Full History Of Dubai In Timeline From 1901

1901: Dubai Declared 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 with no taxation on imports or exports, providing land and protection to merchants.

1902: Increased Visits to Port of Dubai

In 1902, the Bombay and Persia Steam Navigation Company's vessels made 21 visits to Dubai, indicating the growing importance of the port.

1904: Steamer Calls Fortnightly

From 1904 on, the steamers called fortnightly in Dubai, trading 70,000 tons of cargo in 1906.

1906: Dubai Supplanting Lingeh as Chief Entrepot

By 1906, Dubai had supplanted Lingeh as the chief entrepôt of the Trucial States.

1908: The "Great Storm"

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, causing a major setback for Dubai.

1910: Hyacinth Incident

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

1911: Poverty in Dubai

In 1911, Butti lamented the misery and poverty raging among the people, leading to struggles, looting, and killing.

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

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

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.

1958: Sheikh Rashid becomes Ruler

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

1959: Airlines Hotel Constructed

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

1959: First Telephone Company Established

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

1959: Sheikh Rashid Invites Architect John Harris

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

1959: Construction of Dubai's First Airport

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

May 1960: Harris Returns with Town Plan

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

September 1960: Opening of Dubai Airport Terminal

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, leading to explosions and fires. 238 of the 819 persons on board were lost in the disaster.

1961: Street System Hardened with Asphalt

By 1961, the British engineering firm Halcrow was marking the city's street system as shown on the plan and hardening designated routes with asphalt.

1961: Extension of the Creek

In 1961, Dubai extended the Creek, further enhancing its trade capabilities.

1961: Iran Air Commences Services to Shiraz

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

1961: Electricity and Telephone Networks Rolled Out

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

1962: Sheikh Rashid Approached Ruler of Qatar for Loan

In 1962, Sheikh Rashid approached the Ruler of Qatar for a loan to build the first bridge crossing Dubai Creek, due to high expenditure on infrastructure projects.

1962: Construction and Firms Opening

In 1962, many new houses and blocks of offices and flats were being built, and more and more European and Arab firms were opening up in Dubai.

May 1963: Completion of First Bridge Crossing Dubai Creek

In May 1963, the first bridge crossing Dubai Creek was completed and paid for by a toll levied on traffic from the Dubai side of the creek to Deira.

1965: Construction of Asphalt Runway at Dubai Airport

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

1966: Increased Gold Shipments to Dubai

In 1966, more gold was shipped from London to Dubai than from almost anywhere else in the world, totaling 4 million ounces. Dubai also took delivery of over $15 million worth of watches and over 5 million ounces of silver.

1966: Discovery of Oil

In 1966, oil was discovered in territorial waters off Dubai, accelerating Sheikh Rashid's infrastructure development plans.

1967: Gold Price Disparity

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

January 1968: Announcement of British Withdrawal

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

February 1968: Agreement on Principle of Union

On 18 February 1968, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai agreed on the principle of union at a meeting in Argoub Al Sedirah.

1968: Infrastructure Development Plans

After oil discovery in 1966, Sheikh Rashid accelerated infrastructure development plans triggering a construction boom from 1968 to 1975.

1968: Piped Water Supply and Sand Tax

By 1968, Dubai had a reliable supply of piped water and a sand tax was briefly imposed but lifted after 11 days.

1968: Ambassador and Carlton Hotels Constructed

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

1968: Dubai's Lively 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 off India.

October 1969: Meeting Prompted Walkouts

The nine-state union never recovered from the October 1969 meeting, when British intervention against aggressive actions by two of the Emirates prompted walkouts by Bahrain and Qatar.

1969: Flow of Oil Revenue

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

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

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

December 1971: Formation of the United Arab Emirates

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

February 1972: Ras Al Khaimah joins the UAE

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

October 1972: Inauguration of Port Rashid

On 5 October 1972, Port Rashid, a deep-water free port, was inaugurated in Dubai.

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 UAE dirham throughout the Emirates.

1975: Population Growth in Dubai

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

1975: Expansion of Port Rashid

Port Rashid was to be expanded in 1975 by 35 berths before the larger Jebel Ali port was constructed.

1977: Decision to construct Dubai Hospital

In 1977, the decision to construct Dubai Hospital was made.

1979: Establishment of Jebel Ali Port and compromise on border disputes

In 1979, Dubai saw the establishment of the Jebel Ali port, a deep-water port designed to accommodate larger ships, marking a significant development. Additionally, a formal compromise was reached, putting an end to border disagreements between the emirates.

1985: Establishment of JAFZA

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

1990: Oil Contribution to GDP

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

1991: The Gulf War

In early 1991, the Gulf War negatively impacted Dubai's finances as depositors and traders withdrew funds and halted trading, though the city later rebounded. Dubai served as a refuelling base for allied forces at the Jebel Ali Free Zone during the Gulf War.

1995: Internet introduced into the UAE

In 1995, the Internet was introduced into the UAE (and therefore Dubai).

December 1999: Burj Al Arab Hotel Opening

The Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel, opened in December 1999.

2000: Establishment of the Dubai Financial Market

In 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 and was completed in 2006.

2001: Property value depreciation

From 2001 to November 2008, some properties in Dubai depreciated, losing up to 64% of their value.

2002: Emirates Media and Internet data

Emirates Media and Internet noted that as of 2002, 76% of Internet users were male, and about 60% of Internet users were Asian, and 25% were Arab.

2002: Establishment of DMCC

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

2003: 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: Delegation of executive authority 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 (DIFC) opened and attracted leading international firms as a regional hub.

2004: Oil Contribution to GDP

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

2004: Property value appreciation

In 2004, the decision to diversify Dubai's economy increased property value.

2004: Development of Al Maktoum International Airport announced

In 2004, the development of Al Maktoum International Airport was announced.

2004: Dubai International Film Festival

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

2004: Construction of Burj Khalifa begins

The construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and ended in 2009, involving more than 30 contracting companies worldwide and workers from 100 nationalities.

2005: Dubai's foreign-born population

In 2005, 84% of Dubai's metropolitan population was foreign-born, about half of whom were from India.

2005: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) formed

In 2005, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was established by royal decree as an agency of the government of Dubai to control transport in Dubai.

2006: Trading volume of the Dubai Financial Market

As of the fourth quarter of 2006, the Dubai Financial Market's (DFM) trading volume stood at about 400 billion shares, valued at $95 billion, 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 shift

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

2006: Establishment of EITC

In 2006, the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), better known as Du, was established in Dubai.

2006: Property value appreciation

In 2006, the decision to diversify Dubai's economy increased property value.

2006: Construction of bus shelters announced

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

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

From 2001 to November 2008, some properties in Dubai depreciated, losing up to 64% of their value.

2008: Bus system transports over 109 million people

In 2008, Dubai's public bus transport system, operated by the RTA, serviced 140 routes and transported over 109 million people.

2008: Contemporary Art Gallery scene

Since 2008, contemporary art galleries brought the city of Dubai onto the international art map.

February 2009: Dubai's foreign debt estimated at $80 billion

As of February 2009, Dubai's foreign debt was estimated at $80 billion amidst a slowing economic climate and the Great Recession impacting property values, construction, and employment.

April 2009: Palm Jumeirah monorail opens

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: Number of cars in Dubai

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

2009: Dubai hosted the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens

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

2009: Construction of Burj Khalifa ends

The construction of the Burj Khalifa began in 2004 and ended in 2009, involving more than 30 contracting companies worldwide and workers from 100 nationalities.

January 2010: Public transport usage

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

January 2010: Burj Khalifa Inauguration

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

January 2010: Dubai has world's tallest skyline

The completion of the Burj Khalifa, following the construction boom that began in the 1980s, accelerated in the 1990s and reached a rapid pace during the 2000s, leaving Dubai with the world's tallest skyline as of 4 January 2010.

2010: Completion of the 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: Bus services in Dubai

By the end of 2010, there were 2,100 buses in service across Dubai.

November 2011: Dubai makes last-minute entry for Expo 2020 bid

On 2 November 2011, Dubai made a last-minute entry for Expo 2020 bid.

2011: Dubai's gold trading volumes

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

2012: Number of medical clinics

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

2012: Dubai ranked among world's richest cities

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

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 its readiness for the largest exposition and was impressed by the infrastructure and 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 a 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

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

2013: Dubai's future competitiveness ranking

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2013 research report, Dubai is projected to rank 23rd overall in the Global City Competitiveness Index in 2025.

2013: UAE nationals comprise 15% of Dubai's population

As of 2013, approximately 15% of Dubai's population consisted of UAE nationals, with the remaining 85% being expatriates, many of whom were either born in the UAE or had been in the country for generations.

2013: Burj Khalifa attracts 1.87 million visitors

In 2013, At The Top in Burj Khalifa, attracted over 1.87 million visitors.

2013: Synergy University Dubai Campus opened in Jumeirah Lakes Towers

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

2013: Increase in total trade with China

In 2013, the total trade with China increased by 29% compared to previous years.

March 2014: Inaugural Dubai Food Festival held

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

2014: China as Dubai's largest international trading partner

By 2014, China had emerged as Dubai's largest international trading partner, with total trade of $47.7 billion.

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 GDP growth rate

In 2014, Dubai experienced a GDP growth rate of 6.1%.

2014: Birth and death rates in Dubai

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

2014: Dubai's non-oil foreign trade

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

2014: Commencement of Dubai Frame construction

In 2014, construction began on the Dubai Frame, a 150-meter marvel.

2014: Religious demographics in Dubai

In 2014, more than 56% of Dubai residents were Muslims, 25% were Christians, 16% were Hindus, and around 2% were adherents of other religions.

2014: Dubai Tram opens

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

2015: Mandatory health insurance phased in

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

2015: Event pictures from Rugby 7 Dubai

In 2015, event pictures were taken from Rugby 7 Dubai.

2015: Completion of the first phase of the Dubai Design District project

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, Dubai Opera opened its doors in Downtown Dubai with a performance by Plácido Domingo.

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, Dubai opened the world's first functioning 3D-printed office building, which took 17 days to build.

2016: DMCC nominated for "Global Free Zone of the Year"

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

February 2017: Dubai Food Festival held

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

March 2017: Dubai Food Festival held

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

2017: Completion of Dubai Frame construction

In 2017, construction was completed on the Dubai Frame.

2017: Dubai Run as part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge

Since 2017, the Dubai Run, which is part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge and the world's largest free fun run, has been a main highlight of the challenge.

2018: Dubai is the fourth-most-visited city in the world

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 at a 10.7% rate.

2018: Emirates operates internationally

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

2018: Dubai Marina population

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

2018: Dubai tops list for tourist spending

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

2018: Oil Contribution to Dubai's GDP

In 2018, oil production contributed less than 1% to Dubai's GDP, highlighting the city's diversified economy.

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

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

2019: Dubai loosens liquor laws

In 2019, Dubai loosened its liquor laws, allowing tourists to purchase alcohol from state-controlled stores.

2019: "Hi Dubai" production

In 2019, the Italian artist Princess Bee produced "Hi Dubai", the first cross-media project that reveals the "soul of the city" through the life and work experiences of 25 Emirati and expat women.

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2019: Tourists spend the most in Dubai

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

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

On April 5, 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 Start

The Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021 for 173 days where there would be 192 country pavilions featuring narratives from every part of the globe, have different thematic districts that would promote learning the wildlife in the forest exhibit too many other experiences.

December 2020: Jumeirah Gate opens

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

2020: KHDA School Ratings

As of 2020, 17 schools were rated Outstanding, and 40 were rated Very Good by KHDA.

2020: Investment program completion planned

By 2020, a large investment programme with over AED 70 billion of improvements was planned for completion in Dubai, projecting the city's population to exceed 3.5 million.

2020: Data leaks reveal Dubai's role in illicit cash laundering

Data leaks from 2020 and 2022 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 seeking to hide their money there.

2020: Launch of Dubai Fashion 2020

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

2020: Visitor target for 2020

Dubai was expected to reach 20 million tourists by 2020.

2020: Expo 2020 Postponed

Due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, the organisers of Expo 2020 postponed the Expo by one year to begin in 2021 (the new dates are 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022).

2020: Dubai Uncovered report

In 2020, data revealed that several real estate owners in Dubai were either subject to international sanctions or involved in criminal activities. The "Dubai Uncovered" report named 100 Russian oligarchs, public officials, and Europeans involved in money laundering, benefiting from Dubai's lack of robust real estate regulations.

2020: Indian Premier League cricket competition held in the UAE

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

2020: LGBTQ tourists deported from Dubai

In 2022, several LGBTQ tourists who travelled to Dubai were deported. In 2020, Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon visited Dubai to perform at the Expo, but was sent back because her passport gave her sex as male.

2020: Dubai makes last-minute entry for Expo 2020 bid

On 2 November 2011, Dubai made a last-minute entry for Expo 2020 bid. In May 2013, the Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan was revealed. Dubai won the right to host Expo 2020 on 27 November 2013.

2020: Increase in property prices since 2020

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

2020: Dubai Expo 2020 initiatives

The Expo 2020 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: Theatre of Digital Art Dubai opens

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

April 2021: Dubai Expo 2020 Scheduled End

The Dubai Expo 2020 was scheduled to take place from 20 October 2020 until 10 April 2021 for 173 days where there would be 192 country pavilions featuring narratives from every part of the globe, have different thematic districts that would promote learning the wildlife in the forest exhibit too many other experiences.

June 2021: Dubai Metro Red Line extension 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: New dates for Expo 2020

Due to the impact of 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 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 comprising Friday afternoon, Saturday, and Sunday.

February 2022: Property prices rise sharply

Following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, property prices in Dubai rose sharply as wealthy Russians began investing in the UAE's real estate market.

March 2022: Expo 2020 ends

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

March 2022: Thai transgender model deported from Dubai

In March 2022, Thai transgender model Rachaya Noppakaroon visited Dubai to perform at the Expo 2020, but was sent back because her passport gave her sex as male.

2022: Foreign ownership of real estate estimated at $160 billion

In 2022, the EU Tax Observatory and Norway's Centre for Tax Research estimated that foreign ownership of real estate in Dubai was approximately $160 billion. 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: Population of wider urban area including Sharjah

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

2023: Increase in transaction volume since 2023

In 2024, real estate transactions in Dubai increased by 36.5% in transaction volume since 2023.

January 2024: Dubai announces Aeternitas Tower

In January 2024, Dubai announced plans to construct the Aeternitas Tower, poised to become the world's tallest residential clock tower, reaching a height of 450 meters. This project is a collaboration between Dubai-based real estate developer London Gate and Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Franck Muller, offering luxury apartments, Sky Villas, and Sky Mansions with interiors inspired by Franck Muller's designs.

March 2024: Operation of 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.

April 2024: Record-setting flooding in Dubai

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

June 2024: Emaar Properties announces expansion plans for The Dubai Mall

In 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 240 luxury stores, along with new food outlets.

July 2024: Agreement to develop a logistics hub for food, fruits, and vegetables

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

2024: Top 10 largest universities by student numbers in Dubai

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

2024: Dubai's Global Ranking and Airport Traffic

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

2024: Dubai Universities in QS World University Rankings 2024/2025

In 2024, only 4 Dubai Universities were present in the QS World University Rankings 2024/2025.

2024: Real estate transactions reach all-time high

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

2024: Dubai's ranking in the Smart City Index

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

2025: Projected ranking in the Global City Competitiveness Index

According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2013 research report, Dubai is projected to rank 23rd overall in the Global City Competitiveness Index in 2025.

2025: Dubai Population

As of 2025, Dubai's population stands at 4 million, with 92% being expatriates.

2025: Major hospitals scheduled to be built

By 2025, three more major hospitals are scheduled to be built in Dubai.

2025: Dubai Sports Strategy 2033 introduced

In 2025, Dubai introduced the "Dubai Sports Strategy 2033", a long-term framework designed to support the emirate’s sports sector and strengthen its position as a global sports destination.