History of the United Arab Emirates
Antiquity
Historic sources talk about first people coming to the area of today’s United Arab Emirates in late stone age about 5500 b.c. There was mild climate and favorable life conditions waiting for them. They were probably herdsmen for whom seafish or inland animals meant the source of subsistence.
After the finish of the ice age around 3000 b.c., the mild climate started to change into dry climate which reigns here until present. The savannas started to turn into deserts. The date palm importance increased. Besides the fruits and wood, it was used for providing shade important for growing cereals, vegetables, and fruit.
Late second millenium local people domesticated camels, which meant a great step forward in all respects. In particular this revolutionary change brougt new possibilities in business and transfer. Also there was built an irrigating system (so-called falladge).
First written proofs about this area come from the first century of our era. They talk about quite dense population and about very developped (maritime) commerce which was focused mainly on trade of pearls, wine, dates, gold, and slaves.
Arrival of Islam
In the year 630 envoys of Muhammad came to the area, and that meant an arrival of a new religion. Religion in the United Arab Emirates caused many armed conflicts during centuries. Islam gained its privileged position in 8th century which among others meant another big turning point int the developpement of the UAE – formation of emirates themselves.
The area of todays UAE was an object of interest of Persia, Portugal, Oman, and Turkey. The reason was obvious: pearls. Pearls became an important trade article. In the 15th century, main sphere of influence was gained by the Portuguese, but during the 17th century they have lost it. Cause: colonial politics of Great Britain.
Besides the discords between the states mentioned above and another colonial powers, the UAE went also through struggles for power from the side of original inhabitants. It happened particularly in 19th century when families of Qawasim and Al-Busaid competed together. But they could not succeed against the Great Britain.
The British used their influence mainly on the littoral and they did not interfere into the terrestrial desert, there the main power remained to original Bedouin tribes. During many years there were many oasis built, and they became an economic and social center. In 1892 new treaty with British was signed. They ensured protection to the rulers of the emirates, the emirates, on the contrary were not allowed to maintain contacts with other powers without permission of the British empire.
Twentieth century
The beginning of the twentieths century was cruel to local inhabitants. First world war and economic depression caused a crushing decrease of pearl demand. But at the beginning of the thirties, first geologists came. They had a task to explore local reserves of oil. First tanker full of oil left todays UAE in 1962 and there began a boom in this area. Oil meant undreamt possibilities for this area. It led to a transformation of the original desert community into modern prospering country.
In 1968 Great Britain announced it’s intention to leave the United Arab Emirates. After three years of uncertanity and negotiations, 2nd September 1971 a new state was formed – The United Arab Emirates. The biggest credit comes to sheikh Zayed, the ruler of the most powerful emirate Abu Dhabi.
United Arab Emirates count among the world’s wealthiest states, thanks to the oil, but also to long-lasting provident economic policy. The UAE is a member of OPEC (association of states exporting oil). They still maintain close relations with the Great Britain. All the emirates are absolutsit monarchies, only the emirate of the capital Abu Dhabi has a constitution. President of the UAE is from 2004 His Majesty sheikh Kalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.