1961, Iran Air commenced services to Shiraz, expanding the airport's connectivity.

1961: Electricity and telephone companies roll out operational networks

In 1961, both the electricity company and telephone company had rolled out operational networks in Dubai.

1961: Extension of the Creek

The Dubai Creek was extended in 1961, further facilitating trade and development in the region.

1962: Construction boom and bright future noted

In 1962, the British Political Agent observed a construction boom in Dubai and a bright future, with more firms opening up despite concerns about the jet airport construction.

1962: Sheikh Rashid approached Ruler of Qatar for Loan

In 1962, with expenditure on infrastructure projects already approaching levels some thought imprudent, Sheikh Rashid approached his brother-in-law, the Ruler of Qatar, for a loan.

May 1963: First bridge crossing Dubai Creek finished

In May 1963, the first bridge crossing Dubai Creek was finished and paid for by a toll.

1965: Asphalt runway of Dubai Airport constructed

In 1965, the asphalt runway of Dubai Airport was constructed, opening Dubai to regional and long-haul traffic.

1966: Increased gold and silver shipments

In 1966, Dubai took delivery of over $15 million worth of watches and over 5 million ounces of silver and shipped more gold from London than almost anywhere else in the world.

1966: Oil discovered off Dubai

In 1966, oil was eventually discovered in territorial waters off Dubai, leading to the development of the "Fateh" field.

1967: Gold price markup

In 1967, the price of gold was $35 an ounce, but its market price in India was $68 an ounce - a healthy markup.

January 1968: Announcement of British withdrawal

On January 16, 1968, Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced the withdrawal of British troops from "East of Aden", leading to negotiations among the coastal emirates to fill the political vacuum.

February 1968: Principle of union agreed

On February 18, 1968, the principle of union was first agreed upon between Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai.

1968: Reliable supply of piped water established and sand tax imposed then lifted

By 1968, Dubai had a reliable supply of piped water, and a sand tax was briefly imposed by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum but lifted after 11 days.

1968: Acceleration of infrastructure development plans

In 1968, following the discovery of oil, Sheikh Rashid accelerated infrastructure development plans and a construction boom began.

1968: Ambassador and Carlton Hotels constructed

In 1968, the Ambassador and Carlton Hotels were constructed in Dubai.

1968: Dubai at centre of Lively gold trade

Throughout the 1960s Dubai was the centre of a lively gold trade, with 1968 imports of gold at some £56 million.

October 1969: Nine-state union never to recover

In October 1969, the nine-state union was never to recover from the British intervention against aggressive activities by two of the Emirates resulting in a walk-out by Bahrain and Qatar.

1969: Oil revenue supports growth

From 1969 onwards, oil revenue supported a period of growth in Dubai, with Sheikh Rashid focusing on building infrastructure and diversifying the trading economy.

1970: New airport terminal building constructed

In 1970, a new airport terminal building was constructed, including Dubai's first duty-free shops.

July 1971: Six Emirates agree on a union

On July 18, 1971, six of the seven "trucial" emirates agreed on a union, after Bahrain and Qatar dropped out of talks.

December 1971: Dubai joins the United Arab Emirates

On December 2nd, 1971, Dubai, along with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, and Fujairah, formed the United Arab Emirates through the Act of Union.

February 1972: Ras Al Khaimah joins the UAE

In February 10th, 1972, Ras Al Khaimah became the seventh emirate to join the UAE, following Iran's annexation of the Tunbs islands, which were claimed by RAK.

October 1972: Port Rashid inaugurated

Port Rashid was inaugurated on October 5, 1972, although its berths were used as soon as they were built.

1973: Dubai adopts the UAE dirham

In 1973, Dubai and the other emirates adopted the UAE dirham as their uniform currency. The monetary union with Qatar was dissolved in 1973, and the UAE dirham was introduced throughout the Emirates.

1975: City population grew by over 300%

Between 1968 and 1975, Dubai's population grew by over 300% due to an influx of foreign workers.

1975: Port Rashid expansion

In 1975, Port Rashid was further expanded to add 35 berths before the construction of the larger port of Jebel Ali.

1979: Formal compromise reached ending border disputes & Establishment of the Jebel Ali port

In 1979, a formal compromise was reached, ending border disputes between the emirates. Also in 1979, the Jebel Ali port, a deep-water port accommodating larger ships, was established.

March 1983: Dubai Hospital admits first patients

In March 1983, Dubai Hospital began admitting patients.

1985: Establishment of the Jebel Ali Free Zone

In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed initiated the JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) around the Jebel Ali port, facilitating the unrestricted import of labour and export of capital for foreign companies.

1990: Oil accounted for 24% of GDP

In 1990, oil accounted for 24% of Dubai's GDP.

1991: The Gulf War impacts Dubai's Finances

In early 1991, the Gulf War had a negative financial impact on Dubai, causing depositors and traders to withdraw money and impacting trade.

1995: Introduction of Internet in the UAE

In 1995, the Internet was introduced into the UAE, including Dubai, with a network bandwidth of 7.5 Gbit/s and a capacity of 49 STM1 links.

December 1999: Burj Al Arab Hotel opens

In December 1999, the luxury Burj Al Arab hotel opened.

March 2000: Establishment of the Dubai Financial Market

In March 2000, the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) was established as a secondary market for trading securities and bonds.

2001: Construction of Palm Jumeirah begins

Construction of the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago, began in 2001.

2001: Depreciation of Dubai's Property Market

From 2001, a longer-term assessment of Dubai's property market showed depreciation, with some properties losing as much as 64% of their value until November 2008.

2002: Enactment of Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law

In 2002, Dubai enacted an Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law dealing with digital signatures and electronic registers and Emirates Media and Internet (a division of Etisalat) noted that 76% of internet users are male.

2002: Establishment of DMCC

In 2002, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was established.

2003: Dubai serves as a refuelling base during the Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Dubai served as a refuelling base for allied forces at the Jebel Ali Free Zone during the Invasion of Iraq.

2003: Executive authority delegated to the Dubai Executive Council

Since 2003, the executive authority of managing and overseeing Dubai Governmental agencies has been delegated to the Dubai Executive Council, led by the Crown Prince of Dubai Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

September 2004: Opening of the Dubai International Financial Centre

In September 2004, the Dubai International Financial Centre (IFC) opened and started attracting leading international firms as a regional hub.

2004: Oil accounted for 7% of GDP

By 2004, oil accounted for only 7% of Dubai's GDP, demonstrating successful economic diversification.

2004: Construction of Burj Khalifa begins

Construction of the Burj Khalifa, then known as the Burj Dubai, began in 2004.

2004: Property Appreciation due to Economic Diversification

From 2004, the government's decision to diversify from a trade-based, oil-reliant economy to one that is service- and tourism-oriented made property more valuable, resulting in property appreciation.

2004: First Dubai International Film Festival

Since 2004, Dubai has hosted the annual Dubai International Film Festival which serves as a showcase for Arab and Middle Eastern filmmaking talent.

2004: Al Maktoum International Airport development announced

The development of Al Maktoum International Airport was announced in 2004.

2005: Foreign-born population in Dubai

In 2005, 84% of the population of metropolitan Dubai was foreign-born, with about half of them from India.

2005: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) formed

Transport in Dubai is controlled by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), an agency of the government of Dubai, formed by a royal decree in 2005.

March 2006: Government announces steps to allow construction unions

Towards the end of March 2006, the Dubai government announced steps to allow construction unions.

2006: Dubai Financial Market Trading Volume

As of the fourth quarter of 2006, the Dubai Financial Market's trading volume stood at about 400 billion shares, worth $95 billion in total, with a market capitalization of about $87 billion.

2006: Construction of Palm Jumeirah completed

Construction of the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago, was completed in 2006.

2006: Weekend change to Friday and Saturday

From 2006, the weekend in Dubai had been Friday and Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday and Sunday.

2006: Establishment of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (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: Construction of bus shelters announced

In 2006, the transport authority announced the construction of 500 air-conditioned passenger bus shelters, and planned for 1,000 more across the emirates in a move to encourage the use of public buses.

2006: Property Appreciation due to Economic Diversification

Until 2006, the government's decision to diversify from a trade-based, oil-reliant economy to one that is service- and tourism-oriented made property more valuable, resulting in property appreciation.

2007: Dubai Ranked Among World's Best Financial Cities

In 2007, a City Mayors survey ranked Dubai 44th among the world's best financial cities.

November 2008: Depreciation of Dubai's Property Market

In November 2008, a longer-term assessment of Dubai's property market showed depreciation, with some properties losing as much as 64% of their value from 2001.

2008: Dubai Bus system usage

In 2008, Dubai's bus system serviced 140 routes and transported over 109 million people.

2008: Emergence of contemporary art galleries

Since 2008, leading contemporary art galleries such as Carbon 12 Dubai, Green Art, gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, and The Third Line have brought Dubai onto the international art map.

February 2009: Dubai's Foreign Debt Estimated

As of February 2009, Dubai's foreign debt was estimated at $80 billion.

April 2009: Opening of the Palm Jumeirah Monorail

On April 30, 2009, a monorail line connecting the Palm Jumeirah to the mainland opened. It is the first monorail in the Middle East.

September 2009: Dubai Metro opening

In September 2009, the Dubai Metro, consisting of the Red and Green lines, was opened, running through the city's financial and residential areas.

2009: Number of schools in Dubai

As of 2009, there were 79 public schools and 207 private schools in Dubai.

2009: Burj Khalifa construction ends

Construction of the Burj Khalifa, then known as the Burj Dubai, ended in 2009.

2009: Dubai hosted the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens

In 2009, Dubai hosted the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

2009: Taxi trip statistics

In 2009, Dubai taxi trips exceeded 70 million trips, serving around 140.45 million passengers.

2009: Release of the documentary "Slaves in Dubai"

In 2009, the documentary "Slaves in Dubai" highlighted alleged mistreatment of foreign workers in Dubai.

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January 2010: Public transport usage in Dubai

In January 2010, the proportion of Dubai residents who used public transport stood at 6%.

January 2010: Burj Khalifa opens

The Burj Khalifa, known as the Burj Dubai before its inauguration, opened on 4 January 2010.

January 2010: Dubai's tallest skyline

As of 4 January 2010, the completion of the Burj Khalifa leaves Dubai with the world's tallest skyline.

2010: Completion of Burj Khalifa

A culmination point was reached in 2010 with the completion of the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower), now by far the world's tallest building at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).

2010: Number of buses in service

By the end of 2010, there would be 2,100 buses in service across the city.

November 2011: Cities bid for Expo 2020

On 2 November 2011, four cities had already lodged their bids for Expo 2020, with Dubai making a last-minute entry.

2011: Dubai's Gold Trading Volumes

In the first half of 2011, Dubai's total gold trading volumes reached 580 tonnes, with an average price of US$1,455 per troy ounce.

2012: Medical clinics operated privately

By the end of 2012, there were also a total of 1,348 medical clinics, 97% of which were operated privately.

2012: Dubai Ranked Among World's Richest Cities

In 2012, a City Mayors report indicated that Dubai was the world's 27th richest city in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).

2012: Dubai's Ranking in the Global City Competitiveness Index

In 2012, the Global City Competitiveness Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Dubai at No. 40 with a total score of 55.9.

2012: Dubai crowned IFEA World Festival and Event City

In 2012, the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) crowned Dubai as IFEA World Festival and Event City in the cities category with a population of more than one million.

February 2013: Bureau International des Expositions visits Dubai

In February 2013, the delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions visited Dubai to examine the Emirate's readiness for the largest exposition and was impressed by the infrastructure and the level of national support.

February 2013: Dubai Miracle Garden opens

On 14 February 2013, the Dubai Miracle Garden, a 72,000-metre flower garden, opened in Dubailand.

May 2013: Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan revealed

In May 2013, the Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan was revealed.

September 2013: Dubai Creek Proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

As of September 2013, Dubai Creek has been proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

November 2013: Dubai wins right to host Expo 2020

On 27 November 2013, Dubai won the right to host Expo 2020.

2013: Research Report on the Future Competitiveness of Cities

According to its 2013 research report on the future competitiveness of cities, in 2025, Dubai will have moved up to 23rd place overall in the Index.

2013: UAE nationals make up only 15% of Dubai's population

As of 2013, only about 15% of Dubai's population was made up of UAE nationals, with the rest being expatriates.

2013: At The Top in Burj Khalifa attracts visitors

At The Top in Burj Khalifa, the world's second highest observatory deck after the Shanghai Tower with an outdoor terrace, attracted over 1.87 million visitors in 2013.

2013: Synergy University Dubai Campus opened

In 2013, Synergy University Dubai Campus opened its campus in Jumeirah Lakes Towers being a first University in Dubai to be located outside of Educational Zones (Knowledge Village or Academic City).

2013: Increase in trade flow from China

In 2014 trade flows from China increased 29% from 2013 to $47.7 billion.

March 2014: Inaugural Dubai Food Festival

The inaugural Dubai Food Festival was held between February 21 and March 15, 2014. It was aimed at enhancing Dubai's position as the gastronomic capital of the region.

2014: China Emerged as Dubai's Largest Trading Partner

By 2014, China had become Dubai's largest international trading partner, with trade flows totaling $47.7 billion.

2014: Cargo handling at Dubai International Airport

In 2014, Dubai International Airport handled 2.37 million tons of cargo.

2014: Dubai's Economic Growth Rate

In 2014, Dubai experienced an economic growth rate of 6.1%.

2014: Dubai's Non-Oil Foreign Trade

In 2014, Dubai's non-oil foreign trade stood at $362 billion, with imports valued at $230 billion, exports at $31 billion, and re-exports at $101 billion.

2014: Religious demographics in Dubai

In 2014, more than 56% of Dubai residents were Muslims, 25% were Christians, and 16% were Hindus.

2014: Opening of the first section of the Dubai Tram

In 2014, the first section of the Dubai Tram, a 10.6 km line serving 11 stations, opened, running along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to the Burj Al Arab and the Mall of the Emirates.

2014: Birth and death rates in Dubai

In 2014, there were an estimated 15.54 births and 1.99 deaths per 1,000 people in Dubai.

2015: Mandatory health insurance phased in

In 2015, Dubai phased in mandatory health insurance for all inhabitants, thereby leading to increased demand for medical services.

2015: Event pictures of Rugby 7 Dubai

In 2015, event pictures of Rugby 7 Dubai 2015.

2015: Completion of First Phase of Dubai Design District

In 2015, the AED 4 billion first phase of the Dubai Design District project was completed.

August 2016: Dubai Opera Opening

Dubai Opera opened its doors on August 31, 2016, in Downtown Dubai with a performance by Plácido Domingo.

2016: DMCC Nominated as Global Free Zone of the Year

In 2016, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) was nominated as "Global Free Zone of the Year" by The Financial Times Magazine.

2016: Dubai Hosted 14.9 Million Overnight Visitors

In 2016, Dubai hosted 14.9 million overnight visitors.

2016: Opening of the world's first functioning 3D-printed office building

In 2016, the world's first functioning 3D-printed office building was opened in Dubai, taking 17 days to construct.

February 2017: Next Dubai Food Festival held

The next Dubai Food Festival was held between February 23 and March 11, 2017.

March 2017: Dubai Food Festival held

The Dubai Food Festival was held between February 23 and March 11, 2017.

2017: Dubai Run part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge since 2017

Since 2017, the Dubai Run, which is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the world's largest free fun run and one of the main highlights of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.

2018: Dubai Marina population

As of 2018, Dubai Marina had a population of 55,052.

2018: Dubai's Tourism Ranking

As of 2018, Dubai is the fourth-most-visited city in the world based on the number of international visitors and the fastest growing, increasing by a 10.7% rate.

2018: Emirates Airline destinations

As of 2018, Emirates operated internationally, serving over 150 destinations in over 70 countries across six continents.

2018: Dubai Topped List for Tourist Spending

In 2018, Dubai topped the list for the fourth year in a row with a total tourist spend of $30.82 billion.

2018: Oil contributes less than 1% to GDP

In 2018, oil production contributed less than 1% to Dubai's GDP, highlighting the success of its economic diversification efforts.

September 2019: Establishment of Higher Committee for Real Estate Planning

In September 2019, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ordered the establishment of the Higher Committee for Real Estate Planning to study and evaluate future real estate construction projects.

September 2019: Dubai's population reaches 3,331,420

In September 2019, Dubai's population reached 3,331,420, representing an annual increase of 177,020 people and a growth rate of 5.64%.

October 2019: Dubai loosens liquor laws

In October 2019, Dubai loosened its liquor laws for the first time, allowing tourists to purchase alcohol from state-controlled stores. Previously, alcohol was only accessible to locals with special licences.

2019: Release of "Hi Dubai" series

In 2019 the Italian artist Princess Bee produced "Hi Dubai", the first cross media format revealing the "soul of the city" through the life and work experience of 25 Emirati and expat women. The series promoted the Emirate's lifestyle and main events to attract young people to visit and live in Dubai. "Hi Dubai" was on air on the national channel Dubai One TV, in prime time, after the National News during the U.A.E. National Day week; then distributed online on Dubai Post and in-flight on ICE in all Emirates Airlines flights.

2019: Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index Findings

Mastercard's Global Destination Cities Index 2019 found that tourists spend more in Dubai than in any other country.

January 2020: Sri Lankan expats fined for Islamophobic Facebook posts

In January 2020, three Sri Lankan expats were fined 500,000 dirhams each for posting defamatory Islamophobic posts on Facebook.

April 2020: Announcement of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple

In April 2020, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the building of one of their temples in Dubai, following an invitation from the UAE government.

October 2020: Dubai Expo 2020 scheduled to take place

In October 2020, the Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021 for 173 days.

December 2020: Jumeirah Gate opens

Jumeirah Gate opened in December 2020 and is situated along the beach. The sky bridge houses luxury apartments on the world's highest occupiable sky bridge floor, at 294.36 metres.

2020: Expected Number of Tourists

As of 2016, Dubai is expected to reach 20 million tourists by 2020.

2020: Clarification on public employees leaving work

As of 2020, the federal public prosecution clarified the penalties for public employees collectively leaving work to achieve an unlawful purpose.

2020: Launch of Dubai Fashion 2020

Dubai launched Dubai Fashion 2020 as a major project to support its economy and develop different sectors.

2020: Expo 2020 postponed

Due to the impact of COVID-19 the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to begin in 2021.

2020: Opening of The Theatre of Digital Art Dubai (ToDA)

In 2020, The Theatre of Digital Art Dubai (ToDA) opened and presents immersive digital art, including contemporary work.

2020: Dubai Expo 2020 Site and Projects

In 2020, The main site of Dubai Expo 2020 was planned to be a 438-hectare area. The Expo 2020 also created various social enlistment projects and monetary boons to the city targeting the year 2020, such as initiating the world's largest solar power project.

2020: Carnegie Endowment report on Dubai's role in illicit financial flows

In 2020, a report from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace highlighted Dubai's role in facilitating corruption and global illicit financial flows.

2020: School rating in Dubai

In 2020, a total of 17 schools are rated Outstanding, and a further 40 are rated Very Good.

2020: Exposure of Real Estate Owners Involved in Criminal Activities

In 2020, data exposed that several real estate owners in Dubai were either facing international sanctions or were involved in criminal activities, including public officials with minimal possibility of purchasing properties with their known incomes.

2020: "Dubai Unlocked" Investigation

In 2020, the "Dubai Unlocked" investigation by journalists revealed how Dubai's real estate market became a haven for criminals, money launderers, drug lords, fugitives, political figures accused of corruption, and sanctioned individuals to hide their money in Dubai.

2020: Indian Premier League cricket competition held in UAE due to COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, the Indian Premier League cricket competition was held in UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Expo 2020 visit by Rachaya Noppakaroon

In March 2022, Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon visited Dubai for her performance at the Expo 2020 but was sent back because her passport stated her gender as male.

2020: Property Price Increase

Since 2020, property prices in Dubai increased by 124%.

2020: Improvement projects planned for completion

The public transport network has in the past faced congestion and reliability issues which a large investment programme has addressed, including over AED 70 billion of improvements planned for completion by 2020, when the population of the city is projected to exceed 3.5 million.

April 2021: End date for Dubai Expo 2020

The Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021 for 173 days.

June 1, 2021: Red Line extension to EXPO 2020 site opens

On June 1, 2021, an extension to the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, connecting to the EXPO 2020 site, was opened.

October 2021: Postponed Expo 2020 begins

Due to the impact of COVID-19 the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to begin on 1 October 2021 and end on 31 March 2022.

2021: Dubai's Projected GDP

In 2021, Dubai's gross domestic product was projected at over US$177 billion.

2021: UAE ranked among most dangerous places for LGBTQ tourists

In 2021, the UAE was ranked amongst the 20 most dangerous places for LGBTQ tourists to visit.

January 2022: Dubai moves to a four-and-a-half day working week

On January 1, 2022, Dubai transitioned to a four-and-a-half day working week, with the weekend comprising Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.

February 2022: Increase in Property Prices After Ukraine Invasion

Following February 2022, property prices in Dubai increased significantly, as wealthy Russians started investing in the UAE's real estate after the Ukraine invasion.

March 2022: Postponed Expo 2020 end date

Due to the impact of COVID-19 the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to begin on 1 October 2021 and end on 31 March 2022.

March 2022: LGBTQ tourists face issues and deportation

In March 2022, Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon visited Dubai for her performance at the Expo 2020 but was sent back because her passport stated her gender as male. Also in March 2022, a French influencer on TikTok and Snapchat, Ibrahim Godin, was sent back from Dubai because the authorities assumed his male friend travelling with him was his boyfriend.

2022: Data leak exposes Dubai's role in international drug trade

In 2022, a data leak obtained by the U.S. Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) exposed Dubai's role as an investment base for the international drug trade and money laundering activities.

2022: Foreign Ownership in Dubai's Real Estate Market

In 2022, the EU Tax Observatory and Norway's Centre for Tax Research evaluated that foreign ownership in Dubai's real estate market was worth approximately $160 billion. Also Until 2022, there was no obligation for real estate agents, brokers, and lawyers in Dubai to report large cash or cryptocurrency transactions to authorities.

2023: Urban area population reaches 5 million

As of 2023, the wider urban area of Dubai, including Sharjah, had a population of 5 million people.

2023: Increase in volume of real estate transactions

In 2024 the volume of real estate transactions marked a 36.5% increase in the volume of transactions since 2023.

January 2024: Dubai announces construction of Aeternitas Tower

In early January 2024, Dubai announced its intentions to build the Aeternitas Tower, which will become the world's tallest residential clock tower at a height of 450 m (1,480 ft). The project is a joint venture between Dubai-based real estate developer London Gate and Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Franck Muller.

March 2024: Dubai Begins Operating World's Biggest Waste-to-Energy Facility

In March 2024, Dubai began operating the world's biggest waste-to-energy facility, which will power approximately 135,000 homes.

March 2024: Tori Towey faces abuse and legal charges in Dubai

In March 2024, Tori Towey, a victim of domestic violence in Dubai and flight attendant for Emirates Airlines, faced abuse and was charged with attempting suicide and illegal consumption of alcohol after seeking help.

April 2024: Record-setting flooding in Dubai

In April 2024, Dubai experienced record-setting flooding, highlighting the lack of appropriate drainage to deal with the challenges of climate change.

June 2024: Emaar Properties to Expand The Dubai Mall

As of June 2024 the Emirate real estate developer Emaar Properties, announced plans to expand the 12-million-square-foot The Dubai Mall, for 1.5 billion dirhams ($408 million), adding a further 240 luxury stores, along with new food outlets.

July 2024: Agreement Signed to Develop Logistic Hub for Food

In July 2024, Dubai signed an agreement to develop a logistic hub for food, fruits, and vegetables, planned to be the largest of its kind in the world.

October 2024: Interpol issues red notice against Kinahan Cartel member

On October 11, 2024, Interpol issued a red notice against Sean McGovern, a member of the Kinahan Cartel, who was arrested by the Dubai police. On October 21, an extradition treaty was signed between Ireland and the UAE.