UAE history

UAE History | From Ancient Civilizations, Islamic Period, until Formation of the UAE

UAE history

UAE president, UAE history

  • UAE history has passed through many challenges that created the United Arab of Emirates today. The UAE has experienced rapid economic growth and development over the past few decades. In addition, it has significant investments in infrastructure, tourism, and other sectors.
  • Besides, it has also become a popular destination for tourists from around the world. In addition, it has many attractive destinations such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. So, we will tell you in this article everything you need to know about UAE history.
  • The current president of UAE is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his birth date is 11 March 1961. In addition, he is the third president of the United Arab Emirates and also the ruler of Abu Dhabi. He succeeded Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan who died on 13th May 2022 5.

UAE map, UAE history

The UAE is located on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, and it shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia. In addition, The UAE has a total area of approximately 83,600 square kilometres.

UAE History and Culture

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, each with its own unique culture and traditions. While Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate and serves as the capital of the UAE, Dubai is the most well-known internationally, thanks to its world-class infrastructure and tourism offerings.

The region now known as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years 1.

Early History

Archaeological evidence suggests that the UAE was home to human settlements as far back as the Neolithic period (8,000 – 3,000 BCE). The area was a hub for trade and maritime activities due to its strategic location along important trade routes, such as the Silk Road and the maritime trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.

Ancient Civilizations

The UAE was part of several ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, the Babylonians, and the Persians. The region was also influenced by the ancient Indus Valley civilization and was an important centre for the trade of precious commodities, such as frankincense, myrrh, and pearls.

Islamic Period

In the 7th century CE, Islam spread to the Arabian Peninsula, including the UAE region, through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The UAE became part of the Islamic Caliphate and was ruled by various Arab and Persian dynasties over the centuries.

Portuguese and British Influence

In the 16th century, the UAE coastal areas fell under the influence of the Portuguese, who established forts along the coast to protect their trade interests. However, their control was short-lived, and in the 19th century, the region came under the influence of the British, who established treaties with the local rulers known as the Trucial States, which later formed the basis for the UAE’s modern borders.

Pearl Trade and the Trucial States

The UAE’s economy in the 18th and 19th centuries was primarily based on the pearl trade. The coastal communities relied on diving and pearl harvesting for their livelihoods. The local rulers of the coastal emirates formed a loose confederation known as the Trucial States, which maintained varying degrees of autonomy under British protection.

Formation of the UAE

As mentioned earlier, the UAE was officially formed on December 2, 1971, when the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah came together to establish a federal union. The UAE chose to remain a constitutional monarchy with a federal structure, with each emirate retaining a significant degree of autonomy while cooperating on matters of mutual interest 2.

Since its formation, the UAE has experienced remarkable economic growth, driven by the discovery of oil reserves and diversification efforts in various sectors, such as finance, real estate, tourism, and transportation. Today, the UAE is a cosmopolitan country with a rich cultural heritage, a thriving economy, and a prominent role in regional and international affairs.

When was UAE founded?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was founded on December 2nd, 1971. On this day, the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah came together to form a federation, with Ras Al Khaimah joining later in 1972. The UAE became an independent nation after the end of British colonial rule, and the founding of the federation marked a significant turning point in the history of the region.

Pearl diving in UAE history3

  • Pearl diving has a long and rich history in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dating back centuries. Prior to the discovery of oil, pearl diving was one of the main sources of income for people in the region, particularly in the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
  • Pearl diving was a dangerous occupation that involved diving to great depths without any modern diving equipment. In addition, Divers would spend hours at a time at the bottom of the sea, collecting oysters and searching for pearls.
  • Today, pearl diving is no longer a major industry in the UAE, as oil and also other industries have taken over.

UAE capital

Dubai
  • UAE capital is Abu Dhabi. Besides, it is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the UAE and is located on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. Besides, Abu Dhabi is also the centre of the country’s political, industrial, and cultural activities. In addition, it is home to many important government buildings and institutions, including the Presidential Palace and the Federal Supreme Court.

UAE population

According to the statistics 2021, UAE population is 9.365 million. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a diverse and cosmopolitan society. In addition, there are a mix of local Emiratis and expatriates from all over the world. According to the UAE government, as of 2020, the population of the UAE is around 9.9 million people, and the breakdown of nationalities such as the following:

  • Emirati nationals: approximately 1.4 million
  • Indian nationals: approximately 3.4 million
  • Pakistani nationals: approximately 1.5 million
  • Bangladeshi nationals: approximately 700,000
  • Filipino nationals: approximately 700,000
  • Egyptian nationals: approximately 300,000
  • Other nationalities, including those from Western countries, Arab countries, and East Asian countries, make up the remaining population.

what are the 7 UAE countries?

The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates. UAE states are such as:

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai
  • Sharjah
  • Ajman
  • Umm Al Quwain
  • Ras Al Khaimah
  • Fujairah

United Arab Emirates destinations

There are many attractive destinations in UAE such as:

1- Burj Khalifa

It is the tallest building in the world. Besides, Visitors can take a trip to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

2- Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall Best places to visit in the Middle East

The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in UAE, with over 1,200 stores. It is also home to an indoor aquarium, an ice rink, and a virtual reality park. In addition to its fountain that attracts many tourists as it is near Burj Khalifa.

3-Burj Al Arab

Burj Al-Arab Hotel Dubai in Palm Jumeirah island

The Burj Al Arab is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and it takes the shape of a sailboat. It is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy high tea.

4-Desert safari

Safari Dubai desert-

You can take a desert safari tour to experience the dunes, ride camels, and enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.

5-Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah island UAE history

It is a man-made island which takes the shape of a palm tree. It is home to luxurious hotels, restaurants, and a waterpark.

6-Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai-Miracle-Garden-Heart-01-dubai-photoshoot

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a wonderful floral garden. Besides, it has over 45 million flowers, and these flowers are arranged in various designs 4.

The highest temperature in UAE history

The highest temperature ever recorded in the UAE was 52.1°C (125.8°F) in Al Ain in July 2002. The UAE has a hot desert climate, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F) during summer. The country has invested in infrastructure and technology to cope with the extreme heat, including shaded areas, cooling systems, and scheduling outdoor activities during cooler times.

UAE currency history

The currency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the Emirati Dirham (AED). The dirham appeared in 1973, replacing the Qatar and Dubai Riyal, which had been the currency of the region since the 1960s. The dirham is divided into 100 fils and is issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 dirhams.

In conclusion, The UAE history proves its current development and improvements as a whole is known for its diverse economy.

References

  1. “UAE: The Making of a Nation” by Mohammed Al-Fahim
  2. “The United Arab Emirates: A Modern History” by Mohammad Khalaf Al-Mazrouei.
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14704414
  4. https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/tourist-attractions?delta=40
  5. https://eaa.gov.ae/en/pages/government-in-the-uae.html

FAQs

Who found UAE first?

Sheikh Zayed is the one who founded The United Arab of Emirates.

How did UAE get rich?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world due to several factors, including oil and gas reserves, strategic location, tourism industry, diversification efforts, and political stability.

What is unique about UAE?

UAE is unique for having many towers everywhere, especially Burj Khalifa.