The city of Dubai was once a humble fishing village in the 18th century. That was because it was primarily inhabited by Bedouins and fishermen who relied on the sea for their livelihoods. The discovery of oil in 1966 transformed the region, sparking rapid development and urbanistation in the city. As Dubai evolved from its modest beginnings, it became a global metropolis known for luxury, tourism and trade. Today, remnants of its fishing heritage can still be seen in areas like the Dubai Creek, which remains a vital part of the city’s history.

Dubai is one of seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE) founded on December 2 1971. The other six emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah,Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.

Dubai is positioned on the northern coastline of the UAE, facing the Arabian Gulf. It is bordered by Abu Dhabi to the south, Sharjah to the northeast and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast. Dubai is easy to reach from Africa, Asia and Europe and within an eight hour flight for two-thirds of the world’s population. This has helped turn the city into a global hub and popular holiday destination. Dubai is well known for its modern architecture. The city is home to some of the finest skyscrapers and stunning modern buildings. The Burj Khalifa is the most iconic of them all, standing at 828 metres (2,716 feet). It is the tallest building globally and a symbol of the city’s ambition. The latest cultural landmark is the Dubai Frame an iconic structure that ‘frames’ views of Old and New Dubai. The Dubai Frame celebrates the story of Dubai from its early establishment to its ambitious plans for future development.

The falcon is the national bird of the UAE, this bird symbolises strength, pride and heritage, three parameters on which the entire city revolves. Deeply ingrained in Emirati culture, falconry has been practised for centuries as both a sport and a traditional hunting method.

Falcons are highly valued, with specialised training centres and even passports for their travel, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to preserving this cultural icon. The bird represents qualities admired in the UAE resilience, precision, and grace making the falcon a powerful symbol of national identity and pride.