History of UAE

History of the UAE

Sift through the sands of time in the UAE.

It may be set in an ancient land with expansive deserts, distinctive tribal groups, and rich Arab heritage, but modern-day United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a relatively young country. It was formed only in 1971 by the union of seven different Emirates, each continuously populated for thousands of years. A visit to the UAE offers incredible insights into how the ancient and the modern can co-exist side by side – where a civilization that can trace its roots back a hundred thousand years now boasts a skyline that rivals some of the most impressive in the world!

The Modern UAE

The Seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras al Khaimah) united in 1971 (though Ras al Khaimah joined in 1972) under the authority of Sheikh Zayed of Dubai. Today the Sheikh lies interred in the grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which is a masterpiece of contemporary and classic Arabian architecture, resplendent in brilliant white. A remarkable piece of architecture, visit this mosque with us and discover hundreds of grand towers, chandeliers of 24-carat gold, the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.

The UAE is one of the world’s largest exporters of oil – one of the main reasons for the region’s considerable wealth. Indeed, Dubai has grown from a small port city at the edge of a desert to one of the world’s most popular destinations in just around forty years. There is no better way to gain a sense of this immense growth than a tour of modern Dubai with a local expert, past glittering malls and boutique hotels to the Palm Jumeirah (an artificial island shaped like a palm tree), and of course, the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

Today, visitors from all over the world flock to the UAE for its world class hotels and shopping centers, vibrant events and festivals, and exotic location.

The Old World

For many centuries, the region was home to numerous loosely connected Sheikdoms and tribal cultures. This was until the land came to be dominated by European Imperial powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. From 1820 to 1971, the region, which is now the UAE, was called the Trucial States and at the time was more famous for pearls than oil and tourism.

For a real sense of the old UAE, visit Abu Dhabi’s heritage village with our experts. A walk through the city’s traditional mud-brick houses, through bustling souks, and peaceful mosques will have you delving deep into UAE’s age old traditions and mores. In the cool evening, you could head out to the desert and enjoy a safari ride to a Bedouin camp – just like in the old days!

We’re happy to welcome you to the UAE – a land where the ancient lives harmoniously with the modern.