History Unlocked – Incredible Pictures of Dubai from the Past

Staff WriterSeptember 4, 2024

Dubai has grown exponentially in just 30 years from a tiny desert town to a thriving international hub.

It might be hard for the average Dubai-un to comprehend the city without the vibrant beach clubs, myriad of dining options and glitter of international tourists and visitors, but it wasn’t so long ago that our sprawling metropolis was just a cluster of hotels and few residents.

Back in 1833, Dubai was just a humble settlement founded by around 800 members of the Bani Yas tribe, drawn to the natural harbour formed by the creek that ran through the area. This small fishing and pearling hub gradually grew, with Bedouin nomads from the Arabian desert joining and building their barasti homes by the water’s edge.

Fast forward to the 1960s, and Dubai’s economy was still leaning on trade and oil exploration concessions. However, everything changed in 1969 when oil revenue started pouring in. With this influx of wealth, Dubai shifted into high gear, with investments pouring into the development of schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure. Over the years, this once-sleepy settlement transformed into the dazzling metropolis known for its glitz, glamour, and futuristic vision.

Read on for some stunning images that show just how much the city has changed…