Today is National Day here in the UAE!
December 2, 1971 (yes only 39 years ago!) was the day that the 6 Emirates joined together to become one country. (The 7th Emirate – Ras Al Khaimah – joined the following year.) It is a huge holiday here as these people are very proud of their country. So I thought it fitting that I include some history of the UAE in my blog.
Not that long ago Abu Dhabi was inhabited by a nomadic Bedouin tribe. In 1793 with the discovery of freshwater in this desert region, the ruling Al Nahyan family moved into the area. During the early 1800’s the town grew thanks in part to income from pearling. At this time, the emirates were ruled by Britain. In 1892, Britain agreed to give the emirates control over their internal affairs but kept control of defense and foreign affairs.
In 1958 oil was discovered in the area, and Abu Dhabi began exporting oil in 1962. In 1968 Britain withdrew its interest in the region. The ruling Sheikh at the time was then replaced by his brother, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The emirates realized that if they unified under one flag, they could become a stronger nation. So in 1971 the federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was formed under Sheikh Zayed. At this time “most roads in the emirates were desert tracks, and health care, electricity, and clean water were just becoming commonplace.” A census from the mid 1960’s counts the population of Abu Dhabi at about 25,000 – now it is estimated at 1.5 million! This is amazing when one sees what the city look like now! And the population is expected to reach 2.5 million by 2015!
Sheikh Zayed was extremely popular. His views towards Christians and the freedoms he gave Western workers in the UAE was in contrast to the views of other neighboring countries. He oversaw major developments in healthcare facilities and education. “He embraced change without compromising the principles of Arabic heritage and culture”. He passed away in 2004 and the emirates’ ruling sheikhs chose his son Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayan to succeed his father. Sheikh Khalifa is the current President of the UAE and also the ruler of Abu Dhabi. Each emirate has it’s own ruler or Sheikh. His brother Sheikh Mohammed is the current Crown Prince. The next in line as ruler of the UAE.
The National Day Festivities began last night with laser shows and decorative lights around the city. Tonight there will be fireworks, concerts, and general craziness as is fitting for Abu Dhabi! As we have learned to say here, “Abu Dhabi doesn’t do anything that isn’t exciting!” We live just one block off the Corniche where much of the festivities will take place. I can hear the car horns honking as I write this! As I said earlier, the people here are very patriotic – it’s neat to witness and be part of their enthusiasm! We are doing our part by having Leon’s office over later to watch the fireworks! The girls have enjoyed getting the house decorated with the country colors – green, red, white & black! I’m happy that after only 4 months they feel a part of this city!
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