As time has passed and construction around the city of Dubai progresses, unearthing the sand has revealed various clues about the people who used to live on the land. Some of its earliest hints point towards nomadic cattle herders who worshipped the pagan god of Bajir. Though the ruthless sands have left little in the way of artifacts. The modern city of Dubai was originally settled by the Bani Yas tribe in the early 19th century. By 1833, the settlement and its surroundings would be ruled by the Al Maktoum dynasty. Founded by Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti bin Suhail, his descendants would rule Dubai to this day, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as its current ruler. The city would be known for its fishing and pearling industries and would become a British protectorate in 1892. By 1903, Dubai would become a port of call for a British steamship line, further developing its economy. Becoming a major business port would be the center it’s economy for years to come. Although a smaller component of its economy, oil was discovered in Dubai in 1966, adding fuel to the city's development. Later in 1968, the British announced it would end its protectorate status over the Trucial States. The Sheikh of Dubai, Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, would play a key role in the establishment of a new country. The United Arab Emirates would be formed on 2 December 1971, initially comprising six emirates. Ras al-Khaimah would join about a month later, on 10 January 1972, taking the UAE to its current seven-member structure. Today, the city is known as a major hub for many industries in the Middle East. As the home to the world's tallest building and many other sites, it is a prime location for tourists to come and see. It is another place we would recommend a visit for anyone interested!