Dubai

Dubai's history dates back to the 18th century, when it was a small settlement on the Persian Gulf coast. The area was known for its pearl industry, which brought the city its first revenue and allowed residents to maintain contact with trade routes through the Middle East. Dubai pearls were highly prized and travelled to other countries, making the city an important centre of trade in the early period.

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.