The History and Heritage of UAE A Journey Through Time

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country that boasts a rich and diverse heritage that spans thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to modern achievements, the UAE has a lot to offer to anyone interested in learning about its past and present.

Ancient history

The UAE's history can be traced back to 6000 B.C., when the area was inhabited by nomadic tribes who lived off fishing, hunting, and herding. The UAE as a federation did not exist then. The area and the surrounding region were referred to as Arabian Peninsula.

The UAE was home to the Magan civilization, which was known to the Sumerians and traded with them copper, diorite, and pearls. The Magan people also had contacts with the Indus Valley civilization, Afghanistan, Bactria, and the Levant.

The UAE witnessed several cultural and technological developments during the three Iron Ages, such as the emergence of fortified settlements, irrigation systems, pottery, metalworking, and writing. Some of the archaeological sites that showcase these achievements are Mleiha, Al Thuqeibah, Ed-Dur, Saruq Al Hadid and Tell Abraq.

Arrival of Islam

Islam arrived in the UAE after the opening of Mecca by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 630 A.D. The people of the region embraced Islam and became part of the Muslim community. The UAE played an important role in spreading Islam to other parts of Asia and Africa through trade and missionary activities.

The UAE also witnessed several political and dynastic changes during the Islamic era, such as the Umayyad, Abbasid, Fatimid, Seljuk, Mongol, Mamluk, and Ottoman rule. The UAE was also influenced by various Islamic schools of thought, such as the Ibadi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.

European interest

Several European countries arrived in the Arabian Peninsula in the 16th century; some to explore and others to seek control of the coasts. The Portuguese were the first to establish their presence in the region, followed by the Dutch, the British, and the French.

The European powers competed for trade and influence in the region, often clashing with the local rulers and tribes. The British were the most successful in establishing their dominance over the region, signing several treaties with the local sheikhs to protect their interests.

The treaties resulted in the formation of the Trucial States in 1820, which consisted of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah. The Trucial States agreed to refrain from any aggression among themselves or with any foreign power. They also agreed to allow British intervention in case of any disputes or threats.

The Trucial States remained under British protection until 1971, when they decided to form a federation after Britain announced its withdrawal from the region. Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in 1972. The new country was named the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Formation of the Federation

The UAE is a constitutional federation that consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Each emirate has its own ruler who is also a member of the Supreme Council of Rulers, which is the highest authority in the country.

The UAE has a federal government that consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The executive branch is headed by the President of the UAE, who is also the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The Vice President of the UAE is also the Ruler of Dubai. The Prime Minister of the UAE is also appointed by the President.

The legislative branch is represented by the Federal National Council (FNC), which consists of 40 members who are either elected or appointed by the rulers of the emirates. The FNC has advisory and oversight functions over the federal government.

The judicial branch is composed of the Federal Supreme Court, which consists of five judges appointed by the President. The court has jurisdiction over constitutional, administrative, and federal matters.

The UAE's Heritage

The UAE is blessed with a rich heritage that encompasses architecture, sports, occupations, traditions, arts, crafts, food, places of historical and archaeological importance, lifestyle and values imbibed in Islam. The UAE's heritage reflects its diversity and identity as a nation.

Some of the distinct features of the UAE's heritage are hospitality, tolerance, family cohesion, and solidarity among members of the society along with honor and pride associated with being part of this heritage. The UAE's heritage is also influenced by its geography, climate, and natural resources.

The UAE's heritage is a source of pride and inspiration for its people and a window to its past and present for its visitors. The UAE is committed to preserving its heritage for future generations and sharing it with the world.

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Works cited:

(1) History of the UAE - The Official Portal of the UAE Government. https://u.ae/en/more/history-of-the-uae

(2) History of the United Arab Emirates - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates

(3) The UAE's Heritage - The Official Portal of the UAE Government. https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/culture/arab-and-islamic-heritage

(4) United Arab Emirates Cultural Division | UAE Heritage. https://www.uaecd.org/uae-heritage