Heritage

UAE history dates back to 5,500 BC, with the first known habitation of the area. Archaeological evidence suggests those earliest inhabitants engaged in trade with their neighbours – a trait that remains vital to the country’s identity today.

A centre for the pearling industry in the 19th and 20th centuries (Dubai was first settled as a fishing village around 1833) the modern UAE came into being in 1971. Then this small country marked its founding as a federation of emirates, united under the leadership of founding President His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Led by His Highness the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai from 1958-90, that city was transformed into a commercial metropolis.

Today, under the leadership of Dubai’s Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this metropolis of two million inhabitants serves a market of more than two billion people – leading the development of a new Silk Road that connects rapidly growing economies such as India, China, Brazil and the African continent. Safe, inclusive and cosmopolitan, Dubai is now one of the world’s top 10 urban tourist destinations, attracting more than 9.3 million visitors last year alone.

Today’s UAE is led by the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, working in close consultation with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.