The city of Dubai is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, while the Emirate stretches inland and is bordered to the south by the emirate of Abu Dhabi, to the northeast by the emirate of Sharjah, to the southeast by the country of Oman, to the east by the emirate of Ajman, and to the north by the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Dubai's early history is a fascinating tale of conflict and competition between two powerful Arab clans, the Bani Yas tribe and the Al Qasimi clan. While the Bani Yas controlled the coastal township of Dubai, it was also located on the borderlands of the Al Qasimi territory, leading to a significant power struggle between the two groups over the control of the town. Against this backdrop of political unrest, Dubai emerged as a prominent player in the pearl trade, which was the primary commodity of the region. The trade was so lucrative that buyers from Mumbai came calling, leading to a commercial peak in 1897. This moment marked a turning point in Dubai's history, laying the foundation for its growth and development into the dynamic and thriving city it is today.
