The UAE has made great strides to the future, while still retaining a touch with its own past.
The UAE continues on its progressive path as we enter 2020
Published: Mon 30 Dec 2019, 1:54 PM
As the year 2019 comes to an end, and more importantly so a decade, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced 2020 to be the year of preparations for the next 50 years.
These are exciting times. The UAE, and Dubai in particular, has achieved so much that its really unbelievable that the nation is just 48 years old. But worth mentioning is the growth and cultural dynamism of Dubai.
From a fishing village, the emirate is today the 'the city of the future', conquering space as well. Few places on earth have been growing as fast as Dubai. But this is just the beginning. With Expo 2020 around the corner and many 'wonder' projects lined up, we can only but imagine where Dubai will be. And the youth will play a major role in taking the UAE to the next level.
Admiration for Dubai comes very easy for all those who reside and travel to this city of dreams. Dubai enjoys a rich legacy that will only grow in the coming years, all thanks to the efforts of the government.
Let's take a look at some of the jaw-dropping feats that Dubai has achieved in the last 50 years and what to expect in the coming years.
MILESTONES
1966 - A milestone in Dubai history. Oil is discovered in Dubai's Fateh Oil field.
1971 - The UAE was formed for mutual security and prosperity and joined the Arab League. Dubai International Airport opened.
1979 - Jebel Ali Port opened. Dubai World Trade Centre opened - the city's first high-rise, paving the way for a string of other ambitious architectural projects.
1985 - Emirates airline launched. Jebel Ali Free Zone inaugurated, attracting considerable overseas investment.
1996 - Dubai World Cup held for the first time. Dubai Shopping Festival launched.
1999 - Burj Al Arab opened and hailed as the world's only seven-star hotel.
2002 - Sheikh Mohammed launches Internet and Media cities and private ownership for foreigners laying the foundations for "New Dubai".
2003 - Ambitious projects begin, including the world's tallest tower, and 200 man-made islands.
2006 - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum becomes the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
2009 - Emirates Terminal 3 and the Metro launched to accommodate increasing air and road traffic.
2010 - Burj Khalifa becomes the tallest man-made structure on earth.
2013 - Dubai Miracle Garden, a 72,000-metre (236,000-foot) flower garden, opens in Dubailand. It is the world's largest flower garden.
2014 - A 14.5km tramway is launched serving 11 stations, along Al Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina.
2016 - Dubai Design District is inaugurated. d3 is home to the region's growing community of creative thinkers.
2017 - Dubai Parks & Resorts opens. It is the largest integrated theme park in the Middle East.
2018 - The UAE passport has jumped to Number 1 as the world's most powerful passport.
2019 - Hazzaa Al Mansoori is the first Emirati astronaut in space.
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
