The city is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, at the crossroads of routes that lead to Africa, Europe and Asia.
The population of Dubai is about 2 million people, and about 75% of them are commuters, tourists and workers. The indigenous population of the emirate does not work, but simply enjoys the fruits of their wealth.
The first mention of a settlement on the site of the present city dates back to 1799. Dubai itself was founded in the first half of the twentieth century. Due to its favorable location, it initially attracted local and foreign traders, but during the first hundred years the city was quite small - its population was only 1200 people.
The inhabitants of Dubai were mainly pearl miners. The rapid development of the city began after the discovery of oil fields in the region. Revenues from oil extraction began to arrive in 1969, the developing industry required new labor force. As a result, Dubai's population quadrupled in just 6 years.
Today the city does not rely only on oil reserves, which are not so much here. Now the basis of Dubai's economy is tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services.
