During the Islamic periods the Emirate was populated and played an important role in the international trade between Iraq and Oman.  

The strategic geographic location of ancient Dubai, together with the other Emirates - played an important role in the East-west trade through Mesopotamia, Baluchistan and Indusvalley. So it is clear the Emirate of Dubai, presently one of the most active markets in the world, played a very important role in establishing human civilization some 5000 years back. The discoveries dating back to the beginning of third millennium B.C. showed that they achieved good progress in the field of the arts, construction and industry. Their commercial relation with other centres of civilizations flourished. 

The Archaeological discoveries in the Emirate of Dubai has revealed that the Emirate had an impressive ancient history and civilization which dates back 5000 years. This is indicated by various items such as domestic and funerial pottery, soft stone vessels, jewellery beads, shells and pearls all found in burial grave and in the settlements of AI Ghusais, Hatta, Umm Saqeim and Jumeirah.