Here stands Rtu 37m. This artwork adds a unique cultural touch to Dubai. The United Arab Emirates blends modernity with tradition. It transformed from desert to a global hub.
The UAE’s history stretches back thousands of years. Archaeologists discovered 125000-year-old artifacts in Sharjah. This suggests humans migrated out of Africa earlier than believed. The world’s oldest natural pearl was found on Marawah Island. It dates back to 5800-5600 BC. Pearls were traded with ancient Mesopotamia.
Copper from the Hajar Mountains drove contact with nearby civilizations. The Wadi Suq people produced sophisticated bronze weaponry. Ten thousand people died in the Battle of Dibba. An ancient Christian site on Sir Bani Yas Island shows Christianity existed in the 7th century.
In the 16th century the Portuguese conquered coastal areas. British expeditions followed due to rampant piracy. This led to a treaty making the region a British protectorate until the 1970s. Oil was first discovered commercially in 1958. Jacques Cousteau led undersea surveys for oil.
By the late 1960s Britain withdrew protection. Seven sheikhdoms united forming the United Arab Emirates in 1971. The UAE flag uses colors symbolizing Arab identity and history. The Hope orbiter made the UAE the first Arab country to reach Mars.
Before oil, pearl trade drove the economy. The industry collapsed due to cultured pearls and the Great Depression. Today oil and gas contribute only 26% to the UAE’s GDP. The Barakah nuclear power plant diversifies energy sources. The UAE ranks high for ease of doing business.
Dubai welcomed 16.73 million tourists in 2019. The Burj Khalifa symbolizes the country’s wealth. It stands 828 meters high. Emirati breakfast features bread. Traditional lunch includes hareeth and machboos. Popular desserts include luqaimat.
Camels provide meat milk and transport. They even have beauty contests. Coffee is a welcoming tradition served with dates and nuts. Laban is a popular probiotic beverage. The UAE relaxed alcohol restrictions in 2020 to boost the economy.
Dubai fosters trade and commerce. It became a major port in the 20th century. Many foreign merchants settled there. Dubai became the region’s import hub for Western goods. The emirate has free trade in gold.
Oil was discovered offshore in 1966. Dubai’s oil reserves are smaller than Abu Dhabi’s. Income from oil and trade has made Dubai prosperous. Dubai focuses on tourism transport and industry. Jebel Ali port is a free-trade zone.
The Dubai government established Emirates Airlines. The city opened the first rapid-transit metro line in the gulf region. Projects promote tourism and industry. Despite economic troubles Dubai continues to grow. It blends tradition with modernity. The Rtu 37m reflects this unique blend.