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Before British rule, the desert was mainly inhabited by Bedouins who traveled extensively in search of food, water, and shelter. During this time, merchant activities thrived, laying the foundation of the UAE's trade history intertwined with Islam. In 1971, the 'Trucial States,' as they were formerly known, gained independence from British treaties and formed the United Arab Emirates. Today, the UAE stands as one of the few oil-exporting countries with a highly diversified economy, comprising seven emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah—each with its own unique history. The traditional Arab hospitality is well-known, with locals being warm, welcoming, and hospitable towards visitors.

Key Points

• The pearling industry played a pivotal role in UAE history from the 19th to the 20th centuries, exporting pearls to India and other South Asian countries. It served as a major source of economic revenue and employment opportunities
• The desert was primarily inhabited by Bedouins who roamed extensively in search of essential resources like food, water, and shelter. Amidst their nomadic lifestyle, vibrant merchant activities flourished, establishing the foundation of the UAE's trade history intertwined with Islamic influences

Trade has played a pivotal role in the UAE's development due to its strategic location in the Gulf, connecting trade routes between Europe and Asia. The British occupied the region to facilitate faster trade with India, China, and other nations. Currently, Dubai hosts the annual 'Global Village,' enhancing trade between the East and West where countries set up stalls and merchants sell their goods.

While Europeans used the coasts for trade, Bedouins and other tribes utilized the mainland for more conventional trade practices. Archaeological findings in the UAE indicate extensive trade relations with Mesopotamia.

The pearling industry was also crucial to UAE history during the 19th and 20th centuries, exporting pearls to India and other South Asian countries, providing significant financial revenue and employment. The industry declined with the advent of artificial pearls from Japan. However, the tradition of pearl diving can still be experienced at Yas Waterworld. Deira Creek, once a bustling commercial center, continues to thrive with commercial activities. A dhow cruise down the creek offers a serene experience at night, contrasting with its daytime hustle and bustle.

The Emirates

Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital emirate of the UAE, is rich in archaeological findings that attest to early civilizations. Jebel Hafeet, the nation's second-highest peak and a renowned tourist destination, holds UNESCO heritage status due to its archaeological significance. More than 500 ancient tombs, particularly notable in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, provide insights into the Bronze Age era. The Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi further explores the Emirates' heritage and culture, offering a profound narrative on the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the nation's founding father.

Dubai

In the history of the UAE, the Al-Fahidi Fort in Dubai was constructed in 1787 to safeguard Dubai Creek from potential invasions due to its bustling commercial activities. Today, the fort houses the Dubai Museum. In earlier times, it served multiple purposes including as a residence for the ruling family, a prison, and a garrison. The museum's collection includes old maps, weaponry, musical instruments, artifacts, and various items that offer insights into the traditional lifestyle of the emirate.

Al Qusais, now a densely populated residential area, was once a vast graveyard containing graves dating back 3000-4000 years. The Bastakia Quarter is a perfect destination for those interested in authentic Arabian architecture. This neighborhood was originally settled by Persian merchants who came to conduct trade after their trade taxes were waived. Visitors to Bastakia can experience traditional Wind Towers, narrow alleyways, and buildings constructed from coral and limestone.

Sharjah

Formerly renowned as the wealthiest town in the region, Sharjah is now recognized as the cultural capital of the UAE. It was historically significant as a major pearl fishing port. In the 16th century, the Portuguese Empire captured Kalba, an exclave of Sharjah known for its nature reserve and mangrove swamps, as well as Khorfakkan, a town nestled near Khorfakkan Bay surrounded by the Hajar Mountains.

Sharjah attracts residents and tourists alike for its beautiful beaches and archaeological sites, including a ruined Portuguese port and ancient graves. The Maritime Museum in Sharjah is a notable attraction, showcasing historical vessels used for various purposes such as warfare and trade. Among its prized exhibits is 'The Pearl,' believed to be one of the world's oldest pearls with an estimated age of seven thousand years.

Fujairah

Now renowned among residents as a getaway resort, Wadi Ham was historically a crucial trade route connecting the Emirates with neighboring countries. This area is also notable for housing the nation's oldest mosque, Al Badiyah Mosque, constructed in 1446.

Umm al-Quwain

The least populated emirate in the UAE, was historically a bustling town supported by trade and agriculture as its main economic activities. The semi-nomadic tribes in the region were known for their expertise in smelting copper and cultivating crops such as dates, wheat, and millet.

During the era of the Trucial States, Umm al-Quwain gained recognition as a significant boat-building center. The Umm al-Quwain Fort, now open to tourists as a museum, once served as the residence of the emirate's ruler and guarded its territory, overlooking both the sea and a creek. Today, the museum displays artifacts from nearby archaeological sites and weaponry used throughout the history of the UAE.

Nearby, the town of Al-Dour has emerged as an important archaeological site, recognized as one of the largest pre-Islamic sites along the coast of the Persian Gulf. It was a crucial trading port, evidenced by the presence of two public monuments dedicated to the Sun God at the site.

Ras al-Khaimah

The last emirate to join the UAE in 1972, was historically known as Julfar and founded by Armenians. It held significant importance as the former capital of Sharjah. The emirate boasts important archaeological sites such as Sheba's Palace, a restored ancient site, and the largest Umm an-Nar tombs in the entire Arabian Peninsula.

The coastal areas of Ras Al Khaimah earned the notorious moniker 'The Pirate Coast' due to rampant maritime piracy. The Battle of Ras al Khaimah in 1809 resulted in the destruction of the 16th-century Dhayah Fort, and remnants of the tower destroyed during the battle can still be observed at the site today.

Ajman

The smallest emirate in the nation boasts an excellent coastal history and Islamic heritage. The Al Nuaim tribe settled here permanently here, which forms the foundation of the human settlement in recent history. The main types of occupation were pearling and fishing. Ajman was the region's biggest Boat Building Centre.

The history of UAE showed that it was always a sought-after land by the Portuguese, English and the Dutch owing to its strategic location and being a trade hub, something that it still is. Later on, the English used this mainly to enhance trade with India and increase naval power in the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese initially maintained influence in the area and controlled the coastal areas, started building forts and thereby forming the human settlement in the land which initially was of the nomadic tribes. Though, the trade still flourishes in this part of the world, much of its former history is lost in ruins. Visit one of the many museums and forts built here, to reconnect with the former glory of the nation.

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