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Abu Dabi History, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is considered as the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is regarded as the center for government and business in the country. It is rich in terms of historical and cultural heritage.

Early History

Abu Dhabi traces its roots from herding and fishing. It has been said that early settlements in the area were found as early as 3000 BC. The so-called Bani Yas was the tribe which primarily controlled the land. The same had the control over Dubai as well.

The existence of Abu Dhabi was seen with too much violence with a war against the sheikhdom of Sharjah. In 1892, the kingdom was under British rule which further left the traces of war. It was a long period of struggle for the natives of the federal city.

The Rule of Sheikh Shakhbut

During the middle part of the 20th century, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan ruled the land. The years 1928 to 1966 were considered a period of stillness and serenity. There was a disruption in between, specifically from 1945 to 1948, when Abu Dhabi had a war with Dubai.

Another notable event in this era was when Sheikh Bin-Sultan managed to arrange a compromise with the Trucial Coast Development Oil Company (now known as the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company). This was an attempt to industrialize the city and begin its strife for a lead in the petroleum industry. It is known that neighboring countries in the Middle East are famous for their petroleum products. The said goods are considered to be the source of wealth for these nations.

Oil was first discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1958. Since this emergence, petroleum exports grew in statistics beginning in 1962. This became very vital in the economic growth of the city thus leading to more fruitful trade relations with the world. It even paved the way to construction of large infrastructures which marked the beginning of a better future for its people.

The Rule of Sheikh Zayed

The rule of Sheikh Shakhbut was preceded by his brother Zayed Al Nahayan who had more faith on the oil industry. The former had some doubts on oil royalties thus favoring more of saving rather than adapting to modernization. With British help, Al Nahayan became ruler of the land in August 6, 1966. He then started his own vision for the development of Abu Dhabi.

It was in the year 1968 when the United Kingdom announced its 1971 withdrawal from the Gulf. As an end result, Bahrain and Qatar became independent, thus leading to the creation of the United Arab Emirates. In December 2, 1971, with the efforts exerted by Sheikh Zayed, UAE was formed and Abu Dhabi became its capital.

Despite Abu Dhabi’s experiences on war, it never failed to find its way to prosperity. With the help of the rulers and its people, it is currently enjoying its status as one of the wealthiest areas in the world in terms of oil. As of the present, it is now faced with towering buildings and remarkable infrastructures.