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Chapter Four: The Historical Roots of the Emirates Society and the Ways to a Unified State

1. Introduction

• The Gulf area has historically been a center of civilization, important for navigation and commerce.

• Urban centers and cities arose on both sides of the Gulf, acting as conduits for goods from the East to other regions such as Iraq and the Mediterranean.

• The first human settlements in the Emirates appeared around 6000 years ago, with archaeological findings in Delma and Mirweh, and man's maritime connection dating back to 4000 BC.

• The Emirates' history is vital for creating awareness about the region's past, which predates its modern establishment.

2. The Historical Roots of the Emirates Society

• Bronze Age Economy (1300 - 3200 BC):

  • The Gulf Emirates were involved in trade, exporting copper and pearls to Mesopotamia, while importing goods from places like Afghanistan and Iran.

  • Ruins in Mileeha, Sharjah indicate trade connections with Greece in the 3rd Century BC.

  • Evidence of organized settlements in areas like Umm al-Nar and Al-Hafeet suggests a rich cultural and economic life.

  • The decline of trade during the second millennium BC may be attributed to climatic changes.

• Embrace of Islam:

  • Islam arrived in the Gulf, where it found a receptive audience among tribes that had long-standing traditions of trade and pilgrimage.

  • Key tribes in the area included AlAzad, Abdul Qais, Bakr, and Tameem, who embraced Islam and participated in key Islamic events.

  • Historical records show positive responses from rulers in the Gulf to the messages of Islam, with delegations sent to Medina during the Prophet's time.

• Early Islamic Period:

  • Post-Islam, the Gulf became a center for trade and navigation.

  • Archaeological sites indicate activity during the early Islamic period, with landmarks like the mosque in Bidya Village dating back to the Orthodox Caliphate.

  • Ibn Battuta documented visits to Gulf cities in 1331 AC, confirming the region's flourishing Islamic community.

3. The Arrival of the Portuguese and Decline of Arab Dominance

• Impact of Portuguese Colonialism:

  • The power of Arabs waned in the Gulf by the 16th century with the arrival of the Portuguese who initiated violent conquests.

  • Vasco Da Gama and others committed atrocities against Arabs, instigating significant conflict and struggles for dominance.

  • The Portuguese dominance lasted through the 16th century; however, it declined in the face of resistance from local inhabitants and competition from other European powers.

• Emergence of Tribal Powers (19th Century):

  • The Bani Yas and Al-Qawasim tribes emerged as significant powers by the early 19th century.

  • British occupation began with Ras al-Khaima in 1819, leading to a series of agreements enhancing British influence.

  • Resistance from the Bani Yas against British naval forces prompted further agreements to establish British control.

4. The Road to Statehood

• Initiatives for Unification (1952-1960):

  • British efforts in 1952 to unify some Emirates temporarily succeeded but were ultimately driven by British interests.

  • Increased British military presence precipitated plans for a union among Emirates after withdrawal announcements in 1968.

• Formation of the Union (1971):

  • Differences among rulers and external pressures delayed unity but the eventual focus shifted to a heptagon union comprising seven Emirates.

  • The official establishment of UAE occurred in December 1971 as a response to pressures and aspirations for collective strength in independence.

  • The union was formed in reaction to historical divisions and aimed at meeting political and economic needs.

5. Challenges Faced by the State

• Foundational Challenges:

  • Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan recognized early on that establishing the state was just the beginning; significant challenges lay ahead.

  • Initiatives for settlement and the enhancement of education were fundamental to building a modern society.

• Establishment of Key Institutions:

  • Federal Supreme Council: The highest authority formed by the rulers of the Emirates, ensuring all have a equal voice.

  • Establishment of fundamental systems for governance and social development rooted from historical context.