HGM 2011 - Dubai, UAE

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The Past

Little is known about the first settlers in Dubai. However, archaeological discoveries prove that as long as 4,000 years ago, small fishing communities lived along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Records dating back to the 18 century show that Dubai was a small fishing and trading village inhabited by members of the Bani Yas tribe, one of the most renowned tribes of Southern Arabia. In 1833, Sheikh Maktoum Bin Buti began the reign of the Maktoum family as rulers of Dubai and transformed the small town into a flourishing coastal city.

Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes of Dubai’s rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders from India, Iran and around the Gulf who began to settle in the growing town.

By the late 1870s, Dubai became the principal port of the Gulf Coast,
and by the turn of the century, it was reputed to have had the largest souqs in Arabia. Pearls continued to be a mainstay of the emirate’s prosperity until the 1940s, when the development of Japanese cultured pearls led to a collapse in demand for the natural product. However by that time, trade in other products including gold had grown steadily and Dubai continued to thrive as ‘the city of merchants’. In 1966 Dubai’s oil reserves were discovered and it was during this time Britain announced its withdrawal from the region, a move which was to have a significant impact on the political geography of the area. Under the wise and progressive leadership of Dubai’s Ruler, there was considerable government spending on infrastructure, education and healthcare,
all part of a long-term plan to turn Dubai into a thriving cosmopolitan centre for business and tourism.

The Present

In more recent years, Dubai’s formula for development is highly evident – visionary leadership, high quality infrastructure, an expatriate friendly environment, zero tax on personal and corporate income and low import duties.
The result is that Dubai has quickly become a principal business and tourism hub for a region that stretches from Egypt to the Indian sub-continent and from South Africa to the CIS countries.

Life Style

Citizens, expatriates and visitors alike, enjoy a relaxed and pleasant lifestyle. There is virtually no crime, the city is clean and there is a wide choice of modern and spacious accommodation. In addition, Dubai has a choice of cuisine to suit any palate and all pockets.

Arabic is the national language. However, English is widely spoken throughout Dubai, so delegates will have
no problem getting around. Dubai is secular and tolerant, freedom of worship is allowed to all religions and Christian churches have existed in Dubai for many years. Alcohol may be consumed at home, in hotels and on licensed club premises. Women can drive and move about freely unaccompanied. There is zero tax on personal and corporate income in Dubai and there are low import duties. Hotels charge a 10% service charge and a 10% municipality fee.

Culture & Heritage

The culture in Dubai is rooted in Islamic traditions that form the UAE’s national lifestyle. The country’s Rulers are keen to maintain the emirate’s culture and heritage and actively support many sporting events that are representative of their past, including falconry, camel racing and dhow sailing.

For further information please visit www.dcb.ae

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Award for Medical Science

Human Genome Organisation

Centre for Arab Genomic Studies