Today it is difficult to imagine that in place of luxury hotels, shopping malls and skyscrapers Dubai was once a small settlement. Currently, the city is considered to be a symbol of progress and a victory of humanity over nature.
After years of exploration following large finds in neighbouring Abu Dhabi, oil was eventually discovered in territorial waters off Dubai in 1966. This led the emirate to grant concessions to international oil companies, thus leading to a massive influx of foreign workers. Between 1968 and 1975 the city’s population grew by over 300%.
Dubai had already embarked on a period of infrastructural development and expansion. Oil revenue, flowing from 1969 onwards supported a period of growth with Sheikh Rashid embarking on a policy of building infrastructure and a diversified trading economy before the emirate’s limited reserves were depleted.
All images courtesy Sheikh Mohammed center for cultural understanding.
