From rags to riches: The story of Abu Dhabi - Witness History, BBC World Service

Summary

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has transformed from a fishing village with no fresh water or electricity to one of the world's richest cities, largely due to oil discoveries in the 1960s. Sheikh Zayed's vision led to the development of infrastructure and the unification of the sheikhdoms into the UAE, overcoming challenges like the British military's withdrawal. Today, the city thrives, thanks to the leadership and resourceful utilization of its wealth.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is recognized as one of the world's richest cities.
• 💧 The city faces a significant water scarcity issue, with residents having to purchase purified sea water due to the lack of fresh water sources.
• 🏖️ Despite having beaches, there is no proper sewage system, leading to the rulers' beaches being used as communal lavatories.
• 🎣 Historically, Abu Dhabi was a fishing village with a basic existence, lacking basic amenities like water and electricity.
• 📦 In the 1960s, the discovery of oil in the Persian Gulf dramatically changed Abu Dhabi's economic landscape.
• 👑 Sheikh Zayed's leadership post-1966 was pivotal, as he opened up the country and initiated the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads, improving living conditions.
• 🇬🇧 The British military, which had defended Abu Dhabi for 150 years, was withdrawing, leaving the region vulnerable.
• 🤝 Sheikh Zayed had a vision to unite the sheikhdoms into one country, which he pursued by meeting with rulers and convincing them over a period of 40 years.
• 🗓️ On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was formed, marking a significant milestone in the region's history.
• 💰 The wealth generated from oil and the vision of Sheikh Zayed convinced the sheikhdoms to unite, leading to the prosperous nation we see today.
• 🙏 The speaker expresses gratitude for the changes brought about by the oil discovery and the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, which has elevated their living standards from what would have been akin to the 18th century.

Q & A

What is the current status of Abu Dhabi in terms of wealth?

Abu Dhabi is one of the richest cities in the world.

What was the primary resource that led to the transformation of Abu Dhabi's economy?

The discovery and exploitation of oil reserves in the 1960s played a significant role in Abu Dhabi's economic transformation.

What was the living condition of Abu Dhabi before the oil boom?

Before the oil boom, Abu Dhabi was a fishing village with basic existence, lacking fresh water and electricity, with many inhabitants living in tents.

How did Sheik Zayed contribute to the development of Abu Dhabi after the oil discovery?

Sheik Zayed had a vision that led to the opening of the country, the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads, making life more bearable.

What challenge did Abu Dhabi face after the British military left?

Abu Dhabi faced the challenge of defending itself and maintaining peace without the support of the British military, which had been present for 150 years.

What was Sheik Zayed's plan to address the security concerns after the British withdrawal?

Sheik Zayed's plan was to unite all the sheikhdoms into one new country, the United Arab Emirates, to strengthen their collective security and stability.

How long did it take for Sheik Zayed to convince the rulers to unite and form the United Arab Emirates?

It took Sheik Zayed approximately 40 years to convince the rulers to unite and form the United Arab Emirates.

What was the date when the United Arab Emirates was officially formed?

The United Arab Emirates was officially formed on December 2, 1971.

What was the main factor that convinced the rulers to unite under the United Arab Emirates?

The rulers were convinced by Sheik Zayed's means to spend and the development he had brought to Abu Dhabi.

How has the discovery of oil affected the daily life of the people in Abu Dhabi?

The discovery of oil has significantly improved the daily life of the people in Abu Dhabi, transforming it from a basic existence to one of the world's richest cities.

What was the initial reaction to the first shipment of oil leaving Abu Dhabi?

The first shipment of oil leaving Abu Dhabi wasn't considered a big deal initially; the real change came after 1966 when Sheik Zayed took over.