The history of the Arabian Peninsula plays a great part
in the world stage today. The peninsula lies in the southwest
region of Asia, at the concourse
of Asia and Africa. It comprises six distinct coastlines
including the Persian Gulf, which is deemed one of the
most important for its abundant oil reserves. The Persian
Gulf plays a large part in the United Arab Emirates, not
only geographically but politically as well. The Perpetual
Maritime Truce was an agreement signed circa 1850 by the
Arab sheikdoms and the British denoting an important time
in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. This new truce
merged decades-old truces were considered to be temporary
solutions.
The truce was essentially a recognition by the sheikhdoms
of British control in the Persian Gulf and the allowance
of the shipping industry to operate in the Gulf without
any interference. This part of the history of the Arabian
Peninsula marks a paramount time in United Arab Emirates
history as well. These collective sheikhdoms would eventually
be known as the seven emirates including Dubai,
Sharjah, Fujairah,
Ajman, Umm
Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah,
and the largest of them all, Abu
Dhabi. The collective sheikhdoms were allies that
were recognized as the Trucial States. Circa 1900 international
accord, created by several world powers, allowed the British
to remain as the area’s major influence.
Though Arabian culture stems backs thousands of years,
some consider the most important part of UAE history to
be when the Trucial States were formed. The Trucial States
remained a collection of sheikhdoms, each with their own
distinct needs and goals. They had the same borders as
the UAE does today. Though essentially ruled by Britain,
the country was once also occupied by the Portuguese,
then Omanis and later the Persians. The Persians were
eventually driven out by two of the area’s most
prominent tribes, the Bani Yas Bedouins and the Qawasim
seamen from Ras Al Khaimah.
The British did have control during this period of UAE history, although the collective sheikhdoms carried on with their regular lives up until the 1950s. After the Imperial curtailment in Europe, the British slowly let go of their powers of the Arabian culture. Oil, a large part of United Arab Emirates history, was discovered in the region not long after and helped the economy to thrive like never before. This gave the Trucial States a true fighting chance to build their own country up without any interference. They became independent in December of 1971. After this time period in UAE history, there was some instability but the situation was largely managed by ruling families in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Over the years in UAE history since the emirates have unified, they are now active in the political scene in the Middle East. Their importance was increasingly recognized as they built one of the most impressive tourists destinations in the world. Despite ongoing strife in the region, the UAE is considered a very safe place to enjoy holidays. Arabian culture has started to wain in the UAE as the expat population grows, comprising more than 80% of the country’s total population. Though there’s a large contrast in eastern and western ideals, the Emirati are very tolerant of the changes in their country.
The many extraordinary attractions throughout Dubai make it the top destination for vacations. Though United Arab Emirates history may have had a somewhat volatile beginning, the country has managed wealth and infrastructure extremely well. From the golden beaches of Jumeirah Beach to the incredible Palm Islands, Dubai outdoes itself year after year. The many things to do in UAE paired with the region’s exotic desert landscape, seaside destinations, beautiful mountains and year-round warm weather make it the hottest holiday destination the Middle East.
