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History of Dubai & Some Poetic Philosophy

The day we reached Dubai, we went for an evening boat cruise along the Dubai creek. To most tourists, Dubai creek is a natural seawater inlet that divided the city of Dubai into two- Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai. What fascinated me more was the historical and cultural significance of this beautiful creek.


Dubai's formation is attributed to be around 4,000 years old but it was only in 1833 that it gathered some shape. This is the year when the Al Maktoum branch of the power clan of Al Bu Falasah of the Bani Yas Bedouins shifted from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. More significantly, this saw the reign of Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti who lead them to Dubai and became its ruler from 1833 to 1852. Young, ambitious and intelligent, this leader set the foundation for the open port city as it exists and is flourishing today.

It was not so easy though. Pirates from the Gulf were known to attack the port, due to which a series of co-operative treaties had to be formed and negotiated in 1892. 

By introducing a radical concept - offering tax exemption to traders - Dubai tempted businessmen from all spheres spanning gold, silver, textiles, dates, teak, spices and many more to settle there. With this highly business-friendly initiative, Dubai established itself as a flourishing trading hub between India, Africa and the Middle East.


Coming back to the Dubai Creek, history gives us some interesting insights. 

The shallow creek waterway didn't help Dubai much because it was not deep enough for ships to be accommodated. Again, Dubai's Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed (1958 to 1990) who is considered to be the founder of modern Dubai risked a great deal by mortgaging the entire emirate to pay for the huge cost of dredging the Dubai creek. The rest, as we all know, is history. His vision and love for taking risks paid off with rich dividends. Big ships sailed into Dubai and in 1966, oil was discovered, further strengthening Dubai as one of the world's leading trading hubs.

In the night, we enjoyed the cruise. Lights, like shining jewels, seemed to embrace us from everywhere. The breeze was laden with the scent of food and expensive perfume, the conversations were warm and punctuated with laughter.




Guests had a great time sampling the delicious spread of food. There was a segment for vegetarian and non-vegetarians. The salad section offered a terrific spread too, as you can see in the picture below.



My husband can be seen at the non-vegetarian section in the picture below.


The following picture showcases three desserts. As many of you know, I love making desserts more than eating them. So, I couldn't resist taking some pics.

The first one shown below is tastier than it looks, but I don't recall the name. It tastes like kheer/payasam but it has soft bread like pieces in it that feel yummy to bite into because it simply melts in your mouth like butter.


There is so much more I'd like to write about my Dubai trip. As a writer, I see places as opportunities for story telling than anything else. Every place has a story, a secret jewel in its soul, that waits to be discovered. Dubai is full of such secret jewels, but one needs enough time and patience to begin the voyage of discovery itself.

To me, the story of Dubai, right from its historical beginnings to its present day iconic status, is one that intrigues. The saga reflects the kind of great leadership that set the foundation for it to flourish. 

Dubai, like a temptress, has burst into our senses because of the riches, both culturally and materially, that it offers despite its initial limitations that ceased to matter once it was ready to become a beautiful enchantress.



♥♥  I thank you with all my heart for reading my post. I dedicate this post with love and gratitude to all those who love to travel, see new places and experience the newness of it all with wanderlust. REQUEST: Please SHARE this article on your favorite social networks. Every share, like or tweet makes me reach out to more people who enjoy travel. I am grateful and I appreciate you for doing so. ♥♥

Comments

Anonymous said…
I too visited Dubai recently and it was nice to know the culture and I loved the food options we got there..Loved eating out and those Malls were breathtaking...
Asha said…
lovely info swapna and those bread piece dessert - must be double ka meetha where bread pieces are fried in ghee and then soaked in sugar syrup/ rabdi. This is famous in hyderabad along with kubhani ka meetha( apricot in sugar syrup)
@weourlife: Glad that you liked the post and that you enjoyed the Dubai trip. Thanks for dropping by.

@Asha: Yes, it sounds exactly like the dessert you've mentioned...i didn't know the name. Thanks a ton, Asha.
Anonymous said…
the dessert u mentioned is 'UMM ALI'which is made with puff pastryand lots of dry fruits

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