The following is a

timeline A timeline is a display of a list of events in chronological order. It is typically a graphic design showing a long bar labelled with dates paralleling it, and usually contemporaneous events. Timelines can use any suitable scale represen ...

of the

history History (derived ) is the systematic study and the documentation of the human activity. The time period of event before the invention of writing systems is considered prehistory. "History" is an umbrella term comprising past events as well ...

of the city of

Dubai Dubai (, ; ar, wikt:دبي, دبي, translit=Dubayy, , ) is the List of cities in the United Arab Emirates#Major cities, most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the most populated of the 7 ...

United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates (UAE; ar, اَلْإِمَارَات الْعَرَبِيَة الْمُتَحِدَة ), or simply the Emirates ( ar, الِْإمَارَات ), is a country in Western Asia (Middle East, The Middle East). It is ...

Prior to 20th century

* 1787 – Al Fahidi Fort built (approximate date). * 1833 ** Dubai taken by " Al bu Falasah clansmen of the

Bani Yas Bani Yas ( ar, بَنُو ياس) is a tribal confederation of Najdi origin in the United Arab Emirates. The tribal coalition which consists of tribes from Dubai to Khawr al Udayd southeast of Qatar, was called the Bani Yas Coalition. The tribe has ...

," becoming independent of Abu Dhabi Emirate. ** Obaid bin Saeed bin Rashid and Maktoum bin Butti bin Suhail are its first (joint) rulers. * 1836 Obaid bin Saeed dies. Maktoum bin Butti becomes sole ruler. * 1852 – Saeed bin Shakhbut Al Maktoum becomes ruler of Dubai. * 1859 – Hasher bin Maktoum becomes ruler of Dubai. * 1865 – Indian Banians begin to arrive in Dubai. * 1886 – Rashid bin Maktoum becomes ruler of Dubai. * 1892 – Rulers of

Trucial Oman The Trucial States ( '), also known as the Trucial Coast ( '), the Trucial Sheikhdoms ( '), Trucial Arabia or Trucial Oman, was the name the British government gave to a group of tribal confederations in southeastern Arabia whose leaders had s ...

sign exclusive treaty of protection with United Kingdom. * 1894 –

Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum was the Ruler of Dubai from April 1894–February 1906. The fifth Maktoum Ruler since the establishment of the dynasty in 1833. Maktoum's short but 'liberal and enlightened' reign was to transform the coastal ...

becomes ruler of Dubai. * 1896 – Saeed Al Maktoum's House built.

In 20th century

* 1903-1904 ** Dubai becomes "the main port of the

Trucial Coast The Trucial States ( '), also known as the Trucial Coast ( '), the Trucial Sheikhdoms ( '), Trucial Arabia or Trucial Oman, was the name the British government gave to a group of tribal confederations in southeastern Arabia whose leaders had s ...

." * 1904 –

British-India Steam Navigation Company British India Steam Navigation Company ("BI") was formed in 1856 as the Calcutta and Burmah Steam Navigation Company. History The ''Calcutta and Burmah Steam Navigation Company'' had been formed out of Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co, a trading part ...

begins regular service to Dubai. * 1906 –

Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum ( ar, ٱلشَّيْخ بُطِّي بِن سُهَيْل آل مَكْتُوْم, Ash-Shaykh Buṭṭī bin Suhayl Āl Maktūm) became the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai on 16 February 1906, following the death ...

becomes ruler of Dubai. * 1910 - The British bombard Dubai with high explosive munitions - the Hyacinth Incident. * 1912 **

Al Ahmadiya School Al Ahmadiya School ( ar, مدرسة الأحمدية) was a semi-formal private school in Al Ras, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which is now owned and managed as a museum by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. History The school was founded in ...

established **

Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum (1878 – 9 September 1958) ( ar, سعيد بن مكتوم آل مكتوم) was the longest-serving Ruler of Dubai, from 1912 until his death in 1958. He presided over Dubai during the end of the pear ...

becomes ruler of Dubai. * 1929 ** Collapse of the pearling industry. * 1934 – British air base established. * 1938 – 'Majlis' economic/political "reform movement" occurs. * 1939 – Majlis al Tujjar (merchant committee) established. * 1941 – Dubai Post Office opened. * 1946 – October:

Imperial Bank of Persia The Imperial Bank of Persia ( fa, بانک شاهنشاهی ایران‎, Bank-e Šâhanšâhi-ye Irân) was a British bank that operated as the state bank and bank of issue in Iran (formerly known as Persia until 1935) between 1889 and 1929. I ...

(to become British Bank of the Middle East, then HSBC) opened in Dubai. * 1948 – Abu Dhabi-Dubai border dispute. * 1949 ** 15 July:

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( ar, محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم, links=no; ; born 15 July 1949) is the vice president, prime minister, and minister of defence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as the ruler of Dubai ...

, current ruler of Dubai, born in Shindaga. * 1950 – "Petroleum exploration" begins in Dubai area. * 1952 – Iranian

consulate A consulate is the office of a consul. A type of diplomatic mission, it is usually subordinate to the state's main representation in the capital of that foreign country (host state), usually an embassy (or, only between two Commonwealth co ...

established. * 1953 – National Front (anti-British political group) formed. * 1956 ** Jashanmal shop in business. ** 1 June:

Dubai Police Force The Dubai Police Force ( ar, القيادة العامة لشرطة دبي) is the 17,500 strong police force for the Emirate of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. They come under the jurisdiction of the ruler of Dubai, and they cover an area of ...

founded in Naif Fort. * 1957 –

Dubai Municipality Dubai Municipality ( ar, بلدية دبي) is the Government of Dubai municipal body with jurisdiction over city services and the upkeep of facilities in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates and reports directly to the Dubai Executive Coun ...

established. * 1958 ** 9 September:

Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum ( ar, ٱلـشَّـيْـخ رَاشِـد بِـن سَـعِـيْـد آل مَـكْـتُـوْم, Ash-Shaykh Rāshid bin Sa`īd Āl Maktūm; 11 June 1912 – 7 October 1990) was the vice president ...

becomes ruler of Dubai when his father Sheikh Saeed dies. * 1959 **

Dubai Creek Dubai Creek ( ar, خور دبي, Khūr Dubay) has been described as a natural saltwater creek, tidal inlet, and watercourse or waterway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It extends about inwards and forms a natural port that has traditional ...

dredged. ** Dubai Airport opens. **

DNATA Dubai National Air Travel Agency ( ar, دناتا) (commonly known as dnata) is an Emirati airport services provider which provides aircraft ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services across five continents. History dnata was ...

(Dubai National Air Travel Agency) established. * 1961 – 7 April: The MV Dara explodes and sinks off the shore of Dubai, killing 238 people. * 1962 – Population: 55,000 (estimate). * 1963 ** 23 May:

Al Maktoum Bridge Al Maktoum Bridge (in Arabic: جسر آل مكتوم; also known in Arabic as جسر المكتوم) is a bridge that crosses Dubai Creek in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is one of six crossings on the creek and was the first bridge/crossing in D ...

opens. * 1965 ** 15 May: Asphalt runway opens at

Dubai International Airport Dubai International Airport ( ar, مطار دبي الدولي) is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic. It is also the nineteenth-busies ...

. * 1966 – Fateh Oil Field discovered offshore in vicinity of Dubai. * 1967 – Dubai Zoo opens. * 1968 ** 18 February:

Sheikh Zayed Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ( ar, زَايِد بِن سُلْطَان آل نَهْيَان, Zāyed bin Sulṭān Āl Nahyān; 6 May 1918 – 2 November 2004) was an Emirati politician, statesman, and philanthropist who served as ...

and Sheikh Rashid agree to Union at ''Argoub El Sedirah''. * 1969 – Dubai TV begins broadcasting. * 1971 ** 10 July: The

Trucial States The Trucial States ( '), also known as the Trucial Coast ( '), the Trucial Sheikhdoms ( '), Trucial Arabia or Trucial Oman, was the name the British government gave to a group of tribal confederations in southeastern Arabia whose leaders had ...

Council of rulers agrees on Union. ** 2 December: Six Trucial States, including Dubai, form the United Arab Emirates. ** Dubai Country Club and

Dubai Museum Dubai Museum ( ar, متحف دبي) is the main museum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is located in the Al Fahidi Fort ( ar, حصن الفهيدي), built in 1787 and is the oldest existing building in Dubai. The museum was opened by the Rul ...

established. * 1972 ** January: A coup in neighbouring

Sharjah Sharjah (; ar, ٱلشَّارقَة ', Gulf Arabic: ''aš-Šārja'') is the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai and Abu Dhabi, forming part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. Sharjah is the capital ...

kills ruler Sheikh Khaled and is put down by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. ** February: Ras Al Khaimah joins the UAE. ** 5 October:

Port Rashid Mina Rashid ( ar, ميناء راشد; ), also referred to as Port Rashid, is a man-made cruise terminal in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was Dubai's first commercial port; in 2018 cargo operations moved to Jebel Ali Port. It currently serves a ...

is inaugurated. * 1973 ** Dubai drops Qatari Riyal and adopts use of

Dirham The dirham, dirhem or dirhm ( ar, درهم) is a silver unit of currency historically and currently used by several Arab world, Arab and Arabization, Arab influenced states. The term has also been used as a related unit of mass. Unit of ...

currency. * 1975 **

Al Shindagha Tunnel Al Shindagha Tunnel (Arabic: نفق الشندغة) is a tunnel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Opened on 19 December 1975, it is the oldest and the busiest tunnel where 55,000 vehicles travel through the tunnel both directions daily. It goes unde ...

and Safa Park open. ** Dubai Islamic Bank established. ** 5 May: Sheikh Rashid decrees establishment o
Dubai Aluminium
– Dubal. ** Arabtec Construction in business. * 1976 –

Al Garhoud Bridge Al Garhoud Bridge (in Arabic: جسر القرهود) is one of three road bridges over Dubai Creek, and one of five crossings, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Al Garhoud Bridge forms the eastern end of the road toll (called Salik) that went into ...

opens. * 1977 –

Dubai 33 Dubai Channel 33 (originally branded as Ch33) was a national television channel transmitting terrestrially out of Dubai in English, targeting the expat community in the U.A.E. It was founded in 1977. Up until the late 1980s, it was a 12-hour channe ...

television begins broadcasting. * 1978 ** 16 April: English-language ''

Khaleej Times ''Khaleej Times'' is a daily English language newspaper published in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Launched on 16 April 1978, ''Khaleej Times'' is the UAE's longest-running English daily newspaper. History and profile A partnership between the U ...

'' newspaper begins publication. ** September: Rival ''

Gulf News ''Gulf News'' is a daily English language newspaper published from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was first launched in 1978, and is currently distributed throughout the UAE and also in other Persian Gulf Countries. Its online edition was launc ...

'' begins publication. **

Dubai World Trade Centre The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) ( ar, مركز دبي التجاري العالمي), historically called Sheikh Rashid Tower, is a 38-storey and a height 184 m skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which was erected in 1979. It is a purp ...

built. ** Oil production at ''Falah'' oil field begins. * 1979 ** 26 February: Queen Elizabeth II inaugurates Dubai Desalination Plant. ** Sheikh Mohammed marries Sheikha Hind. ** Oil production at ''Rashid'' oil field begins. ** Dubal Aluminium Company commences production. **

Dubai International Convention Centre The Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre was built in 1979 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The complex comprises the original 39-story office tower, the ...

built. **

Port of Jebel Ali Port of Jebel Ali, also known as Mina Jebel Ali ( ar, ميناء جبل علي), is a deep port located in Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Jebel Ali is the world's ninth busiest port, the largest man-made harbour, and the biggest and by ...

inaugurated. ** ''

'' begins publication. * 1980 ** Dubai Municipal Council created;

Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( ar, حمدان بن راشد أل مكتوم, '; 25 December 1945 – 24 March 2021) was an Emirati politician, the deputy ruler of Dubai and the minister of finance and industry of the United Arab Emirates ...

becomes chairman. ** E 11 road (Abu Dhabi-Dubai) completed. ** '' Al Bayan'' newspaper begins publication. ** Population: 265,702. * 1983 ** 17 May: Sheikha Latifa, the wife of ruler Sheikh Rashid, dies. **

Dubai Drydocks Dubai Drydocks is a dry docks facility located adjacent to Port Rashid in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The idea for Dubai Drydocks began in 1971. After feasibility studies and construction, the facility opened in 1983. It is the only large dry d ...

open. ** 20 December: Dubai Duty Free opens. * 1984 ** Oil production at onshore field ''Margham'' begins. ** Ruler Sheikh Rashid develops health problems; power shifts to his sons. * 1985 ** 9 January: Decree establishing

Jebel Ali Free Zone Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza; Arabic: (جافزا) المنطقة الحرّة لجبل علي al-Munṭaqa al-Ḥurra le Jabal ʿAlī) is a free economic zone located in the Jebel Ali area at the far western end of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, nea ...

issued. ** March: Emirates Airline established. ** 25 October: Emirates makes inaugural flight to Karachi. ** Dubai Medical College and UAE Contractors' Association
established. * 1989 **

Dubai Desert Classic The Dubai Desert Classic is a European Tour golf tournament held on Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In 1999 and 2000 it was held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, all other editions have been held at Emirates Go ...

golf contest begins. ** 29 January: First

Dubai Airshow The Dubai Airshow ( ar, معرض دبي للطيران) is a biennial air show held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in ...

inaugurated. ** Majlis Gallery opens. * 1990 ** 7 October: Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Rashid, dies. ** 8 October:

Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( ar, مكتوم بن راشد آل مكتوم, Maktūm bin Rāshid Āl Maktūm; 15 August 1943 – 4 January 2006) was an Emirati politician who served as the vice president and prime minister of the Unite ...

becomes ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE. * 1991 ** Juma al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage establishe

**

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club first opened in Dubai, UAE, in 1993, comprising an 18-hole par 71 championship golf course with a distinctively sail-shaped clubhouse. It was home to the first golf academy in the Middle East. The clubhouse comprises a ...

opens. ** May: Dubai Ports Authority formed in merger of JAFZA and Port Rashid authorities. * 1992 **

Majid Al Futtaim Group Majid Al Futtaim ( ar, ماجد الفطيم) is an Emirati holding company based in Dubai. As of 2015, it owned and operated shopping malls, retail, and leisure establishments in the Middle East and North Africa with operations in 13 coun ...

headquartered in Dubai. ** 24 December: Godolphin's first horse ''Cutwater'' runs, – and wins – at Nad Al Sheba. * 1995 ** 3 January: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid named crown prince of Dubai. **

American University in Dubai The American University in Dubai (AUD) ( ar, الجامعة الأمريكية في دبي) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 1995. AUD is accredited regionally as a separate u ...

established. * 1996 ** 16 February:

Dubai Shopping Festival Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF; ar, مهرجان دبي للتسوق, Mahrajan Dubayy lil-tasawoq) is an annual event that runs for over a month displaying the very best the city of Dubai has to offer. Organised by the Dubai Festivals & Retail Est ...

launched. ** 27 March:

Dubai World Cup The Dubai World Cup (Arabic: كأس دبي العالمي) is a Thoroughbred horse race held annually since 1996 and contested at the Meydan Racecourse (Arabic: ميدان) which in Arabic suggests a place wh ...

horse race − the world's richest − begins. Its first winner is American dirt track legend ''

Cigar A cigar is a rolled bundle of dried and fermented tobacco leaves made to be smoked. Cigars are produced in a variety of sizes and shapes. Since the 20th century, almost all cigars are made of three distinct components: the filler, the binder l ...

''. * 1997 ** World's first camel-llama

cross-breeding A crossbreed is an organism with purebred parents of two different breeds, varieties, or populations. ''Crossbreeding'', sometimes called "designer crossbreeding", is the process of breeding such an organism, While crossbreeding is used to main ...

accomplished. ** Chicago Beach Hotel demolished. **

Jumeirah (hotel chain) Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts is an Emirati state-owned luxury hotel chain. The Jumeirah Group was created in 1997 and became part of the Dubai Holding in 2004, which is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's personal corporate portfolio. Professi ...

headquartered in Dubai. * 1998 – Grand Mosque rebuilt. **

Zayed University Zayed University (ZU; ar, جامعة زايد) is a public university based in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1998. It is one of the three government-sponsored higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates. It ...

founded. * 1999 **

Dubai Press Club Dubai Press Club (Arabic: نادي دبي للصحافة) is a part of the Government of Dubai Media Office founded in November 1999 by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and is based in Dubai Media City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It launched th ...

formed. ** International Center for Biosaline Agriculture headquartered in Dubai. ** December:

Burj Al Arab The Burj Al Arab ( ar, برج العرب, ''Arab Tower'') is a luxury hotel located in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Managed by Jumeirah hotel group, it is one of the tallest hotels in the world, although 39% of its total heigh ...

hotel inaugurated. **

Emirates National Oil Company ENOC (the Emirates National Oil Company) is a global diversified state owned energy group and operates in oil, gas and coal industry. History Established in 1993, ENOC is a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai, through the Investment ...

refinery begins operating. ** 29 October:

Dubai Internet City Dubai Internet City (DIC) ( ar, مدينة دبي للإنترنت) is an information technology and business park created by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone and a strategic base for companies targeting regional emerging markets ...

announced. ** Dubai's real estate market is opened to non- GCC nationals for the first time.

21st century

2000s

* 2000 ** 26 March: Dubai Financial Market founded. ** 28 May:

American University of Dubai The American University in Dubai (AUD) ( ar, الجامعة الأمريكية في دبي) is a private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 1995. AUD is accredited regionally as a separate un ...

inaugurated. ** Dubai Airport new terminal built. **

Nakheel Properties Nakheel Properties ( ar, نَـخٍـيْـل, nakhīl, palm tree) is a property developer based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The formal name of the company is Nakheel PJSC (private joint stock company) and it was a subsidiary of Dubai World ...

headquartered in Dubai. **

Al Barsha Al Barsha ( ar, البرشاء) is a collection of sub-communities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al Barsha is one of the newer residential developments, and is located in west Dubai, south of Al Sufouh. Al Barsha is bounded by E 11 (Shei ...

area development and

Dubai Marathon The Dubai Marathon is an annual road-based marathon hosted by Dubai, United Arab Emirates, since 1998. The marathon is categorized as a Gold Label Road Race by World Athletics. History Initial era The inaugural Dubai Marathon was held ...

begin. **

opens. ** 4 November:

Dubai Media City Dubai Media City (DMC), part of Dubai Holding, is a tax-free zone within Dubai, United Arab Emirates. History and profile The Dubai Media City was established and built in 2000 and inaugurated in January 2001 by the government of Dubai to boo ...

inaugurated. * 2001 ** 15 January:

e-junior e-junior is the first UAE children TV channel created by e-Vision which is part of Etisalat the largest telecom operator in the Middle East. "e-junior" was launched in the year 2001, it targets kids up to 14 years old. the channel content is a m ...

begins broadcasting. ** 1 May: Artificial archipelagos the

Palm Jumeirah The Palm Jumeirah is an archipelago of artificial islands on the Persian Gulf in Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is part of a larger series of developments called the Palm Islands, including Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira, which, ...

and Palm Jebel Ali announced. ** June: Construction begins on

. * 2002 ** 9 January: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and eco-resort ''Al Maha'' founded. ** 9 February: Million square feed academic free zone Dubai Knowledge Village announced. ** 16 February:

Dubai International Financial Centre The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a special economic zone in Dubai covering , established in 2004 as a financial hub for companies operating throughout the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) markets. DIFC is regulated b ...

inaugurated. ** 6 November: $1.8 billion Dubai Healthcare City

free economic zone Free economic zones (FEZ), free economic territories (FETs) or free zones (FZ) are a class of special economic zone (SEZ) designated by the trade and commerce administrations of various countries. The term is used to designate areas in which co ...

announced ** Artificial archipelago Palm Jebel Ali construction begins. ** Population: 1,089,000. ** The Dubai Multi Commodities Center is established. * 2003 ** September: International Monetary Fund meets in Dubai. ** ''

Al Arabiya Arabiya ( ar, العربية, transliterated: '; meaning "The Arabic One" or "The Arab One") is an international Arabic news television channel, currently based in Dubai, that is operated by the media conglomerate MBC. The channel is a fl ...

'' television and

CNBC Arabiya CNBC Arabia (Arabic: CNBC عربية) is an Arab free-to-air television channel. It covers regional and international affairs from an Arab economic perspective. CNBC Arabia's daily program schedule features the region's business news summary, inc ...

television begin broadcasting. ** Executive Council of Dubai and

Dubai Media Incorporated Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI) is the official media organization of the government of Dubai. It was established in 2003 as a state-owned company comprising a number of print, radio and TV channels under its umbrella including: Dubai TV, '' Al Ba ...

established. ** Dubai Knowledge Village opens. ** First

Dubai Tennis Championships The Dubai Tennis Championships or Dubai Open (also known as the ''Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships'' for sponsorship reasons) (formerly known for sponsorship reasons as the ''Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships'' and the ''Dubai Duty Free Men's ...

. ** June: International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) launched. ** 5 May:

The World (archipelago) The World Islands (Arabic: جزر العالم; ''Juzur al-Ālam'') are an archipelago of small artificial islands constructed in the shape of a world map, located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. ...

project announced. ** Dubai Festival City construction begins. ** 12 May:

Dubai Maritime City Dubai Maritime City (DMC) is a multipurpose maritime zone. It is a member of the DP World group of companies. Maritime city was expected to be fully operational by 2012, and by January 2021 had completed 80% of the first phase's infrastructure wor ...

project announced. ** 16 June:

Emirates Emirates may refer to: * United Arab Emirates, a Middle Eastern country * Emirate, any territory ruled by an emir ** Gulf emirates, emirates located on the Persian Gulf ** Emirates of the United Arab Emirates, the individual emirates * The Emirat ...

places $19 billion biggest order in aviation history for 71 wide-bodied planes. ** Dubai Humanitarian City established. (Later to become

International Humanitarian City International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a Dubai, United Arab Emirates, based global hub for humanitarian emergency preparedness and response, which positions itself as the world's largest aid hub. Founded in 2003 by the Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed b ...

) ** '' 7days'' newspaper begins publication. * 2004 ** Dubai Autodrome opens. **

Dubai One Dubai One (formerly known as Ch33 and then One TV) is a Pan Arab English language entertainment television channel, owned by Dubai Media Incorporated. It was launched on 14 May 1994, and is currently managed by Sarah al Jarman. It airs a mix o ...

television begins broadcasting. **

Dubai Silicon Oasis Dubai Silicon Oasis known as DSO ( ar, واحة دبي للسيليكون) is a free-trade zone established by the Dubai government in 2003, spanning an area of 7.2 square kilometers. History In 2003, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- ...

is inaugurated. ** Planned second airport to be located in Jebel Ali confirmed. ** September: Foundation stone of world's tallest tower,

Burj Khalifa The Burj Khalifa (; ar, برج خليفة, , Khalifa Tower), known as the Burj Dubai prior to its inauguration in 2010, is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is known for being the world’s tallest building. With a total height ...

, laid. ** October:

Dubai Holding Dubai Holding ( ar, دبي القابضة) is Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's personal investment portfolio, which owns 99.67% of the capital. It is a global investment holding company. Mohamed al Gergawi built the portfo ...

investment company established. ** December:

Dubai International Film Festival The Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF, ar, مهرجان دبي السينمائي الدولي) is the leading film festival in the Arab region. The 12th edition of DIFF took place from December 9 – 16, 2015. In 2018, the DIFF announc ...

inaugurated ** December

Business Bay Business Bay ( ar, الخليج التجاري: ''Al-Khaleej Al-Tijari'') is a central business district under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project features numerous skyscrapers located in an area where Dubai Creek has been d ...

development project announced. ** December: Dubai School of Government launched (To become

Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government The Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, previously known as Dubai School of Government, is a research and teaching institution in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which focuses on public policy in the Arab world. The school was established in ...

). * 2005 ** 27 January: Dubai holds its firs
FEI World Endurance Riding
Championship
Dubai International Endurance City
opens. ** 7 March: Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs established. ** ''Emirates Today'' newspaper begins publication. ** RAK Petroleum headquartered in Dubai. ** Mall of the Emirates (with Ski Dubai) opens. ** Dubai RTA ( Roads and Transport Authority) formed. **

Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange The Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange (DGCX) is a financial and commodity derivatives exchange located in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. DGCX commenced trading in November 2005 as the first derivatives exchange in the Middle East and North Afri ...

inaugurated. **

DP World DP World is an Emirati multinational logistics company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It specialises in cargo logistics, port terminal operations, maritime services and free trade zones. Formed in 2005 by the merger of Dubai Ports Auth ...

founded from merger of Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Ports International ** September: Construction labor strike. ** October:

Dubai police The Dubai Police Force ( ar, القيادة العامة لشرطة دبي) is the 17,500 strong police force for the Emirate of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. They come under the jurisdiction of the ruler of Dubai, and they cover an area of ...

introduces hotline for workers to report labour issues. ** November: $8 billion Jebel Ali Airport City project renamed Dubai World Central. * 2006 ** January:

dies in Australia's Gold Coast. ** January:

becomes ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE. ** February: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum becomes Prime Minister of the UAE. ** February: $15 billion

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd (DAE) ( ar, دبي لصناعات الطيران) is a global aviation services company and one of the largest aircraft leasing companies in the world. Headquartered in Dubai and with over 30 years in business, DAE's ...

launched. ** February:

Dubai International Academic City Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), informally known as Academic City, is a university town in the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates along the Dubai-Al Ain Road. The project was launched in May 2006 in liaison with Dubai Knowledge Park. T ...

development begins. ** March: Dubai port operator DP World acquires P&O for $7 billion. ** March: US house committee votes 62–2 to block

from operating US ports. DP World divests them. ** 21 March: Construction labor demonstration. ** 16 May: Construction labor strike. ** Emirates Green Building Council headquartered in Duba

**

Dubai World Dubai World ( ar, دبي العالمية) is an investment company that manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Government of Dubai across a wide range of industry segments and projects that promote Dubai as a hub ...

investment company established. ** Population: 1,354,980. ** Dubai's education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Agency (KHDA) founded. ** December: Women only pink taxis go into service. * 2007 ** February: New UAE telco ' Du' launches. ** June: Dubai's

Salik A sālik is a follower of Sufism, from the verb ''salaka'' which means to travel or follow, related to ''sulūk'' "pathway". ''Sulūk'' here specifically refers to a spiritual path, i.e. the combination of the two "paths" that can be followed ...

(Meaning 'clear') road toll comes into effect. ** June: Dubai Real Estate Corporation founded. ** July: 'Temporary' crossing, the Floating Bridge opens. ** August: Real Estate regulator Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) founded. **

Business Bay Crossing The 13 lane Business Bay Crossing (In Arabic: معبر الخليج التجاري; also known as the Ras Al Khor Bridge (جسر راس الخور)) is one of the most recent bridges across Dubai Creek and was opened to traffic in June 2007. Six ...

, originally named the Ras Al Khor Bridge, opens. ** Gulf Art Fair begin

http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/18/dana-farouki-art-dubai-travel-guide/] ** Sheikh Mohammed announces the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, a five-point long-term strategy for the city. **

prize money raised to $10 million. **

Dubai International City Dubai International City is a country-themed collection of residences, businesses, and tourist attractions. Spreading over an area of 800 hectares (8 million square meters), the arrangement of the city is inspired by the traditional carpets of the ...

built. ** September: Dubai Cares charity founded. The initial fund-raising drive raises over Dhs1 billion. * 2008 ** March: Dubai Culture & Arts Authority formed. ** March: New Maktoum Bridge opened. ** 26 March: 2008 Dubai explosion in

Al Quoz Al Quoz ( ar, القوز), or "El Goze" in Emirati Arabic is a locality / town in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Al Quoz is located in western Dubai. It is bordered to the north by Al Wasl and to the west by Umm Al Sheif, Al Manara and Al ...

. ** March: New low-cost carrier Fly Dubai announced. **

Dubai Sports City Dubai Sports City or DSC is a multi-venue sports complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, developed by Dubai. It provides a mix of residential, retail, leisure and recreational facilities. It is built around five major sports venues and featur ...

opens. ** Tashkeel (art entity) established. ** Airport

Dubai International Terminal 3 Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 is an airport terminal at Dubai International Airport serving Dubai, UAE. When completed and opened on 14 October 2008, it was the largest building in the world by floor area and is currently the world's l ...

built. ** 1,500 room

Atlantis, The Palm Atlantis The Palm, Dubai is a luxury hotel resort located at the apex of the Palm Jumeirah in the United Arab Emirates. It was the first resort to be built on the island and is themed on the myth of Atlantis but includes distinct Arabian eleme ...

hotel & resort launched with 1,000 fireworks. * 2009 ** New Year celebrations and the opening celebration of the

cancelled in solidarity with Gaza. ** 29 March: Chechen

Yamadayev Yamadayev is a Chechen surname, most famously attributed to the Yamadayev brothers, six brothers from the teip Benoy, participants in the First Chechen War on the side of the separatists and the Second Chechen War on the side of the federal troops: ...

murdered in Dubai. **

Dubai Mall The Dubai Mall ( ar, دبي مول "Dubai Mall") is a shopping mall in Dubai. It is the second largest mall in the world after the Iran Mall by total land area, and the 26th-largest shopping mall in the world by gross leasable area, tying with ...

, the world's largest shopping mall, inaugurated. ** 1 June:

FlyDubai Flydubai ( ar, فلاي دبي), legally Dubai Aviation Corporation ( ar, مؤسسة دبي للطيران), is an Emirati government-owned low-cost airline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates with its head office and flight operations in Terminal 2 ...

commences operations. ** September: Red Line (Dubai Metro) begins operating. **

Almas Tower Almas Tower ( ar, برج الماس Diamond Tower) is a 68-storey, , supertall skyscraper in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Construction of the office building began in early 2005 and was completed in 2008 with the insta ...

built. **

Dubai International Cricket Stadium The Dubai International Stadium, formerly known as the Dubai Sports City Cricket Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is mainly used for cricket and is one of the three main cricket stadiums in the country, the ...

opens. **

restructures.

2010s

* 2010 ** 4 January:

skyscraper opens (tallest in world). ** 19 January: Palestinian

Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh Mahmoud Abdel Rauf al-Mabhouh ( ar, محمود عبد الرؤوف المبحوح; 14 February 1960 – 19 January 2010) was the chief of logistics and weapons procurement for Hamas's military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. He is reme ...

assassinated. ** 28 January:

Meydan Racecourse Meydan Racecourse is a racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The grandstand is over a mile in length, and can accommodate over 60,000 spectators. Meydan opened on 27 March 2010, replacing Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, which formerly occupi ...

opens. ** 4 February: New oilfield east of ''Rashid'' field announced, named '' Jalila''. ** 1 July:

Al Maktoum International Airport Al Maktoum International Airport , also known as Dubai World Central, is an international airport in Jebel Ali, southwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates that opened on 27 June 2010. It is the main part of Dubai South, a planned reside ...

begins operations. * 2011 **

Green Line (Dubai Metro) The Green Line is one of the two lines in the Dubai Metro network in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It runs through Deira and Bur Dubai, generally parallel to Dubai Creek. There are 20 stations on the line, spanning from Etisalat to Creek (numbere ...

begins operating Palm Deira station (Dubai Metro) opens. **

Salsali Private Museum The Salsali Private Museum ''SPM in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the first private museum in the region for contemporary Middle Eastern and international art. It was founded in November 2011 by Ramin Salsali and is located in the industrial ar ...

founded. ** 11 October:

Emirates NBD Emirates NBD Bank PJSC is Dubai's government-owned bank and is one of the largest banking groups in the Middle East in terms of assets. History and profile Emirates NBD was initially formed as National Bank of Dubai (NBD) on 19 June 1963 by the ...

takes over

Dubai Bank Dubai Bank was an Islamic bank based in Dubai, UAE. The bank was launched in September 2002 and transformed into Shari’a-compliant financial institution with on 1 January 2007. Dubai Bank was part of the Dubai Group, a Dubai Holdings company ...

. * 2012 **

Princess Tower The Princess Tower ( ar, برج الأميرة) is a 101-story, tall residential-only skyscraper located in the Marina district of Dubai, UAE. As of September 2022, Princess Tower is the third tallest building in Dubai, after the Burj Khalif ...

and JW Marriott Marquis Dubai built. ** 21 March: Dubai Modern Art Museum & Opera House District projects announced. ** 12 June: Dubai formally launches its bid for World Expo 2020. ** 30 November: Restoration of 'Union House', where the UAE treaty was signed in 1971, commences. * 2013 ** 13 February: $1.5bn

Bluewaters Island Bluewaters Island is an artificial island off the Jumeirah Beach Residence coastline, near Dubai Marina, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project was approved by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE ...

project announced, to include world's largest Ferris Wheel. ** 4 March: Sheikh Mohammed establishes the Emirates Literature Foundation, to include the Dubai International Writers' Centre. ** Al Barsha Police Station built. ** The Mine (gallery) opens. ** October: Sheikh Mohammed announces the

Dubai Water Canal Dubai Canal is an artificial water canal unveiled on 2 October 2013 and inaugurated on 9 November 2016. The canal side-walk comprises one shopping centre, four hotels, 450 restaurants, luxury housing, walkways and cycle paths. It is a long projec ...

. ** Population: 2,214,000. ** 27 November: Dubai and the UAE win the bid for World Expo 2020. * 2014 ** February: Dubai launches $1mn ' Drones for Good' award. ** 5 July: World's largest mall and indoor theme park, the 48 million square foot

Mall of the World Mall of the World is a project to build the largest shopping center of its kind in the world, which envisions a fully air conditioned city, comprising more than . Mall of the World was originally announced in November 2012 and was planned to be th ...

project announced. ** 16 July: The establishment of th
UAE Space Agency
and the launch of a Mars mission is announced. ** 8 September: Dubai launches the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government innovation. ** 27 October: Dubai announces $1.2 billion investment in innovation through free zone operator TECOM. ** 17 December
Dubai Plan 2021
development strategy is announced. ** Opera Grand, the first tower in the Dubai Opera House District, opens. * 2015 ** Bicycle regulations issued. ** 6 May: UAE Mars probe named Hope. *2016 **3 August:

Emirates Flight 521 Emirates Flight 521 was a scheduled international passenger flight from Thiruvananthapuram, India, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, operated by Emirates using a Boeing 777-300. On 3 August 2016, the aircraft carrying 282 passengers and 18 crew c ...

crashes during landing at Dubai-International Airport. In the ensuing blaze, 1 firefighter is killed. Everyone on board the Boeing 777-300 survives. **November: Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates the Dubai Water Canal. *2017 **1 May: Dubai Font, Dubai's own font, was launched. **21 Nov: Dubai Safari Park opened to public. *2018 **1 Jan:

Dubai Frame The Dubai Frame ( ar, برواز دبي) is an observatory, museum, and monument in Zabeel Park, Dubai. It holds the record for the largest frame in the world. The building has a height of 150.24 meters and a width of 95.53 meters. The building ...

, World's best new attraction opening in 2018

References

Bibliography

Published in 20th century

* * * Richard Trench (ed.), Arab Gulf Cities: Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah (Archives Editions, 1994) * *

Published in 21st century

;2000s * Sampler and Eigner. From Sand to Silicon. 2003. * * * * * * * * ;2010s * * * * * * *

External links

Aerial view of Dubai
1969 (moving image)

1986 {{Years in the United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates history-related lists