History of Dubai in Timeline

Dubai is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, serving as the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. Situated on the Persian Gulf's southeastern coast, its population is approximately 4 million as of 2025, with a significant expatriate presence (92%). The broader urban area, including Sharjah, has around 5 million residents (2023), while the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area totals 6 million inhabitants.

1901: Dubai declares itself a free port

In 1901, Dubai declared itself a free port.

1901: Dubai Established as a Free Port

In 1901, Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum established Dubai as a free port, eliminating import and export taxes.

1902: Increased Visits of Steamers to Dubai

In 1902, the Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company's vessels made 21 visits to Dubai, a significant increase from the five annual visits between 1899 and 1901.

1904: Fortnightly Steamer Calls Begin

From 1904 onwards, steamers called at Dubai fortnightly, accelerating its role as a trading hub.

1906: Dubai Supplanting Lingeh as Chief Entrepôt

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

1908: The "Great Storm" of 1908

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

1910: Hyacinth Incident

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

1911: Poverty and Strife in the Interior Tribes

In 1911, Butti lamented in a letter about the misery and poverty raging among the tribes of the interior, leading to struggles, looting, and killing.

1937: Oil Exploration Contract Signed

In 1937, an oil exploration contract was signed, guaranteeing royalty rights for Dubai.

1947: Border Dispute Escalates into War

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

1954: Establishment of the Dubai Municipality

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

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

1959: Construction of Dubai's first airport

Construction of Dubai's first airport was started on the northern edge of the town in 1959.

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, owned by IAL and Sheikh Rashid with local businessmen.

1959: Sheikh Rashid Invites Architect to Discuss Town Plan

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

May 1960: Harris Returns to Dubai with Town Plan

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

September 1960: Opening of the airport terminal building

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

April 1961: MV Dara Disaster

On 7 April 1961, the Dubai-based MV Dara was caught in high winds and experienced explosions, leading to the loss of 238 lives.

1961: Halcrow Marks Street System

By 1961, the British engineering firm Halcrow was marking the street system throughout Dubai.

1961: Creek Extension

In 1961, Dubai extended the Creek.

1961: Iran Air commences services to Shiraz

In 1961, Iran Air commenced services to Shiraz at Dubai Airport.

1961: Rollout of Electricity and Telephone Networks

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

1962: Sheikh Rashid Approaches Qatar for Loan

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

1962: Growth and Development in Dubai

In 1962, the British Political Agent noted the construction boom and the determination of the Ruler to press on with the construction of a jet airport, signaling a bright future for Dubai.

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 the crossing.

1965: Construction of Dubai Airport's Asphalt Runway

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

1966: High Volume of Gold and Watch Shipments to Dubai

In 1966, Dubai received a high volume of gold (4 million ounces), watches (over $15 million worth), and silver (over 5 million ounces) shipments.

1966: Discovery of Oil in Dubai's Territorial Waters

In 1966, oil was discovered in territorial waters off Dubai, leading to the naming of the first field as "Fateh".

1966: Oil Discovery

In 1966, oil was finally struck, years after an oil exploration contract was signed.

1967: Gold Price Disparity Between Dubai and India

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

January 1968: British Withdrawal Announcement

On 16 January 1968, Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced that all British troops were to be withdrawn from "East of Aden".

February 1968: Agreement on Principle of Union

On 18 February 1968, Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai agreed to work towards bringing other emirates into a union.

1968: Reliable Piped Water Supply and Short-Lived Sand Tax

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

1968: Acceleration of Infrastructure Development Plans

From 1968, the discovery of oil in Dubai led to an acceleration of Sheikh Rashid's infrastructure development plans.

1968: Ambassador and Carlton Hotels Constructed

In 1968, the Ambassador and Carlton Hotels were constructed.

1968: Dubai's Lively Gold Trade in 1968

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

October 1969: Bahrain and Qatar Drop Out of Talks

In October 1969, British intervention resulted in a walk-out by Bahrain and Qatar from the union negotiations.

1969: Oil revenue supports growth

From 1969, oil revenue supported a period of growth in Dubai.

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 Union

On 18 July 1971, six of the seven "trucial" emirates agreed on a union.

December 1971: Dubai Joins the United Arab Emirates

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

February 1972: Ras Al Khaimah Joins the UAE

In February 10, 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: Inauguration of Port Rashid

Port Rashid was inaugurated on 5 October 1972 and constructed by the British company Halcrow.

1973: Dubai Adopts the UAE Dirham

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

1975: Population Growth in Dubai

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

1975: Expansion of Port Rashid

In 1975, Port Rashid was further expanded to add a further 35 berths.

1979: Establishment of the Jebel Ali Port

In 1979, the Jebel Ali port, a deep-water port designed to accommodate larger ships, was established in Dubai, marking a significant development for the city.

March 1983: Dubai Hospital Admitting Patients

In March 1983, Dubai Hospital began admitting patients. The decision to construct the hospital was made in 1977.

1985: Establishment of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)

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 accounts for 24% of GDP

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

1991: Financial Impact of the Gulf War

In early 1991, the Gulf War negatively impacted Dubai's finances, leading to the withdrawal of money and trade by depositors and traders. However, the city rebounded and prospered amidst a changing political climate.

1995: Introduction of Internet in Dubai

In 1995, the Internet was introduced into the UAE, including Dubai.

December 1999: Burj Al Arab Hotel Opened

The Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel described as "the world's only 7-star," opened in December 1999.

March 2000: Establishment of the Dubai Financial Market (DFM)

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

2001: Construction of The Palm Jumeirah Started

Construction of The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago, started in 2001.

2001: Dubai's Property Market Depreciation

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

2002: Establishment of DMCC

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

2002: Electronic Transactions and Commerce Law enacted

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

2003: Dubai Serves as a Refueling Base During the Invasion of Iraq

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

2003: Delegation of Executive Authority to the Dubai Executive Council

Since 2003, the 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 Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

In September 2004, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) opened, attracting leading international firms and establishing NASDAQ Dubai.

2004: Oil accounts for 7% of GDP

By 2004, oil accounted for 7% of Dubai's GDP.

2004: Construction of Burj Khalifa Started

Construction of the Burj Khalifa, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis, started in 2004.

2004: Property Appreciation due to Diversification

From 2004, the government's decision to diversify Dubai's economy led to property appreciation.

2004: Dubai International Film Festival established

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

2004: Announcement of Al Maktoum International Airport Development

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

2005: Dubai Population Demographics

In 2005, it was recorded that 84% of the population of metropolitan Dubai was foreign-born, with about half originating from India, changing the city's cultural makeup.

2005: Formation of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)

In 2005, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), an agency of the government of Dubai, was formed by royal decree.

March 2006: Government Announces 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: DFM Trading Volume

As of the fourth quarter of 2006, the Dubai Financial Market's (DFM) trading volume reached approximately 400 billion shares, with a total worth of $95 billion.

2006: Construction of The Palm Jumeirah Completed

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

2006: Weekend Shift in Dubai

From 2006, the weekend in Dubai was Friday and Saturday, a compromise between Friday's religious significance to Muslims and the Western weekend.

2006: Establishment of EITC (Du)

In 2006, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), better known as Du, was established as a telecommunications provider 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.

2006: Property Appreciation due to Diversification

Until 2006, the government's decision to diversify Dubai's economy led to 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 and MasterCard Worldwide Centres of Commerce Index ranked Dubai 37th within the top 50 global financial cities.

November 2008: Dubai's Property Market Depreciation

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: Public Bus Transport Numbers

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

2008: Emergence of Contemporary Art Galleries

Since 2008, contemporary art galleries like 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

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

April 2009: Opening of Palm Jumeirah Monorail

On 30 April 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 Opens

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: School System Overview

As of 2009, there are 79 public schools run by the Ministry of Education and 207 private schools in Dubai.

2009: Construction of Burj Khalifa Ended

Construction of the Burj Khalifa, inspired by the desert flower Hymenocallis, ended in 2009.

2009: Dubai Hosts Rugby World Cup Sevens

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

2009: Cars in Dubai

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

2009: Taxi Trips and Passengers in Dubai

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

2009: Release of Documentary 'Slaves in Dubai'

In 2009, the documentary "Slaves in Dubai" highlighted alleged human rights violations against foreign laborers in Dubai. The film depicted conditions described by Human Rights Watch as "less than humane."

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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: Opening of Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa opened on 4 January 2010. At 828 metres (2,717 ft) high, it is the tallest building in the world.

January 2010: Dubai has the World's tallest skyline

As of 4 January 2010, the completion of the Burj Khalifa left Dubai with the world's tallest skyline following a construction boom that started in the 1980s.

2010: Number of Buses in Service Across Dubai

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

2010: Completion of Burj Khalifa

In 2010, Dubai reached a culmination point with the completion of the Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower), which became the world's tallest building at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).

November 2011: Cities Lodged Bids for Expo 2020

On 2 November 2011, four cities, including Dubai, had lodged their bids for Expo 2020.

2011: Dubai's Gold Trading Volumes

In H1 2011, Dubai's total gold trading volumes reached 580 tonnes, with an average price of US$1,455 per troy ounce.

2012: 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 Crowned IFEA World Festival and Event City

In 2012, Dubai was crowned as the IFEA World Festival and Event City by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).

2012: Dubai Ranked Among World's Richest Cities

In 2012, a report by City Mayors 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.

February 2013: Bureau International des Expositions Visited Dubai

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

February 2013: Dubai Miracle Garden Opened

On 14 February 2013, the Dubai Miracle Garden, a 72,000-metre flower garden, opened in Dubailand. It features more than 50 million flowers of more than 70 species.

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 Won the Right to Host Expo 2020

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

2013: Research Report on Future Competitiveness of Cities

According to a 2013 research report on the future competitiveness of cities, Dubai is expected to move up to 23rd place overall in the Index by 2025.

2013: At The Top in Burj Khalifa Attracts Millions of Visitors

In 2013, At The Top in Burj Khalifa, Dubai's popular tourist attraction, attracted over 1.87 million visitors.

2013: Synergy University Dubai Campus Opens

In 2013, Synergy University Dubai Campus opened its campus in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, being the first University in Dubai to be located outside of Educational Zones.

2013: Expatriate Population in Dubai

In 2013, approximately 15% of Dubai's population were UAE nationals, with the remaining 85% being expatriates. Of the expatriate population, around 85% were Asian, primarily from India and Pakistan.

2013: Increase of trade flows between China and Dubai

In 2013, trade flows between China and Dubai increased 29% compared to 2014, with a total of $47.7 billion.

March 2014: Inaugural Dubai Food Festival

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

2014: China Emerges as Dubai's Largest Trading Partner

By 2014, China had become Dubai's largest international trading partner, with $47.7 billion in trade flows, marking a 29% increase from 2013.

2014: Cargo Handled 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 an economic growth rate of 6.1%.

2014: Demographic Statistics for Dubai

In 2014, Dubai had an estimated 15.54 births and 1.99 deaths 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 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. Around 2% of residents adhered to other religions.

2014: Opening of Dubai Tramway

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

2015: Rugby 7 Dubai 2015

Event pictures of Rugby 7 Dubai were taken in 2015.

2015: Mandatory Health Insurance Implemented

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

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 Opens

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

2016: DMCC nominated as 'Global Free Zone of the Year 2016'

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

2016: Dubai's 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. Killa Design, the same architect that designed the Museum of the Future, designed the building.

February 2017: Dubai Food Festival 2017

The Dubai Food Festival 2017 was held from 23 February 2017 to 11 March 2017.

March 2017: Dubai Food Festival Concludes

The Dubai Food Festival held between 23 February 2017 to 11 March 2017 concludes.

2017: Dubai Run Part of Dubai Fitness Challenge

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

2018: Dubai Marina Population

As of 2018, Dubai Marina, an artificial canal city, had a population of 55,052.

2018: Dubai Ranked Fourth Most Visited City

As of 2018, Dubai was the fourth-most-visited city in the world and the fastest-growing, increasing by a 10.7% rate.

2018: Emirates Airline Served over 150 Destinations

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

In 2018, Dubai topped the list for the fourth year in a row with a total tourist spend of $30.82 billion, averaging $553 per day.

2018: Oil production contributes less than 1% to Dubai's GDP

In 2018, oil production contributed less than 1% to the emirate's GDP.

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.

September 2019: Population Statistics for Dubai

As of September 2019, Dubai's population was 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, a shift from the previous policy where only locals with special licenses could access alcohol. This change occurred amidst a severe economic crisis and a decline in alcohol sales in the United Arab Emirates.

2019: "Hi Dubai" series produced

In 2019, the Italian artist Princess Bee produced "Hi Dubai", a cross media format revealing the "soul of the city" through the life and work experience of 25 Emirati and expat women and was on air on the national channel Dubai One TV.

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2019: Tourists Spend More in Dubai than Anywhere Else

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

January 2020: Fines for Defamatory Social Media Posts

In January 2020, three Sri Lankan expats were fined 500,000 dirhams (US$136,000) each for posting defamatory Islamophobic Facebook posts on social media.

April 2020: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Announces Temple in Dubai

On 5 April 2020, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the building of one of their temples in Dubai, responding to a gracious invitation.

October 2020: Dubai Expo 2020 Scheduled Start

Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020, featuring 192 country pavilions and thematic districts promoting wildlife learning, among other experiences.

December 2020: Jumeirah Gate Opened

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

2020: Improvements Planned for Completion by 2020

A large investment programme, including over AED 70 billion of improvements, was planned for completion by 2020 in Dubai to address congestion and reliability issues in the public transport network.

2020: School Ratings in Dubai

As of 2020, a total of 17 schools in Dubai are rated Outstanding, and a further 40 are rated Very Good, according to KHDA.

2020: Clarification on Punishments for Collective Work Stoppages

As of 2020, the federal public prosecution clarified that employees who collectively leave work or duties to achieve an unlawful purpose will be punished with imprisonment and potential deportation.

2020: Expected Number of Tourists by 2020

Dubai expected to reach 20 million tourists by 2020.

2020: Dubai Fashion 2020

Dubai launched Dubai Fashion 2020 to support its economy and develop different sectors.

2020: Expo 2020 Postponed Due to COVID-19

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

2020: LGBTQ tourist deported

In 2020 there were cases where several LGBTQ tourists who travelled to Dubai faced issues and were deported.

2020: Theatre of Digital Art Dubai Opens

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

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: Data Exposes Questionable Real Estate Owners in Dubai

In 2020, data from the Centre for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) revealed that several real estate owners in Dubai were facing international sanctions or involved in criminal activities.

2020: Indian Premier League Held in UAE

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

2020: Dubai Expo 2020 Site Planned

In 2020, the main site of Dubai Expo 2020 was planned to be a 438-hectare area, part of the new Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali urban development. The Expo 2020 also initiated various social enlistment projects and monetary boons to the city, such as the world's largest solar power project.

2020: Increase in property prices in Dubai since 2020

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

2020: "Dubai Unlocked" Investigation Start

Starting in 2020, the "Dubai Unlocked" investigation revealed how Dubai's real estate market became a haven for criminals, money launderers, and sanctioned individuals.

April 2021: Dubai Expo 2020 Scheduled End

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 Connecting to EXPO 2020 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: Expo 2020 New Dates Announced

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

2021: Dubai's Projected GDP

In 2021, Dubai's gross domestic product is projected to be over US$177 billion.

2021: UAE Ranked Among Most Dangerous Places for LGBTQ Tourists

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

January 2022: Dubai Moves to Four-and-a-Half Day Working Week

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 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: Expo 2020 New End Date Announced

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the organizers 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 after arriving for her performance at Expo 2020 because her passport stated her gender as male.

2022: Exposure of Illicit Activities in Dubai

In 2022, a data leak exposed Dubai's role as an investment base for international drug trade and as a location for laundering ill-gotten gains. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is observing Dubai, increasing scrutiny on its government.

2022: Value of foreign ownership in Dubai's real estate market

In 2022, foreign ownership in Dubai's real estate market was worth approximately $160 billion, according to the EU Tax Observatory and Norway's Centre for Tax Research.

2023: Sharjah urban area population reaches 5 million

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

2023: Volume of real estate transactions increased since 2023

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

January 2024: Dubai Announces Plans to Build Aeternitas Tower

In early January 2024, Dubai announced its intentions to build the Aeternitas Tower, a 450 m (1,480 ft) tall residential clock tower. The project is a joint venture between Dubai-based real estate developer London Gate and Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Franck Muller, and will offer luxury apartments.

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 Issues

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

April 2024: Record-Setting Flooding Inundates Dubai

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

June 2024: Emaar Properties Announces Expansion of The Dubai Mall

As of June 2024, Emaar Properties announced plans to expand The Dubai Mall, adding 240 luxury stores and new food outlets for 1.5 billion dirhams.

July 2024: Dubai Signs Agreement to Develop Logistic Hub for Food, Fruits, and Vegetables

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, 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.

2024: Woman Charged for Consuming Alcohol

In 2024, Dubai authorities charged an Irish woman for consuming alcohol.

2024: Dubai's Tourism and Airport Traffic in 2024

In 2024, Dubai was the seventh most-visited city globally. Also in 2024, Dubai International Airport (DXB) was the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, handling over 92 million passengers.

2024: Largest Universities in Dubai

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