How Dubai Ruler built Dubai in a Desert

Before 1980, Dubai was just a barren desert town, a forgotten face on the map of the Middle East. Life was simple, infrastructure was limited, and the world hardly noticed it. But in just four decades, something extraordinary happened. Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai transformed itself from a lifeless stretch of sand into one of the most dazzling and futuristic cities on Earth. It was a transformation so dramatic, it left the world in awe.

Today, Dubai is so popular that many people around the world mistakenly think it’s a country. But in truth, Dubai is just one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It’s a city—a city that didn’t even have skyscrapers until the 1990s, and now, it’s filled with towers that stretch beyond the clouds. The skyline has become iconic. People travel from every corner of the globe just to witness the grandeur of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on Earth.

But even that is no longer enough for Dubai’s ambition. Believe it or not, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the same ruler who oversaw the rise of Burj Khalifa, is now overseeing the construction of something even taller—Dubai Creek Tower. Yes, the same Dubai that already broke records is preparing to break its own. Dubai Creek Tower is expected to soar to 1,300 meters, while Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters. It’s not just about height—it’s about vision, about pushing boundaries, about showing the world that Dubai never settles for less.

Right now, Dubai is considered the world’s largest active construction site. The speed of its development is unmatched. Projects that take years elsewhere are often completed in months here. But what many people don’t know is that this miracle didn’t begin with buildings—it began with oil. In the 1980s, the discovery of oil changed Dubai’s destiny. But while many other countries became entirely dependent on oil wealth, Sheikh Mohammed had different plans.

He understood that oil wouldn’t last forever. So he began building an economy based on tourism, trade, innovation, and luxury. Today, only 5% of Dubai’s income comes from oil. The remaining 95% comes from industries that attract millions of people—real estate, tourism, finance, and global commerce. That decision alone turned Dubai into the world’s largest trading hub, a place where East meets West and where luxury meets business.

Interestingly, only about 15% of the population in Dubai are native Emiratis. The other 85% are expatriates—people from all over the world who have come to live and work in this desert paradise. Walk the streets of Dubai and you’ll hear dozens of languages spoken. The multicultural environment is one of its defining traits. In 1995, Dubai had just one tall building—the Dubai World Trade Center. Today, the city boasts over 900 skyscrapers, each more stunning than the last, many of which rank among the tallest in the world.

Even the police force in Dubai reflects the city's obsession with innovation and luxury. Forget standard patrol cars—Dubai’s police drive supercars like the Aston Martin One-77, Bentley Continental GT, and Lamborghini Aventador. These aren’t just status symbols; they’re a statement to the world that Dubai is no ordinary city.

When it comes to shopping, Dubai sets records again. Dubai Mall is not just a shopping center—it’s the largest mall in the world. With over 1,200 shops, an aquarium, an ice rink, and entertainment zones, it’s a city within a city. And then there’s Palm Jumeirah, the largest man-made island on Earth, shaped like a palm tree and visible from space. It hosts some of the most luxurious hotels and residences on the planet.

If that’s not enough, consider this: the world’s only 7-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, is also in Dubai. With its sail-like structure, gold-plated interiors, and opulence that defies imagination, it’s a global icon of luxury. And then there’s IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, where over 20,000 visitors can enjoy rides and attractions at the same time.

And here’s a fascinating piece of the story. Sheikh Mohammed once wanted to bring Disneyland to Dubai—something bigger and more magical than even the one in the U.S. But when Disneyland rejected his request, he didn’t back down. Instead, he created something grander, designing indoor adventure parks that rivaled anything Disney had to offer. That’s Dubai’s way—when the world says no, it builds something better.

All of this points to one undeniable truth: the vision of Dubai’s rulers is not ordinary. It’s massive, bold, and fearless. They don't just think ahead—they think beyond. From the edge of the desert, Dubai has leapt into the future, proving that even the most unlikely places can become the most extraordinary if the leadership dares to dream big.