What to See and Do in Abu Dhabi
The rise of British naval power in the Arabic Gulf in the mid-18th century coincided with the rise of two important tribal confederations along the coast of the lower Gulf. These were the Qawasim, whose descendants now govern Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah, and the Bani Yas, whose descendants are now the ruling families of modern Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Bani Yas were originally based in Liwa, an oasis on the edge of the Empty Quarter desert, but moved to Abu Dhabi in 1793. They engaged in the traditional Bedouin practices of camel herding, small-scale agriculture, tribal raiding and extracting protection money from caravans passing through their territory. The Bani Yas divided into two main branches in the early 19th century when Dubai split from Abu Dhabi.
Into the mid-20th century, the economy of Abu Dhabi continued to be sustained mainly by camel herding, production of dates and vegetables at the inland oases of Al Ain and Liwa, and fishing and pearl diving off the coast of Abu Dhabi city. Most dwellings in Abu Dhabi city were, at this time constructed of palm fronds, with the better-off families occupying mud huts.
After the collapse of the world pearl market in the early 20th century, the entire coast was plunged into abject poverty. In 1939, Sheikh Shakhbut, the ruler of Abu Dhabi at that time, granted the first of several oil concessions on his territory. It was not until 1958, however, that oil was found in the emirate. With a population at the time of only 15,000, Abu Dhabi was on its way to becoming very rich.
Britain’s 1968 announcement that it would depart from the Gulf in 1971 came as a surprise to most of the ruling sheikhs. Negotiations eventually resulted in independence for Bahrain and Qatar and the creation of a new federal nation: the United Arab Emirates. Sheik Zayed of Abu Dhabi was a driving force behind the formation of the new country. The UAE, with Abu Dhabi as its capital, came into existence on December 2nd. 1971. By this time, oil revenue started pouring in. The reed and mud-brick huts were rapidly replaced by banks and boutiques.
In recent years, the settlement has spread to occupy virtually all of Abu Dhabi Island. It’s been remodeled in less than 40 years to become the classic Arabian petrodollar city, a wealthy metropolis filled with gardens and tall mirror-glassed buildings built on the appetite for oil in the West.
There are quite a few things to do in Abu Dhabi whether one is there on business or as a tourist. One thing many people to is to take a two or three hour drive out of the city to the east coast of the U.A. E. and Fujairah. The Hajar Mountains stand watch over the Gulf of Oman and as just as one crests the hill that will take one down to the water’s edge one can look up and down the spectacular coastline. The snorkeling is great. It takes about 15 minutes to swim out to Snoopy Rock, which rises from the sea just off shore. There’s always tons of beautiful fish to see, including blacktip reef sharks patrolling, sea turtles, cuttlefish, lots of clown fish, lionfish. There is a hotel at the beach, but if one wants to camp there is a public beach just next door. Also, there are kayaks for rent and one can hire a boat to take one out for diving for the day.
One should not go to the Arabian Peninsula without going on a camel ride. There are various ways to hire a camel through a touring company for just oneself or for a group. There is nothing like riding slowly across the dunes like Lawrence of Arabia with the sun low in the distance, or racing at breakneck speeds along the red sands.
For a slightly more modern way to experience the desert, various touring companies will take one or ones group out by four wheel drive vehicle. It’s as thrilling as any ride in any amusement park, where one’s screams of terror will only encourage the driver to go faster, smashing across the dunes.
Al Hosn Palace
Al-Hosn Palace, commonly known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, was built in the late 19th century, making it the oldest building in town. In fact it’s one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that’s more than 30 years old.
The interior has been completely modernized and is now used by the Cultural Foundation as a documents and research center. There are many interesting exhibits of traditional artifacts and photographs on displayed. The courtyard and the tile work over the main (northern) gate are particularly noteworthy.
Dhow Warf and Fish Market
At the eastern end of the Corniche, near the port, lies Abu Dhabi’s fish market and small dhow wharf. It does offer good local color and an excellent view back towards the city. It is the starting point of frequent dhow races. There are also some shops nearby
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is a living exhibition of Bedouin life and tradition. One can also view a more elaborate mud-brick house and a traditional mosque, shop in a traditional souq, take a camel ride and watch a demonstration of the age-old sport of falconry.
Al Ain Museum
The museum is situated in the Al Jahil Fort in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi and houses displays on 2700 BC archaeological excavations, Bedouin artifacts, fossil relics and stone instruments, as well as some spectacular second millennium gold pendants and an important coin collection. Reconstructions of a traditional majilis and traditional life are also very interesting. There is also a large collection of gifts received by the President from visiting statesmen and royalty. The museum shows a reconstruction of the Grand Hili tomb with its rock engravings.
The Eastern Fort is located within the compound of Al Ain Museum. Built in 1910, it is the ancestral home of the ruling family. A small fort, it is surrounded by a wall with four watchtowers. Cannons flank the entrance door. The fort is usually kept locked but is open to visitors during museum visiting hours.
The Souq
The Souq is a traditional Middle Eastern market place where small shops sell just about anything one can imagine.
