From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates

Fülszöveg

From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates
Few countries have changed as rapidly in the course of one generation as the United Arab Emirates. How did these momentous developments affect the society? This definitive book provides a solidly researched picture of the traditional way of life in the
seven Trucial States before the wealth from oil and the transformation into the most stable of federations in the Arab World opened completely new horizons. The author has lived in
Abu Dhabi continuously since 1967 and is ideally placed to provide an insight into the background behind many recent and
current developments in the UAE.
The Trucial States had little to offer the outside world prior to the discovery of oil in I960. Few people cared to face the hardships involved in travel to their shores, and the Trucial States were largely ignored by a world that did not need them after the decline of the pearling industry. In 1971 these seven shaikhdoms at the southern end of the... Tovább

Fülszöveg

From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates
Few countries have changed as rapidly in the course of one generation as the United Arab Emirates. How did these momentous developments affect the society? This definitive book provides a solidly researched picture of the traditional way of life in the
seven Trucial States before the wealth from oil and the transformation into the most stable of federations in the Arab World opened completely new horizons. The author has lived in
Abu Dhabi continuously since 1967 and is ideally placed to provide an insight into the background behind many recent and
current developments in the UAE.
The Trucial States had little to offer the outside world prior to the discovery of oil in I960. Few people cared to face the hardships involved in travel to their shores, and the Trucial States were largely ignored by a world that did not need them after the decline of the pearling industry. In 1971 these seven shaikhdoms at the southern end of the Gulf formed the federation of the United Arab Emirates, which soon found its feet on the world stage as a member of the UN, the Arab League, OPEC and other organisations.
In the wake of the October War of 1973 and the manifold increase in the price of oil, this newly wealthy state found itself wooed by rich and poor countries alike.
Throughout the UAE, in the capital cities, the oases and the desert, everyone benefits from the newfound wealth primarily derived from oil. It means hospitals and schools for all, electricity and running water, new houses and modern communications; it also means afforestation in the desert and lush gardens in the oases and towns.
The UAE's population has grown from 180,000 in 1968 to four million in 2004. The traditional institutions and, above all, Islam, have formed the foundation stone of the modern state, enabling it to cope with the stresses associated with the influx of foreigners and the transformation of its society through a changing lifestyle.
Where does the UAE stand at the beginning of the 21st century? Dubai leads the other emirates with its dynamic concepts and initiatives to promote sustained economic growth. At the same time, the Arab states, as well as the rest of the world, take note of political decisions emanating from the capital, Abu Dhabi. After the invasion of Iraq, the people of the UAE and Gulf region face uncertainty and only time will tell what the long-term future holds. Vissza