Full History Of Dubai In Timeline From 1901

1901: Dubai established as a free port

In 1901, Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum established Dubai as a free port with no taxation on imports or exports, attracting merchants to the area.

1902: Increase in steamer visits to Dubai

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

1904: Steamer calls to Dubai become fortnightly

From 1904 onwards, steamers called at Dubai fortnightly, further accelerating the city's role as an emerging port and trading hub.

1906: Dubai supplants Lingeh as a chief entrepot

By 1906, Dubai supplanted Lingeh as the chief entrepôt of the Trucial States, trading 70,000 tones of cargo.

1908: The "great storm" disaster

In 1908, the "great storm" struck the pearling boats of Dubai and the coastal emirates, resulting in the loss of a dozen boats and over 100 men.

1910: Bombardment by HMS Hyacinth

In 1910, the town was bombarded by HMS Hyacinth, resulting in 37 deaths.

1911: Poverty and unrest among the tribes

In 1911, Butti lamented that misery and poverty were raging among the tribes, leading to struggles, looting, and killings.

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 with Abu Dhabi escalates into war

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

1954: Establishment of the Dubai Municipality

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

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, under the direct command of Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum.

1958: Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's rule begins

From 1958, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, used revenue from trading activities to build infrastructure.

1959: First hotel constructed in Dubai

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, owned by IAL and Sheikh Rashid and local businessmen.

1959: Sheikh Rashid invited architect John Harris

In 1959, Sheikh Rashid invited architect John Harris to Dubai to discuss the parameters of a town plan.

1959: Construction of Dubai's first airport started

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

May 1960: Harris returned to Dubai with the town plan

In May 1960, architect John Harris returned to Dubai with the town plan he had created.

September 1960: Opening of Dubai's first airport terminal

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

April 1961: MV Dara disaster

On 7 April 1961, the Dubai-based MV Dara was caught in high winds and an explosion led to the loss of 238 lives.

1961: Iran Air commences services to Shiraz

In 1961, Iran Air commenced services to Shiraz at Dubai's airport.

1961: Electricity and telephone networks rolled out

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

1961: Halcrow marked the street system

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

1962: Sheikh Rashid approached Ruler of Qatar for a loan

In 1962, Sheikh Rashid approached the Ruler of Qatar for a loan to build the first bridge crossing Dubai Creek.

1962: Construction boom in Dubai

In 1962, many new houses and blocks of offices and flats were being built in Dubai and the Ruler was determined to press on with the construction of a jet airport.

May 1963: Completion of the first bridge crossing Dubai Creek

In May 1963, the first bridge crossing Dubai Creek was completed, funded by a toll levied on crossings.

1965: Dubai Airport opens to long-haul traffic

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

1966: Large shipments of gold to Dubai

In 1966, Dubai received large shipments of gold, watches, and silver.

1966: Discovery of oil in Dubai's territorial waters

In 1966, oil was discovered in territorial waters off Dubai, accelerating infrastructure development.

1966: Oil struck in Dubai

In 1966, oil was finally struck in territorial waters off Dubai after years of exploration.

1967: Gold price comparison in Dubai and India

In 1967, the price of gold was $35 an ounce, but its market price in India was $68 an ounce, making the trade profitable.

January 1968: British Troop Withdrawal Announcement

On January 16, 1968, Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced the withdrawal of British troops from "East of Aden", impacting Dubai and other Trucial States, Qatar, and Bahrain, leading to negotiations to fill the resulting political vacuum.

February 1968: Initial Agreement on Union

On February 18, 1968, Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai agreed to work towards a union of emirates, including Qatar and Bahrain, during a meeting at Argoub Al Sedirah.

1968: Reliable piped water and sand tax imposed

By 1968, Dubai had a reliable supply of piped water. Also in 1968, a sand tax was briefly imposed before being lifted after 11 days.

1968: Population growth begins

From 1968, Sheikh Rashid's infrastructure development plans and a construction boom began which brought a massive influx of foreign workers.

1968: Ambassador and Carlton Hotels constructed

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

1968: Dubai as centre of gold trade

Throughout the 1960s Dubai was the centre of a lively gold trade, with 1968 imports of gold at some £56 million, mainly re-exported to customers taking delivery off India.

October 1969: Collapse of Nine-State Union

In October 1969, a meeting intended to form a nine-state union collapsed after British intervention against aggressive activities by two emirates led to Bahrain and Qatar withdrawing from talks.

1969: Oil revenue starts to flow

Oil revenue flowing from 1969 onwards supported a period of growth, with Sheikh Rashid embarking on a policy of building infrastructure.

1970: New airport terminal building constructed

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

July 1971: Agreement on Union by Six Emirates

On July 18, 1971, six of the seven Trucial States agreed to form a union following the failure of the nine-state union negotiations.

December 1971: Formation of the United Arab Emirates

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

February 1972: Ras Al Khaimah Joins the UAE

On February 10, 1972, Ras Al Khaimah joined the United Arab Emirates, following Iran's annexation of the Tunbs islands, which were claimed by RAK.

October 1972: Inauguration of Port Rashid

Port Rashid, a deep-water free port, was inaugurated on 5 October 1972.

1973: Adoption of the UAE Dirham

In 1973, Dubai and the other emirates adopted the UAE dirham as their uniform currency, dissolving the prior monetary union with Qatar and introducing the new currency throughout the Emirates.

1975: City's population growth

Between 1968 and 1975, the city's population grew by over 300%.

1975: Port Rashid expansion

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

1977: Decision to Construct Dubai Hospital

In 1977, the decision was made to construct Dubai Hospital, which is part of Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services.

1979: Establishment of Jebel Ali Port

In 1979, the establishment of the Jebel Ali Port, a deep-water port designed to accommodate larger ships, marked a significant development in Dubai.

March 1983: Dubai Hospital Begins Admitting Patients

In March 1983, Dubai Hospital, a public hospital and part of Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services, began admitting patients.

1985: Establishment of JAFZA

In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed initiated the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) around the port, facilitating 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: Impact and Rebound from the Gulf War

In early 1991, the Gulf War negatively impacted Dubai's financial sector, causing withdrawal of money and trade, but the city rebounded and prospered in the changing political climate.

1995: Introduction of Internet in Dubai

In 1995, the Internet was introduced into the UAE, including Dubai, marking a significant step in telecommunications.

December 1999: Burj Al Arab Hotel Opens

In December 1999, the Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel, opened, later being described by a British journalist as 'the world's only 7-star' hotel.

March 2000: Establishment of Dubai Financial Market

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

2001: Property Value Depreciation in Dubai

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

2001: Construction of Palm Jumeirah Begins

In 2001, construction began on the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago created using land reclamation.

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, while Emirates Media and Internet reported that 76% of Internet users were male and 60% were Asian.

2002: Establishment of DMCC

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

2003: Dubai as Refueling Base During 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, leading to a continued focus on free trade and tourism due to subsequent increases in oil prices.

2003: Delegation of Executive Authority to the Dubai Executive Council

Since 2003, executive authority for 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 (IFC)

In September 2004, the Dubai International Financial Centre (IFC) opened, attracting leading international firms and setting up the NASDAQ Dubai stock exchange.

2004: Oil accounted for 7% of GDP

By 2004, Oil had fallen to 7% of Dubai's GDP.

2004: Property Appreciation due to Diversification

From 2004, Dubai's government's decision to diversify its economy made property more valuable, resulting in property appreciation until 2006.

2004: Announcement of Al Maktoum International Airport development

In 2004, the development of Al Maktoum International Airport was announced, marking the beginning of a project to create the world's largest airport.

2004: Hosting of the annual Dubai International Film Festival

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

2005: Demographic Shift in Dubai

In 2005, a significant demographic shift was noted in metropolitan Dubai, with 84% of the population being foreign-born, approximately half of whom were from India.

2005: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Formed

In 2005, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was formed as an agency of the government of Dubai to manage transport.

March 2006: Announcement of Steps to Allow Construction Unions

Towards the end of March 2006, the government announced steps to allow construction unions. UAE labour minister Ali al-Kaabi said labourers will be allowed to form unions.

2006: Dubai Financial Market Trading Volume

As of the fourth quarter of 2006, the Dubai Financial Market's trading volume was approximately 400 billion shares, with a total value of $95 billion.

2006: Dubai weekend change to Friday and Saturday

From 2006, the weekend in Dubai was Friday and Saturday, to accommodate both Muslim and Western preferences.

2006: Establishment of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (Du)

In 2006, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), better known as Du, was established, breaking Etisalat's virtual monopoly over telecommunication services in Dubai.

2006: Construction of Palm Jumeirah Completed

In 2006, construction of the Palm Jumeirah, the smallest and original of the three Palm Islands, was completed.

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 to encourage the use of public buses.

2006: Property Appreciation due to Diversification

Until 2006, Dubai's government's decision to diversify its economy made property more valuable, resulting in property appreciation since 2004.

2007: Dubai ranked among world's best financial cities

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

November 2008: Property Value Depreciation in Dubai

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 Transported Over 109 Million People

In 2008, the public bus transport system in Dubai transported over 109 million people across 140 routes.

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 the city 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 due to the slowing economic climate and the Great Recession.

April 2009: Opening of the Palm Jumeirah Monorail

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

September 2009: Opening of Dubai Metro

In September 2009, the Dubai Metro, consisting of the Red and Green lines, was opened to the public, becoming the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula.

2009: School system in Dubai

As of 2009, Dubai had 79 public schools and 207 private schools, with Arabic as the medium of instruction in public schools and English in most private schools.

2009: Dubai hosts 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens

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

2009: Taxi Trips Exceeded 70 Million

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

2009: Release of 'Slaves in Dubai' Documentary

In 2009, the documentary "Slaves in Dubai" was released, highlighting allegations of mistreatment of foreign workers in Dubai, with the filmmaker going undercover due to restrictions on documenting human rights abuses.

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2009: Number of Cars in Dubai

In 2009, there were an estimated 1,021,880 cars in Dubai according to Dubai Municipality statistics.

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, previously known as Burj Dubai, officially opened on 4 January 2010 as the world's tallest building, standing at 828 metres (2,717 ft).

January 2010: Dubai's Tallest Skyline as of 4 January 2010

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

2010: 2,100 Buses in Service Across the City

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

2010: Completion of the Burj Khalifa

In 2010, the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower) was completed, becoming the world's tallest building at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).

November 2011: Dubai Enters Bid for Expo 2020

On 2 November 2011, Dubai made a last-minute entry to bid for Expo 2020, joining four other cities.

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: Number of medical clinics in Dubai

By the end of 2012, there were a total of 1,348 medical clinics in Dubai, with 97% operated privately.

2012: Dubai's Ranking in Global City Competitiveness Index

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

2012: Dubai's ranking as world's richest city

In 2012, Dubai was ranked as the world's 27th richest city in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) by City Mayors.

2012: Dubai crowned IFEA World Festival and Event City

In 2012, the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) recognized Dubai as the IFEA World Festival and Event City, acknowledging its significance in the events industry.

February 2013: Bureau International des Expositions visits Dubai for Expo 2020 examination

In February 2013, the Bureau International des Expositions visited Dubai to assess the Emirate's readiness for Expo 2020 and was impressed by the infrastructure and national support.

February 2013: Dubai Miracle Garden Opens

On 14 February 2013, the Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest flower garden, opened in Dubailand, displaying over 50 million flowers with more than 70 species of flowering plants.

May 2013: Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan Revealed

In May 2013, the Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan was revealed, outlining the vision and scope of the event.

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, recognizing its vital role in the city's history and economy.

November 2013: Dubai Wins Right to Host Expo 2020

On 27 November 2013, Dubai won the right to host Expo 2020, marking a significant milestone for the city.

2013: Economist Intelligence Unit Research Report on Dubai

According to a 2013 research report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Dubai is projected to move up to 23rd place overall in the Global City Competitiveness Index by 2025.

2013: At The Top in Burj Khalifa Attracts Visitors

In 2013, At The Top in Burj Khalifa attracted over 1.87 million visitors, becoming one of Dubai's most popular tourist attractions.

2013: Opening of Synergy University Dubai Campus

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

2013: Expatriate population in Dubai

In 2013, it was reported that only about 15% of Dubai's population were UAE nationals, with the remaining 85% being expatriates, predominantly from Asian countries like India (51%) and Pakistan (16%).

2013: Trade Flow Increase Between China and Dubai

In 2013, trade flows between China and Dubai increased by 29% to reach $47.7 billion.

March 2014: Inaugural Dubai Food Festival

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

2014: China Emerged as Dubai's Largest Trading Partner

In 2014, China became Dubai's largest international trading partner with $47.7 billion in trade flows, which was a 29% increase from 2013.

2014: Cargo handling at Dubai International Airport

In 2014, Dubai International Airport handled 2.37 million tons of cargo, making it the sixth-busiest cargo airport in the world.

2014: Dubai's Economy Growth Rate

In 2014, Dubai experienced a growth rate of 6.1% in its gross domestic product.

2014: Birth and Death rates in Dubai

In 2014, Dubai had an estimated birth rate of 15.54 per 1,000 people and a death rate of 1.99 per 1,000 people.

2014: Dubai's non-oil foreign trade

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

2014: Opening of first section of Dubai Tramway

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

2014: Religious Demographics of Dubai

In 2014, the religious demographics of Dubai showed that more than 56% of the residents were Muslims, 25% were Christians, 16% were Hindus, and around 2% adhered to other religions.

2015: Rugby 7 Dubai 2015

Event pictures of Rugby 7 Dubai were taken in 2015.

2015: Mandatory health insurance implementation

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

2015: Completion of Dubai Design District's First Phase

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

August 2016: Opening of Dubai Opera

On 31 August 2016, Dubai Opera opened in Downtown Dubai with a performance by Plácido Domingo, offering a 2000-seat, multifunctional performing arts center.

2016: Opening of the World's First 3D-Printed Office Building

In 2016, Dubai opened the world's first functioning 3D-printed office building, which took 17 days to construct, and was designed by Killa Design, who also designed the Museum of the Future.

2016: DMCC Nominated as "Global Free Zone of the Year"

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

2016: Dubai Hosted Overnight Visitors

In 2016, the city hosted 14.9 million overnight visitors.

February 2017: Dubai Food Festival 2017

The Dubai Food Festival was held between 23 February 2017 to 11 March 2017, showcasing the variety of flavours and cuisines on offer in Dubai.

March 2017: Dubai Food Festival 2017

The Dubai Food Festival was held between 23 February 2017 to 11 March 2017, showcasing the variety of flavours and cuisines on offer in Dubai.

2017: Dubai Run part of Dubai Fitness Challenge

Since 2017, the Dubai Run has been part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the world's largest free fun run.

2018: Dubai Marina Population Reaches 55,052

As of 2018, Dubai Marina had a population of 55,052, part of a larger development designed to accommodate over 120,000 people.

2018: Dubai's Ranking as Most-Visited City

As of 2018, Dubai was 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 operations

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

2018: Dubai tops list for tourist spending for the fourth year

In 2018, Dubai topped the list for tourist spending for the fourth consecutive year, with a total spend of $30.82 billion and an average spend of $553 per day.

2018: Oil contribution to Dubai's GDP

In 2018, oil production contributed less than 1 percent to the GDP of Dubai.

September 2019: Establishment of the 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.

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, a shift prompted by an economic crisis and a drop in alcohol sales.

2019: Release of "Hi Dubai" cross media format

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. "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.

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2019: Dubai Tops Global Destination Cities Index

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

January 2020: Fines for Defamation on Social Media

In January 2020, three Sri Lankan expats were fined 500,000 dirhams (US$136,000) each in Dubai for posting defamatory Islamophobic Facebook posts, highlighting the punishable nature of defamation on social media.

April 2020: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces temple in Dubai

In April 2020, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to build a temple in Dubai, acknowledging the gracious invitation from the UAE government.

October 2020: Dubai Expo 2020 Scheduled to Take Place

The Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 for 173 days with 192 country pavilions and various thematic districts.

December 2020: Jumeirah Gate Opens

In December 2020, Jumeirah Gate opened along the beach featuring two towers connected by a sky bridge, housing luxury apartments and the world's highest infinity pool in a building.

2020: Clarification on Penalties for Collective Work Stoppages

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

2020: Projected Number of Tourists by 2020

By 2020, Dubai was expected to reach 20 million tourists.

2020: Improvements Planned for Completion by 2020

By 2020, over AED 70 billion of improvements were planned for completion to address congestion and reliability issues in Dubai's public transport network.

2020: School ratings in Dubai

In 2020, 17 schools in Dubai were rated Outstanding, and 40 were rated Very Good by the KHDA, highlighting the improvement in school quality.

2020: Report Exposes Real Estate Owners in Dubai

In 2020, Data from the Centre for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) exposed that several real estate owners in Dubai were either facing international sanctions or were involved in criminal activities. The report "Dubai Uncovered" mentioned names of 100 Russian oligarchs, public officials, and Europeans involved in money laundering.

2020: Dubai Fashion 2020 Project

In 2020, Dubai launched the Dubai Fashion 2020 project to support its economy and develop different sectors.

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

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

2020: Expo 2020 Creates Various Social Enlistment Projects

In 2020, the Dubai Expo 2020 created various social enlistment projects and monetary boons to the city, such as initiating the world's largest solar power project.

2020: Indian Premier League cricket competition held in UAE

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

2020: Property Prices Increase Since 2020

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

2020: "Dubai Unlocked" Investigation

The "Dubai Unlocked" investigation revealed how Dubai's real estate market became a haven for criminals to hide their money in Dubai.

April 2021: Dubai Expo 2020 Scheduled to Conclude

The Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to conclude on 10 April 2021, after running for 173 days with participation from 192 countries.

June 1, 2021: Extension to the Red Line connecting the EXPO 2020 site opened

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

October 2021: Expo 2020 Postponed to Begin

Due to COVID-19, the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to begin on 1 October 2021.

2021: Dubai's GDP projected at over US$177 billion

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 weekend change to Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday

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

February 2022: Property Prices Increase in Dubai

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: Expo 2020 Postponed to End

Due to COVID-19, the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to end on 31 March 2022.

March 2022: Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon deported from Dubai

In March 2022, Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon was deported from Dubai because her passport stated her gender as male, despite her visit for a performance at Expo 2020.

2022: Evaluation of 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.

2023: Tourism sector in Dubai's economy

In 2023, Tourism accounted for about 11.5% of Dubai's GDP, making it the 3rd most-visited city globally.

2023: Increase in Real Estate Transactions Since 2023

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

January 2024: Dubai Announces Plans to Build the Aeternitas Tower

In early January 2024, Dubai announced its intention to build the Aeternitas Tower, set to be the world's tallest residential clock tower at 450 m (1,480 ft) in a joint venture between London Gate and Franck Muller.

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

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

March 2024: Tori Towey's Experience with Domestic Violence and Legal Challenges

In March 2024, Tori Towey, a domestic violence victim and Emirates Airlines flight attendant living in Dubai, faced mockery by an Emirati police officer and was charged with attempted suicide and illegal alcohol consumption when she sought help, leading to a travel ban.

April 2024: Record-Setting Flooding in Dubai

In April 2024, Dubai experienced record-setting flooding, highlighting the lack of adequate drainage systems to cope with challenges posed by climate change, despite increased precipitation in recent decades.

June 2024: Emaar Properties to expand The Dubai Mall

In June 2024, Emaar Properties announced plans to expand The Dubai Mall, adding 240 luxury stores and new food outlets for 1.5 billion dirhams ($408 million).

July 2024: Agreement signed to develop logistics hub for food in Dubai

In July 2024, Dubai signed an agreement to develop a logistic hub for food, fruits, and vegetables that is planned to be the largest of its kind in the world. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, UAE Minister of Finance, was present at the signing.

October 2024: Interpol Red Notice and Extradition Treaty

In October 2024, the Interpol issued a red notice against Sean McGovern, a member of the Kinahan Cartel, who was subsequently arrested by the Dubai police. On October 21, an extradition treaty was signed between Ireland and the UAE, with the Kinahan cartel planning to move to Russia in case of an extradition request from Ireland.

2024: Top universities by student numbers

According to the KHDA in 2024, the top 10 largest universities by student numbers in Dubai include Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and University of Wollongong in Dubai, among others.

2024: Dubai International Airport passenger traffic

As of 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, handling over 92 million passengers annually.

2024: Irish Woman Charged for Alcohol Consumption

In 2024, Dubai authorities charged an Irish woman for consuming alcohol, highlighting the regulated nature of alcohol sale and consumption, where it's legal for adult non-Muslims in licensed venues or at home with a license.

2024: Real estate transactions and Dubai International Airport

In 2024, Dubai saw $761 billion in real estate transactions and Dubai International Airport (DXB) handled over 92 million passengers.

2024: Dubai population

In 2024, Dubai's population reached around 3.79 million, with expatriates making up more than 90% of the residents.

2024: QS World University Rankings 2024

In 2024, only 4 Dubai Universities are present in the QS World University Rankings.

2024: Real Estate Transactions in Dubai Reach All-Time High

In 2024, real estate transactions in Dubai reached an all-time high, with 180,987 transactions worth AED 522.5bn taking place.

2024: Dubai Ranked in Smart City Index

In 2024, the city of Dubai ranked 12 out of 142 cities in the Smart City Index.

2025: Scheduled construction of major hospitals

By 2025, 3 more major hospitals are scheduled to be built in Dubai, adding to the existing 28 hospitals.

2025: Projected ranking of Dubai in the Global City Competitiveness Index

In 2025, Dubai is projected to move up to 23rd place overall in the Global City Competitiveness Index, according to a 2013 research report.

2025: QS World University Rankings 2025

In 2025, only 4 Dubai Universities are present in the QS World University Rankings.

History of Dubai in Timeline