Then & Now: 10 Surprising Facts About the UAE’s Growth
What comes to your mind when you hear the name United Arab Emirates?
I know it’s the tall skyscrapers, luxury lifestyle, and modern cars.
But do you know that UAE has not always been the same. I meant the Giant HUB of skyscrapers and all of these modernity.
In fact, if we just roll back to a few decades ago. You will find a very different and unfamiliar UAE. Trust me, it has gone through a MAJOR change.
Transforming from a nation that relies on traditional industries like fishing and pearl diving into a modern and globalized economy. So, let’s hear the story of UAE’s transformation in this blog today. And find out 10 surprising facts about their growth.
10 Surprising Facts About the Growth of the UAE
Now, it is time to buckle up your seat. As we are going to take a ride back into the history and learn some interesting facts about this amazing transformation of the UAE. So, here we go:
1. Transforming Fishing Villages to Globalized Nation
Well, like I just told you that places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi that are known for their modernity were once just a small fishing village.
I know that’s unbelievable. But that is 100% true. So, the main job of these people were to catch fishes and dive for pearls to earn their livelihoods.
But today, these cities are world-famous for businesses, shopping malls and luxury hotels.
2. Discovery of Oil
Ah, this is the exact time when fate took an unbelievable turn and oil was discovered in the UAE in the 1950s.
Before that, the economy of the UAE was very simple. Most people lived a tough life just like in many developing countries today. But after its discovery, everything just changed in a SNAP!
The UAE who was once a developing and poor nation was transformed into a rich country. And they immediately started building their infrastructure. From roads to schools and hospitals. Everything was built from scratch and eventually they turned into one of the richest countries of the world.
3. Population Boom
If we go back into the 1960s. The population of the UAE was quite limited. To be exact, it was just 0.1 Million people.
Yeah, that’s way too small for a nation. And now, if we take a look, the population of the UAE is 9 MILLION!
But an interesting fact about this population is that they are not all UAE nationals. But they are Expats.
So, UAE is now known as one of the most diverse countries in the world, where you will find a mix of cultures and languages from different people from different countries.
4. Skyline of Dubai – Road to Transformation
As we all know today. Dubai is one of the top tourist destination of the world. And its skyline is filled with tall skyscrapers that includes the BURJ KHALIFA, the tallest building in the world.
But you will be surprised if you ever came across the picture of Dubai from 1990s. You will notice that there were hardly any tall buildings, let alone skyscrapers.
So, within just 30 quick years. They transformed from a desert to a city of skyscrapers.
5. From Desert to Greenland
You know, it might be hard to believe. But the UAE has planted millions of trees through various initiatives and created beautiful parks and gardens.
Cities like Al Ain are now full of greenery even though the UAE is actually a desert country. Interesting right?
This is all the result of their smart irrigation system and proper planning that they have brought nature back to life in there.
6. A Leader in Space
Who would have thought that a desert country like the UAE would send a space mission to MARS?
Well, that’s an incredible achievement for any nation. The UAE just did that with their HOPE PROBE in 2020.
This shows how much the UAE has grown in science and technology. They are advancing at a rapid rate in this field and making amazing innovations in the world of technology.
Do you even know? They even got their first Artificial Intelligence MINISTER.
Yeah, and they even got their own CRYPTOCURRENCY.
Well, UAE never fails to surprise us. What an amazing country with a passion to take over the world.
7. Focus on Education
Well, this all just did not happen overnight. But the secret to their success lies in their focus to education.
Before 1970s, there were few schools. And not many people get the chance to study. But now, education is on the UAE’s top priority list.
They got top universities and offers high quality education to both locals and foreigners. And are adapting to latest technologies and methods to improve their education system to the best.
They even have a flourishing industry of Assignment Writing Service UAE to help students.
8. Tourism Explosion
In the past days, you would hardly find any tourists visiting the UAE. But today, millions of people come every year to see its wonders. From places like Palm Jumeirah to Ferrari World, UAE has become one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world. And attracts millions of tourists every year.
You know, they have even set a new record for attracting 18.72 MN overnight tourists to Dubai in 2024.
9. Modern Transport Systems
Before UAE was a modern city, people would use camels or cars to get around the city. But now they got modern transportation systems like Dubai Metro and local cabs that makes travelling much faster and easier.
The UAE is working on building a Hyperloop transport system that will make no distance between cities.
10. Inclusion of Women
Today, you will find women working in almost every single field in the UAE. But in the past, the situation was different. The women usually stayed at home and looked after the family.
They even have female ministers and astronauts who are ready to make a difference in the world today.
Final Thoughts
So, the story of growth of the UAE is not just a story of fate and luck. But it involves years of hard work, consistency and focus that helped them transform into one of the richest countries in the world.
From simple beginnings to a global leader, the journey of UAE is quite inspiring for everyone. And the best part about it is that its still transforming and incorporating latest technologies to drive their nation to more success and prosperity.
