Cultural and commercial influence was secured mainly due to Dubai's strategic location - it was on the trade routes between India, Africa and the Middle East. The influx of traders brought not only a variety of goods but also cultural and religious influences to the city, gradually making Dubai a meeting point for different cultures.

Dubai remained a small port for a long time, until the late 19th century when its ambitions began to grow. The local ruler, Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti, transformed Dubai into an independent emirate in 1833 and began to focus on developing trade relations with the surrounding regions. This move provided the city with greater autonomy and opened the door to further development.

Dubai's origins: from humble settlement to commercial hub 🌊🛶