Dubai
Dubai (Arabic: دبي) was a major city and the capital of the United Arab Emirates until 2044. Once considered the crown jewel of the Persian Gulf, it now lies in ruins, completely swallowed by the Rub' al Khali. The city began in the 18th century as a small fishing village, but in the early 21st century, it became a major hub for tourism. The city was heavily supported by oil revenue in its early years, but later became self-sustaining with funds from trade, tourism and financial services.
As the world transitioned away from oil, Dubai became increasingly important in the UAE's economy. Larger and more spectacular buildings continued being constructed, even as concerns over climate change became increasingly apparent. Massive sandstorms wracked the city in the 2030s, and massive geo-engineering efforts were attempted to save the city. However, due to these sandstorms, the tourism industry began to collapse, and the city became a drain on the UAE's finances.
By 2040, it was clear that any effort to save the city would cost more than the Gulf states had to spend, if it was even possible. As such, the decision was made to evacuate the city. Millions of people were relocated to other settlements in the Gulf, furthering instability in the UAE and Qatar. Despite the claims of UAE officials that the evacuation was conducted in an orderly fashion, hundreds of thousands of people were forcibly removed from their homes overnight at points, and much of the city still looks as if the inhabitants simply got up and left in the middle of dinner.
Due to the large amounts of valuables still located in the city, thousands of desperate people have flocked there - despite the inhosbitibility and danger. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which now controls the city, occasionally sends in forces to clear out whatever scavengers they find.
As the world transitioned away from oil, Dubai became increasingly important in the UAE's economy. Larger and more spectacular buildings continued being constructed, even as concerns over climate change became increasingly apparent. Massive sandstorms wracked the city in the 2030s, and massive geo-engineering efforts were attempted to save the city. However, due to these sandstorms, the tourism industry began to collapse, and the city became a drain on the UAE's finances.
By 2040, it was clear that any effort to save the city would cost more than the Gulf states had to spend, if it was even possible. As such, the decision was made to evacuate the city. Millions of people were relocated to other settlements in the Gulf, furthering instability in the UAE and Qatar. Despite the claims of UAE officials that the evacuation was conducted in an orderly fashion, hundreds of thousands of people were forcibly removed from their homes overnight at points, and much of the city still looks as if the inhabitants simply got up and left in the middle of dinner.
Due to the large amounts of valuables still located in the city, thousands of desperate people have flocked there - despite the inhosbitibility and danger. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which now controls the city, occasionally sends in forces to clear out whatever scavengers they find.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
2044
Founding Date
Early 18th century
Alternative Name(s)
Dubayy
Type
City
Population
Officially 0, unofficially several thousand
Inhabitant Demonym
Dubaian
Owning Organization
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