1. Abu Dhabi
2. Dubai
3. Sharjah
4. Umm Al Quwain
5. Ajman
6. Fujairah
7. Ras Al Khaimah

Dubai began life as one of the Trucial States, a federation of seven individual states, all with separate rulers or emirs. A pearl diving and fishing hub in around the 5th and 6th century, it acted as a stopover point for the then Islamic centre point, Iraq. Due to its location, Dubai held great strategic importance to the super power of the day, Great Britain. Fearing their superiority in the region could be challenged by the Russians and the French, Britain offered protection and non interference in local politics on the condition that the Trucial States had no communication with any of the other global powers.

It was in 1833 that the Maktoum family began their rule in Dubai, which still continues to this day with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Aware of the superior forces of its neighbouring states, Dubai signed an individual protection agreement with the British, who then helped to bring more stability to the region, permitting focus to fall back to trade, which was centred on the Dubai Creek. This was where the pearl diving industry was based, and it thrived with exports to India, Persia and Europe. The traditional souk from this time is still a major draw to visitors, now consisting of a restored gold souk and spice souk. The booming trade with both Persia and India then led to traders coming to stay in the city, starting off the multinational population that is very much a part of Dubai today.

Dubai’s prosperity at this time was for the most part down to the exemption of tax for a large proportion of its workers, and the business policies that were implemented to further increase trade, by the then ruler Sheikh Maktoum. The start of the 20th century witnessed Dubai’s population increase rapidly, to around 20,000, almost twice its previous size, with the abolishment of commercial taxes.
However the Pearl trade soon began to face decline with the Japanese discovery of cultured pearls, and the general drop off in World trade during the 1930’s. Although spared the fighting of World War II, the Trucial States where hit by food shortages and a massive fall in trade. The discovery of oil in the region kick-started trade again. Dubai realised the potential of the large equipment and manpower required by the oil companies and set about expanding the Creek. This allowed for larger vessels to anchor there and trade levels increased 20% whilst the population grew rapidly as a result. By the end of the 1970’s a quarter of a million people lived in Dubai. In 1971 Britain ended its influence in the region, and the leaders of the Trucial States came together to form what is known today as the United Arab Emirates.

The 1970’s saw the UAE involved in large scale industrial development, and whilst oil continued to produce large amounts of money, Dubai continued it path of diversification, and in 1979 opened the world trade centre. This attracted some the world’s biggest firms to come to Dubai, and this trend continued throughout the 1980’s. It was during the 1990’s that Dubai started to transport infrastructure to the region for tourism. The result of this is clearly evident today. With a large white collar workforce, specialised service related business clusters, such as the internet and media cities and a booming tourism industry, Dubai has continued to grow on its roots as a 6th century trading post. Through the numerous unique developments that the Emirate has pursued to grow as a business and tourism centre, Dubai has become widely recognized across the world. With more ambitious projects planned in the near future, Dubai is going to continue to grow and prosper long into the 21st century.

Language

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. Both these languages are most commonly used in business and commerce. Urdu and Farsi are also widely used. Most signs are written in both Arabic and English.

Islamic culture plays a large role in the general lifestyle of the UAE, with the majority of the local population being Sunni Muslims. Nevertheless, the UAE is very tolerant of the different beliefs that abound amongst the large expatriate population, whom make up almost 80% of the population.

Whilst the official religion of the UAE is Islam, other religions are free to openly practice their faith, and there are even a number of churches. The UAE is renowned for its hospitable, kind and friendly attitude that exists in both business and social situations. Foreigners are treated with respect and kindness, and they are in turn are asked to reciprocate their host’s kindness by respecting the religious beliefs, local laws and customs of this beautiful country.