in the Mind of the Nation
In the past, Abu Dhabi dwellers used to live in three areas: Liwa oasis, Al Ain oasis, and Al Dhafra. They depended on raising camels, fishing, pearling, and dates as a means of survival. They were also constantly on the move.
In the early 1930s, to reach the city of Abu Dhabi, one had to go through Dubai or Sharjah. The shallow waters around the coast prohibited the ships from reaching land. In the desert, traveling from one place to another was via camels and sometimes vehicles. Thus; water and food supplies represented a real problem for the people as they were forced to get them from faraway Ras Al Khaimah.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, most of the buildings in Abu Dhabi became dilapidated; following the end of the golden era of trade during the 20s and the 30s, when the natural pearl was replaced by the artificial one. Pearling had been the main source of people’s income at that time.
MARKETS OF THE PAST
Markets in the city were small and included basic foodstuff as well as other imported materials. It provided the locals with items such as vegetables, fruits, coal, and livestock, which were transported on camelback. Transport by sea was an option for a few privileged residents in some main areas, and during certain seasons only, pearling boats were available for use. Ripe dates were produced locally. However, palm trees were disperse, and not of good quality. Moreover, dates did not ripen as early as those in the hotter areas in the south.
Every village along the coast of the Trucial Coast (as the area was known until the late 1960s) had its own market, exactly as was the case in the inner areas. Such markets differed in size, however, each of which had a certain significance to the people who were just fighting to survive among such relentless surroundings.
Shops were shielded with fronds in order to provide some shade for the clients. Merchants sometimes built air towers using posts taken from mangrove trunks, and then covered them by sacks. Shops also had stone benches for sellers to use to expose their goods. On the other hand, fish loads that came from the sea were kept outside the market. The same applied to materials of big volumes such as wood, which was used in ship building. Prices varied from place to place with the Indian Rupee being the prevalent currency.
ABU DHABI TODAY
On August 6, 1966, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became ruler of Abu Dhabi. That date signified the area’s journey towards the renaissance that culminated in the Federation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2nd, 1971.
Eventually, life improved for the people of the area. Finally, the treasure had been found. Oil arrived and a new era was born. The people could now enjoy the development of their country under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, who worked wisely and with great determination. He knew how worthy this gift was in such an arid desert.Abu Dhabi covers an area of 67340 km2. It extends to about 200 km. This area is about 86.67% of the total area of the UAE, making Abu Dhabi Emirate the largest of all the seven emirates.
Today, Abu Dhabi Emirate is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Khalifah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, following the death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in November 2022. Abu Dhabi, whose name is derived from the mountain gazelle, or Al Dhabi, consists of three main areas. The first is the city of Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of the UAE and home of the presidency. The second is the Eastern part of the Emirate; Al Ain city. The third is the Western part, which includes many islands and areas such as Dalma, Sir Bani Yas, Das, and Abu Al Abyadh, as well as the coastal and internal areas such as Madinat Zayed, Al Merfaa, Ghayathi, and the oases of Liwa.
Ministries, federal institutions, embassies, and Arab and foreign diplomatic corps are all based in Abu Dhabi. This city is known for its wide, calm, and clean streets with plenty of gardens, beautiful beaches and modern skyscrapers. Its charming Corniche is its major landmark, combining greenery, a beautiful view of the sea and clean sidewalks. It is evolving as a tourist attraction where visitors can enjoy marvelous scenery and a relaxing place offering serenity and beauty
