Dubai is the country with the largest number of inhabitants of all the Emirates and the second largest in terms of land area. It is also the most liberal, modern and progressive of the Emirates as it has developed faster and further than its counterparts.The first evidence of Dubai's history dates back to 1095 CE. No records are known between that date and the second oldest record from 1587, where the author speaks of Dubai darik elwan as a popular place for pearl diving. As you will see, the early history of Dubai is not known until today.
The royal family of Dubai (the current rulers) dates back to 1833, when the Al Maktoum dynasty arrived to claim Dubai from Abu Dhabi (capital of the United Arab Emirates). The dynasty was initially part of the Bin Yas clan that was established in Abu Dhabi darik elwan.It was then that Dubai became an independent emirate and here began the descent of the current royal family of Dubai.
There were many challenges at the beginning of Dubai's history. Due to its ideal geographical location, conducive to trade, many tried to conquer and take over the city.It was then that the city of Dubai accepted the protection of the British (at that time Great Britain was a very strong defensive power). Once Dubai was protected by the British, the royal family of Dubai took advantage of its location and became involved in trade with other countries. Several traders from various countries (mainly from India) came to Dubai to trade goods.
History of Dubai's currency
The Gulf Rupee was the first currency used by Dubai. Dubai later joined Qatar and together they formed the Riyal. The Riyal was more stable than the Gulf Rupee, which became diluted in value and practically useless.In 1971, to further stabilize its currency and strength, Dubai joined Abu Dhabi to form the United Arab Emirates.Four other Emirates had already joined Abu Dhabi and one more did so in 1972. Dubai then adopted the dirham of the United Arab Emirates.
The dirham has been widely used for a long time. As it was widely used in Dubai's commerce, it spread widely among all traders and merchants. The dirham was pegged to the US dollar in November 1997. This has not changed since then.Each US dollar is equivalent to 3.6725 dirhams. Each Dirham comprises 100 Fills (equivalent to cents). Most commonly the Dirham darik elwan is abbreviated as "Dhs" and in some cases "DH".
While I was in Dubai in 2007, there was some speculation (mainly rumours) that the Dirham might appreciate for the first time because it was pegged to the US dollar. The speculation was mainly due to the devaluation of the dollar.Many people rushed to the exchange houses trying to trade their currency. Some made quick money and others lost in the process.
Luckily I had some cash on hand and ran to Citibank. I was able to exchange my dollars for more dirhams and then found an exchange house where I exchanged my dirhams for dollars, except at a better rate. I wished I had my entire bank account in Dubai at that time.
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