Dubai Live Cam

History

The history of Dubai is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, where its strategic location along key trading routes between the East and West shaped its development. The area that is now Dubai was inhabited as far back as 3000 BCE, with evidence of Bronze Age settlements discovered in the surrounding desert and coastal regions. The early inhabitants engaged in fishing, pearl diving, and small-scale trading, taking advantage of Dubai’s coastal location on the Arabian Gulf.

During the 7th century, Islam spread across the Arabian Peninsula, reaching Dubai and influencing its cultural and social development. The city's position on the trade routes between Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent ensured that it remained an important stop for traders and travelers. Dubai's natural harbor also facilitated the growth of a seafaring economy, particularly focused on pearl diving, which became a major industry throughout the early centuries of its history.

In the 19th century, Dubai came under the control of the Al Maktoum family, who established themselves as the rulers of the emirate in 1833. Dubai at that time was a small fishing and pearling village, but the leadership of the Al Maktoum family set the foundation for its future prosperity. In 1892, Dubai entered into a treaty with the British, becoming a part of the Trucial States, a group of sheikhdoms that entered into agreements with the British to ensure protection and security in exchange for naval assistance. This agreement marked a turning point in Dubai’s political landscape, granting it stability during a time when regional conflicts were common.

The early 20th century saw the rise of Dubai as a thriving trading hub. While the pearling industry faced challenges due to the advent of cultured pearls from Japan in the 1930s, Dubai continued to flourish due to its trade connections. Traders from India, Persia, and East Africa began to settle in Dubai, fostering a cosmopolitan environment that persists to this day. However, it was the discovery of oil in 1966 that propelled Dubai to unprecedented levels of economic development and wealth.

The 1960s and 1970s were transformative for Dubai, as the oil revenues provided the capital needed to invest in infrastructure and modernize the city. On December 2, 1971, Dubai joined forces with six other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, played a pivotal role in shaping the vision of this new nation. Sheikh Rashid’s forward-thinking policies, including the development of Jebel Ali Port, Dubai International Airport, and other critical infrastructure projects, laid the groundwork for the city’s transformation into a global business hub.

In the years that followed, Dubai diversified its economy, reducing its reliance on oil by investing in sectors such as trade, real estate, tourism, and finance. The establishment of free zones, like Jebel Ali Free Zone in 1985, attracted multinational corporations and facilitated Dubai’s rise as a leading city for business and innovation. Today, Dubai is a global city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering a unique mix of cultural heritage and contemporary development.

Climate

Dubai has a hot desert climate, characterized by extremely high temperatures, particularly in the summer months. The city experiences long, hot summers and short, mild winters, making it a year-round sunny destination. The climate in Dubai is classified under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as a hot desert climate (BWh).

Summers in Dubai, which typically last from May to September, are known for their intense heat. During these months, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), with peak temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 50°C (122°F). The summer is also marked by high humidity levels, especially near the coast, where the Arabian Gulf contributes to the moisture in the air. This combination of heat and humidity can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, and many residents and tourists opt for indoor, air-conditioned environments during this period.

One of the notable features of Dubai’s summer climate is the phenomenon of hot, dry winds known as "Shamal." These winds blow from the north and northwest, often bringing dust and sandstorms, which can reduce visibility and create a hazy atmosphere. Despite the challenging summer weather, Dubai has adapted by developing world-class infrastructure, including advanced air conditioning systems and indoor recreational facilities, allowing the city to function efficiently throughout the year.

Winter in Dubai, which spans from November to March, offers a much more pleasant climate. During these months, daytime temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 12°C to 16°C (54°F to 61°F). This period is considered the ideal time to visit Dubai, as the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. The winter season also sees an increase in rainfall, although it remains relatively low, with an average annual precipitation of around 100 millimeters (4 inches). Rainfall usually occurs in short, sporadic bursts, and extended periods of rain are rare.

The arid nature of Dubai’s climate also means that the city experiences plenty of sunshine throughout the year. On average, Dubai receives more than 3,500 hours of sunshine annually, making it a prime destination for those seeking sunny weather. The city’s ability to harness its desert climate has also contributed to its development of sustainable practices, such as solar energy initiatives and water desalination projects to address the challenges posed by its environment.

Geography

Dubai is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, along the southern shore of the Arabian Gulf. It is the largest city in the United Arab Emirates and the second-largest emirate after Abu Dhabi. Geographically, Dubai is situated at a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa, which has historically contributed to its significance as a trading hub.

The emirate of Dubai covers an area of approximately 4,114 square kilometers (1,588 square miles). The city itself is built along the coast, with the iconic Dubai Creek acting as a natural harbor that historically facilitated trade and commerce. This creek, also known as Khor Dubai, was a critical feature for early settlers and continues to be a focal point for the city’s development, dividing the old city of Dubai into two main sections: Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south.

Beyond its urban landscape, Dubai’s geography is characterized by its desert environment. The vast Arabian Desert, with its sand dunes and arid terrain, surrounds the city. The nearby Hajar Mountains to the east also add to the diversity of Dubai’s topography, providing a stark contrast to the flat desert plains that dominate most of the region. These mountains form a natural boundary between the emirates of Dubai and Fujairah and are home to rugged landscapes and hidden wadis (valleys) that attract hikers and adventurers.

The coastal area of Dubai, along the Arabian Gulf, features several artificial islands and peninsulas, the most famous being the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands. Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, and it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, hosting luxury hotels, residences, and entertainment venues. The World Islands, a collection of artificial islands designed to resemble a map of the world, add to Dubai’s distinctive coastal geography.

Dubai’s strategic location and its proximity to the Arabian Gulf have also shaped its maritime activities. The city’s deep-water ports, such as Jebel Ali Port, play a critical role in international trade, positioning Dubai as a leading logistics hub in the Middle East.

In conclusion, Dubai’s history, climate, and geography have each played a significant role in shaping its rise as a global city. From its humble beginnings as a pearl-diving village to its current status as a major economic and cultural center, Dubai’s transformation has been remarkable. Its desert climate, strategic coastal location, and ambitious urban development projects continue to attract people and businesses from all over the world, making Dubai a unique and dynamic city on the global stage.

The capital of the Emirate of Dubai

In 1971, the seven Trucial states as they used to be called, joined together to form the UAE Federation. The United Arab Emirates have undergone rapid processes of economic and social developments behind a protective shield of political stability that has been able to weather not only the vicissitudes of regional politics and conflicts, but also the number of population and have shifted the country from poverty and suffering to wealth and stability with the help of oil production.

The Federation of UAE is one of the world's rapidly developing countries. Accomplishing all around advancements in various fields, these outstanding achievements could not have been realized without the dedicated efforts of the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan and thier Highnesses, members of the Supreme Council, Rulers of the Emirates.

The capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven Emirates. It has the largest population and the bulk of the UAE's oil resources. Abu Dhabi is well provided with parks, beaches and leisure centers that have made it probably the greenest city on the Gulf coast. Not only that but it Abu Dhabi is also described as the Middle East's first tax-free storage zone.

Dubai is the second largest Emirate.Iit is facing the Arabian Gulf with a small mountain enclave at Hatta. Dubai has a trading history stretching back to more than 2,000 years. It has been well able to finance its own development and it is now considered a commercial center in the region and is becoming a popular tourist destination.

Dubai, the Gate Way to the Gulf, is well known in international business circles for the sophistication of its banking system, and for the facilities of its airport and port. The Dubai Shopping Festival provided a great boost to Dubai's gold trade promoting a campaign to market Dubai as "The City Of Gold."

Home of the first modern school in the country. Sharjah now boasts a number of the country's most startling and innovative pieces of architecture. Sharjah also has a thriving intellectual and cultural tradition, with some of the UAE's finest writers and actors.

Ajman is a coastal town including the mountain enclaves of Masfut and Manama. Ajman is known for boat industry. The Ajman Free Zone, established in 1995 and situated at in the Ajman ports and customs complex has raised the list of participant companies from 32 to over 140 companies.

Is one of the northern Emirates, and it is known for the archaeological site of AD Door, dating between 200BC and 200 AD when it was the largest town in the lower Gulf, trading both with India and Rome. The Marine Resources Research Center (MRRC) has been operating in Umm Al Qaiwain since 1984 focusing on methods to commercially grow fish and shrimp in local conditions.

RAK has a balanced mixture of agriculture, industry and limited oil production. Once known as "Julfar" whose ruins are a few kilometers north of the modern town, it appears in the chronicles of the early Muslim Caliphates, and traded with China.

Lies over on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah has the most beautiful beaches in the UAE. Dibba and Kilba are the most popular areas in Fujaira and they are attractive to the visitors who flock to the east coast at weekends from other Emirates.