When planning your vacation in the UAE, your imagination takes you to a land of futuristic skylines glittering with luxury. Where you drive the latest Lamborghinis, take spa treatments with views of Burj Khalifa, and shop at world-class malls.

However, the UAE has not always been like this. It has a story of pain and hardship.

So, when Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan said,

“Our life at present on the blessed soil of our country is a triumph over the pains of the past and the harshness of its conditions.”

His words reflect a sense of victory when you overcome hardships. That is to say, the UAE has taken a road less traveled. It has taken on challenges, gone through pains to triumph in luxuries.

In other words, a journey began as a group of small trading communities that grew into a powerful economic hub. The story of the UAE is nothing short of remarkable!

Behind the luxurious and modern lifestyle lies a rich history that has shaped this nation. In this blog post, we’ll explore the story of the UAE, focusing on its past and present.

Read along to tour the UAE’s past and present -Then and Now!

The Pains Of The Past: UAE’s Humble Beginning

So, the story of the UAE begins.

Once upon a time, there was a group of seven sheikhdoms along the southern coast of the Persian Gulf that were under British protection from 1820 to 1971.

Hence, these sheikdoms were known as Trucial States, which included:

• Abu Dhabi
• Ajman
• Dubai
• Fujairah
• Ras al-Khaimah
• Sharjah
• Umm al-Quwain.

But then the joyous day arrived! These sheikhdoms later formed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 2nd December 1971.

Housing:

The housing in the Trucial States (now the United Arab Emirates) was simple and closely tied to harsh desert conditions.

So, here are the types of housing from the past:

• Arish Houses: These were made from palm fronds and trunks for poor people.
• Coral and limestone Houses: These were the houses for wealthier families, such as merchants and pearl traders.

• Wind Towers: In the houses of the rich, there were towers to catch a breeze and direct it into rooms. Hence, these were air conditioners of the past.

Moreover, the Bedouin nomads made their tents from goat hair or sheep’s wool. That’s how life was, simple and extremely tough!

Economy:

The economy of the Trucial States relied on the sea. Yes! The sea was their lifeline. Hence, it was not the oil, it was the water that ran life.

The primary focus of the British was to secure trade routes for themselves. So, the economy of the Trucial States relied on traditional industries like:

• Pearl Diving: It was a significant source of income in coastal areas. Men would dive for pearls for months, braving dangerous waters and uncertain rewards.
• Fishing: It was a vital part of the local economy and a great source of food and income for many.
• Trade: People used to trade goods like dates, pearls, and other commodities. Moreover, trade routes connecting India, Persia, and East Africa made the area a melting pot of cultures. So, it could be said that the UAE has always been a global village.
• Agriculture: Though the land is tough and arid. But, as Sheikh Zayed called it, a blessed soil. So, it did support some agricultural activities. For instance, dates were a prominent crop.

Education And Life:

In the past, the educational system was primarily based on traditional methods, with limited English language influence. That is to say, there was no formal colonial education. Their focus was on self-education and cultural contexts. However, in the 1950s, the ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saqr Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, promoted modern education. That included the development of state schools and the first girls’ school.

So, life was hard, but it was also closely tied to nature, family, and faith. But, do you know what the best UAE did? With the development, they strongly held their Emirati values of hospitality, resilience, and loyalty.

The present of the UAE: The Global Village

Well! We all agree that the discovery of oil in the 1950s opened doors for the UAE. But it wasn’t just the oil but visionary leadership that changed everything. In 1971, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan united the seven trucial states to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). So, this heroic move by a visionary leader set the stage for regional development.

Fast forward to today. Their vision to unite and share the future unbelievably transformed their fate.

Housing of the Present

From palm houses, the UAE has come a long way. Today, it is known for its skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls. People travel to see the ambitious projects like:

• Burj Khalifa,
• Louvre Abu Dhabi
• Museum of the Future
• Palm Jebel Ali
• Dubai Expo

Economy

Well! UAE’s economy is indeed heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues. However, today the UAE has diversified its economy beyond oil. It is diversifying through initiatives like “Vision 2021” and “Vision 2030.”

Hence, the non-oil sectors include:

• Tourism: The Dubai Mall and Palm Jumeirah draw millions of tourists.
• Emirates Airlines: It connects Dubai to over 100 cities.
• Construction: A report says the UAE construction market will reach USD 42.75 billion in 2025
• Banking and finance: The UAE banking sector is leading in the Middle East
• Renewable energy: The UAE invests $54 billion in renewables by 2030.
• Technology: Economic Times report, the UAE’s technology industry is set to achieve record growth in 2025.

Education And Life

Education and innovation are key pillars of the development of the UAE. Public education is free for citizens up to the higher education level

Moreover, here are some reputable institutions in the UAE:

• Khalifa University
• UAE University
• New York University Abu Dhabi
• Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre

Students of all these top universities in the UAE seek assistance from assignment help UAE. It shows the nation’s commitment to the future.

So, learning about the UAE past and present, you learned how a nation changes its fate with unity, hardship, and foresight.

Let’s Wrap UP: UAE -Then and Now

So, that is the story of blessed soil. You learned about the pains and hardships of a nation that always looked ahead in time. It is inspiring how a nation’s transformation is not just about economic development. It is about vision leadership that makes a nation reach the height of its potential.