How it all started – Interesting facts about Abu Dhabi
Located along the Persian Gulf’s southern coast, the beloved capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is the epitome of luxury and beauty. But many of us don’t know that the region is full of archaeological relics of ancient civilizations. Want to learn about the rich culture and heritage of this city? Here are some interesting facts about Abu Dhabi, starting from the establishment of the early Arab civilisation to the discovery of oil in the city.
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR CAPITAL CITY
ORIGIN OF THE NAME
The name Abu Dhabi, which means “Father of the Gazelle” in Arabic, is said to have originated from a folktale about a deer that was spotted drinking from a pool close to where the city’s centre is today.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
In 1761, the western region of Abu Dhabi was home to more than 20 clans of bedouins of the Bani Yas tribe. They were based mainly in the Liwa Oasis. In 1793, one of these clans, called Al Bu Falah, migrated to the main island of Abu Dhabi to access fresh water. One major family that migrated along with this clan, was the famous Al Nahyan family, which later on became the ruling family of Abu Dhabi.
PEARL TRADE IN ABU DHABI
In the past, pearl diving in the UAE was the driving force for its economic development. Back then, pearl divers used to dove up to thirty times per day without any air tanks or any other protective devices. Wearing leather coverings on their toes and fingers, they delved deeper into the sea to search for oysters – fearlessly.
DISCOVERY OF OIL IN ABU DHABI
As the pearl trade declined in the region, Abu Dhabi’s reigning clan’s interest in discovering oil wells grew. In 1939 the ruling leader, His Highness Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the older brother of the founding father of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan granted a concession to the Trucial Coast Development Oil Company to search for oil reserves.
This was later renamed to the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company, ADPC, in 1962. The discovery paved the way for many other oil-producing onshore and offshore fields in the city.
DESIGNED BY A JAPANESE ARCHITECT
Another interesting fact about Abu Dhabi history is that the credit for its architectural planning goes to Japanese architect Katsuhiku Takahashi. He provided guidance during the entire construction process in 1967, when the city housed just 40k residents.
ROLE OF H.H. SHEIKH ZAYED IN FORMING THE UAE
In 1968 the British announced their intention to withdraw from the Arabian Gulf by the end of 1971. H.H. Sheikh Zayed, the first President of the UAE and the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (1966 to 2004) took the lead in calling for a federation that would include not only the seven emirates that made up the Trucial States but also Qatar and Bahrain.
Eventually, all seven states followed H.H. Sheikh Zayed in establishing the UAE, which formally emerged on the international stage on December 2, 1971.
PHOTOGRAPHIC HERITAGE OF ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi’s heritage is preserved in the form of photographs. Taken by the German explorer Hermann Burchardt, the photographs of great historical and cultural sites in the city are available at the Ethnological Museum of Berlin.
Museums in Abu Dhabi have also preserved a variety of cultural centrepieces and artefacts that reflect the emirate’s diverse historical past.
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE – THE ARCHITECTURAL WONDER
Constructed under the leadership of the late, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a great icon of Abu Dhabi’s architectural prowess. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is full of astounding surprises that will leave you speechless, from the sheer magnitude of its structure to the priceless materials employed in its construction.
It is designed by British, Italian and Emirati architects, while the building materials were imported from countries such as New Zealand, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Pakistan, Italy, Germany, Austria, China and India. Moreover, the mosque has the world’s biggest handmade chandelier — that resembles upturned palm trees — and carpet.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHICH ARE THE NEW AND UPCOMING TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ABU DHABI?
The National Aquarium Al Qana, Yas Bay Waterfront and Reem Mall are some of the new and upcoming tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi which are worth the visit.
WHICH TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN THE CITY ARE ACCESSIBLE BY THE FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Andaz Capital Gate, Qasr Al Watan and Louvre Abu Dhabi are some of the attractions you can access via free shuttle bus service in Abu Dhabi.
WHERE CAN I GO TO ENJOY ART IN ABU DHABI?
You can head over to Louvre Abu Dhabi to enjoy art exhibits and events in the capital city.
And on that note, we conclude our guide to Abu Dhabi history. The city has a rich heritage and a thriving future. The proud capital of the UAE has been transformed into a global city thanks to its modern infrastructure and an ever-growing range of attractions and services.
Want to know more about the history of the region? There are plenty of interesting facts about Dubai which will take you by surprise.
Similarly, Ras Al Khaimah also has a diverse history. While it is known for its beaches and exquisite collection of pearls, there are many other interesting facts about RAK that you would definitely love to know.
