Telling Tales : An Oral History of Dubai

A city built on sand, stories, and spirit.

Telling Tales: An Oral History of Dubai is a captivating, must-read tribute to the voices behind one of the world’s most astonishing transformations. Through a collection of personal interviews and first-hand accounts, this book preserves the memories of Emiratis and long-time residents who lived through Dubai’s evolution from a modest Gulf town to a dazzling global hub.

Each chapter brings to life the daily realities, traditions, and turning points that shaped the city: from pearl diving and desert trade to the arrival of oil and the rise of skyscrapers. Told in their own words, these stories offer a deeply human perspective on progress, identity, and the values that still ground a rapidly modernizing society.

Perfect for readers interested in Middle Eastern culture, UAE history, or storytelling that brings the past vividly to life, Telling Tales is the best book for anyone seeking to understand Dubai beyond the headlines through the voices of the people who made it.