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Quizzes > History

Dubai history quiz: How well do you know the city's past?

Quick, free Dubai quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Riska FajarinaUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Dubai history quiz on a dark blue background

This Dubai history quiz helps you test what you know about the city's past, from pearl diving and trade routes to its skyline. Answer 15 quick questions, see instant results, and learn a few facts as you go. For more challenges, try our UAE quiz, explore a Middle East history quiz, or celebrate with a national day quiz.

In which year was Dubai founded?
1833
1747
1901
1853
Dubai was founded in 1833 when the Al Bu Falasah, a section of the Bani Yas tribe, settled at the mouth of the creek. This marked the beginning of the city’s recorded history and its strategic trading position. Over time, the small fishing village grew into the global metropolis we know today. .
Which sub-tribe of the Bani Yas settled in Dubai in 1833?
Al Bu Falasah
Al Qasimi
Al Maktoum
Al Nahyan
The Al Bu Falasah, a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, moved north from Abu Dhabi to settle in Dubai in 1833. Their leader, Maktoum bin Butti, established Dubai’s first ruling family. This migration set the stage for Dubai’s emergence as a trading hub. .
Dubai was historically known for which marine-based industry?
Offshore oil drilling
Whaling
Pearl diving
Fishing
Before oil was discovered, Dubai’s economy relied heavily on pearl diving. Divers used traditional boats called dhows to collect natural pearls from the Gulf. This industry peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before the advent of cultured pearls. .
What natural resource discovery in 1966 transformed Dubai’s economy?
Gold
Natural gas
Diamonds
Oil
In 1966, oil was discovered in Dubai’s offshore fields, marking a turning point in its development. Revenues from oil exports funded infrastructure, education, and diversification into trade and tourism. This discovery laid the foundation for modern Dubai’s rapid growth. .
Dubai is one of how many emirates in the United Arab Emirates?
6
8
9
7
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Each emirate retains a degree of autonomy under the federal system. Dubai is the second largest by size and population. .
Which building is the world’s tallest located in Dubai?
Burj Al Arab
Emirates Tower
Cayan Tower
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa stands at 828 meters and has held the title of the world's tallest building since its completion in 2010. It features observation decks, residential units, and commercial space. Its construction showcased Dubai’s ambition and engineering prowess. .
In which year did Dubai join the United Arab Emirates?
1971
1965
1951
1981
Dubai was one of the six emirates that formed the UAE on December 2, 1971, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in early 1972. This federation followed the British withdrawal from the Trucial States. Sheikh Zayed of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid of Dubai were key figures in the union. .
The Dubai Creek was historically important for which trade?
Gold trade
Spice trade
Pearl trade
Textile trade
Dubai Creek served as a natural harbor for dhows carrying pearls and other goods. The pearl trade was central to Dubai’s economy before the decline caused by cultured pearls and the discovery of oil. The creek remains a vibrant area today with traditional markets and tourism. .
Who is the ruling family of Dubai?
Al Qubaisi
Al Nahyan
Al Maktoum
Al Qasimi
The Al Maktoum family has ruled Dubai since 1833, beginning with Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum. They have overseen Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a global city. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the current ruler. .
What is the name of Dubai’s largest airport?
Dubai International Airport
Sharjah International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport
Al Maktoum International Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is one of the busiest airports in the world by international passenger traffic. It serves as a major global hub with extensive connections. The newer Al Maktoum International primarily handles cargo and some passenger traffic. .
Which palm-shaped, man-made archipelago is located off the coast of Dubai?
Jumeirah Bay
Bluewaters Island
Palm Jumeirah
The World Islands
Palm Jumeirah is the iconic palm-tree-shaped archipelago completed in the mid-2000s. It hosts luxury hotels, villas, and residential buildings. The World Islands is another project but arranged as a world map. .
In which year did the Burj Al Arab hotel open?
1995
2000
2001
1999
The Burj Al Arab opened in December 1999 on an artificial island off Jumeirah Beach. It was designed to resemble a ship’s sail and has become a symbol of Dubai’s luxury tourism. It was once the world’s most expensive hotel ever built. .
What major event did Dubai host in 2020 (postponed due to the pandemic)?
FIFA World Cup
Commonwealth Games
Summer Olympics
Expo 2020
Dubai was selected to host Expo 2020, a world exposition showcasing innovation and culture. It was postponed to 2021–2022 due to COVID-19 but retained the Expo 2020 name. It drew millions of visitors from around the world. .
Which historic neighborhood is known for its wind-tower architecture?
Deira
Al Fahidi Historic District
Jumeirah
Business Bay
The Al Fahidi Historic District, also called Al Bastakiya, features traditional wind-tower houses built in the late 19th century. These towers provided natural cooling through airflow before air conditioning. Today it’s a cultural heritage site with museums and galleries. .
What was the primary currency used in Dubai before the UAE dirham?
Gulf rupee
Maria Theresa thaler
Indian rupee
Saudi riyal
Before the UAE dirham was introduced in 1973, the Gulf rupee issued by the Indian government was used in Dubai and other Trucial States. It replaced the Indian rupee in 1959 and was in circulation until 1966. The dirham later unified the currency across the federation. .
What is the Arabic name for Dubai Creek?
Khor Al Adaid
Wadi Dubai
Wadi Al Shindagha
Khor Dubai
Dubai Creek is locally known as Khor Dubai, where 'khor' means an inlet or creek in Arabic. It has been central to Dubai’s maritime trade since the settlement’s founding. The creek continues to serve leisure and tourism purposes today. .
Which ruler established the Dubai Customs Department in 1901?
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed
Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum
In 1901, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum formalized customs collection in Dubai to boost revenue from maritime trade. This step helped regulate and expand commerce through the creek. His administration is credited with professionalizing Dubai’s early economy. .
What was the approximate population of Dubai in 1960?
100,000
10,000
20,000
50,000
In 1960, Dubai’s population was around 20,000 people, reflecting its modest size as a trading port before the oil boom. The discovery of oil and subsequent development drove rapid population growth in the following decades. Today it exceeds 3 million. .
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve was established in which year?
2011
2003
2005
2008
The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) was established in 2003 as the emirate’s first national reserve. It protects native flora and fauna, including Arabian oryx and sand gazelles. The DDCR covers about 225 square kilometers of desert. .
What is considered Dubai’s first skyscraper, completed in the late 1970s?
Emirates Tower One
Etisalat Tower
Dubai World Trade Centre
Burj Al Arab
The Dubai World Trade Centre, opened in 1979, is widely regarded as Dubai’s first skyscraper at 39 floors and 184 meters tall. It signified the emirate’s shift toward global business and finance. It remains an iconic landmark. .
Under whose reign did oil exports begin in Dubai in 1969?
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum
Oil exports from Dubai’s offshore Fateh field began in 1969 under Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s rule. These revenues accelerated modernization, funding infrastructure, ports, and free zones. Sheikh Rashid’s leadership was pivotal in Dubai’s economic transformation. .
In what year was the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) established?
1975
2000
1985
1990
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) was established in 1985 to attract foreign businesses with tax incentives and simplified customs procedures. It became one of the world’s largest and busiest free zones, driving trade and logistics. JAFZA remains a pillar of Dubai’s diversified economy. .
Which fortress, built in the late 18th century, is one of the oldest structures in Dubai?
Al Fahidi Fort
Al Shindagha Fort
Al Qusais Fort
Bastakiya Fort
Al Fahidi Fort was constructed around 1787 and served as a defensive structure, ruler’s residence, and prison. It now houses the Dubai Museum, showcasing the city’s heritage. It’s one of the oldest standing buildings in the emirate. .
True or False: The first oil export from Dubai occurred in 1969 under the supervision of British Petroleum.
True
False
Dubai’s first oil exports began in 1969 under a concession with British Petroleum and partners. These early exports financed major infrastructure projects and laid the groundwork for the modern economy. The venture marked Dubai’s transformation from a trading port to an oil-producing state. .
Which treaty signed in 1853 brought maritime peace to the Trucial States including Dubai?
Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853
Treaty of Guadalupe
Treaty of Lausanne
Anglo-Trucial Treaty
The Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853 was signed between Britain and rulers of the Trucial States to suppress piracy and ensure safe passage for ships. This truce laid the foundation for decades of maritime peace and paved the way for later agreements forming the UAE. It was a key moment in Gulf history. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Key Historical Milestones -

    Recall major events highlighted in our dubai quiz, from Bedouin beginnings to the rise of skyscrapers, to chart the city's transformation over time.

  2. Identify Foundational Traditions -

    Identify the Bedouin customs and maritime heritage covered in the history of dubai quiz, understanding how these traditions shaped modern society.

  3. Analyze Cultural Influences -

    Analyze how trade, religion, and migration influenced Dubai's development by engaging with targeted dubai trivia questions on each era.

  4. Assess Your Knowledge Gaps -

    Assess your strengths and weaknesses after completing the quiz on dubai history, enabling you to focus on areas that need deeper exploration.

  5. Discover Hidden Facts -

    Discover lesser-known stories and surprising heritage highlights through our dubai heritage quiz, enriching your appreciation of the city's past.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Bedouin Beginnings and Early Settlement -

    Dubai's roots trace back to Bedouin tribes settling around 1799 on the Shindagha Peninsula, with evidence from Dubai Municipality archives confirming habitation near Al Fahidi Fort. A simple mnemonic - "BePS" (Bedouins, Pearls, Sheikhs) - can help you recall the city's transformation stages for your dubai quiz. Official Emirati heritage sites like the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood offer firsthand context to boost your answers.

  2. Pearl Diving Economy and British Treaties -

    Before oil, Dubai thrived on pearl diving, as detailed by the UAE Ministry of Economy, with annual yields peaking in the 1930s. In 1820 and 1892, Dubai signed pivotal truces with Britain - often called the "General Maritime Treaty" and the "Exclusive Agreement" - that shaped its trade-friendly status. Remember "1820 - 92 = Trade Ties" to ace related dubai trivia questions.

  3. Oil Discovery and Federation Formation -

    Oil was first discovered at the Fateh field in 1966 (source: Petroleum Development Oman), catalyzing rapid growth and leading to the UAE federation on December 2, 1971. A handy timeline formula - 1966 (Oil) → 1971 (UAE) - will help you lock in these milestone years for any history of dubai quiz. Scholarly journals like the Middle East Journal detail how revenue fueled infrastructure projects.

  4. Skyline Revolution: Burj Khalifa and Beyond -

    Completed in 2010, the Burj Khalifa (828 meters) became the world's tallest building, symbolizing Dubai's daring urban vision (source: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat). Linking "828" with "8 continents + 2 styles" can serve as a quirky memory hook for dubai heritage quiz questions. University of Pennsylvania architecture studies underscore its role in global design trends.

  5. Diversification: Tourism, Expo 2020, and Cultural Fusion -

    To reduce oil dependence, Dubai embraced tourism, hosting Expo 2020 and launching culturally immersive sites like the Museum of the Future (UNESCO advisory). Think "T-E-C" (Tourism, Expo, Culture) to swiftly recall diversification pillars when tackling a quiz on dubai history. Official UAE tourism statistics reveal a steady rise in annual visitors, highlighting the strategy's success.

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