Abu Dhabi history

Foundation and Early Mentions

The history of the city of Abu Dhabi as a permanent settlement begins around 1761. According to legend, hunters from the nomadic Bani Yas tribe discovered a freshwater source on the island while following a gazelle. This discovery was crucial for the founding of the village. In gratitude to the animal, the area was named Abu Dhabi, which translates from Arabic as "Father of the Gazelle". Initially, it was a modest settlement consisting of fishing huts built from palm fronds, known as "barasti".

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors contributed to the transformation of a small village into a significant regional center:

• Geographical Location: The island location provided natural protection and access to the rich resources of the Arabian Gulf. The discovered freshwater source made the place habitable in the arid climate.
• Political Significance: In the 1790s, the ruler from the Al Nahyan family moved his residence from the Liwa Oasis to Abu Dhabi, effectively making it the capital of his tribal confederation. This strengthened the settlement's political status.
• Pearling Industry: Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, pearl diving was the main economic sector. Abu Dhabi became one of the most important centers for this trade in the region, attracting merchants and contributing to the growth of its prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the beginning of the oil era in the mid-20th century, life in Abu Dhabi was inextricably linked to the sea. The economy depended entirely on seasonal pearl diving and fishing. Society maintained a traditional tribal structure, and the lifestyle was quite modest. This historical period ended with the discovery of oil deposits in 1958, which marked the beginning of Abu Dhabi's rapid transformation into the modern metropolis it is today.

Key Milestones in the History of Abu Dhabi

From a modest settlement to a thriving capital, the history of Abu Dhabi is full of rapid changes and significant events. Below is a timeline reflecting the main stages of the city's development.

• Around 1761 — Foundation of the settlement by the Bani Yas tribe, who discovered a freshwater source on the island while following a gazelle.
• 1793 — The ruler of the Al Nahyan dynasty moves his residence from the Liwa Oasis to Abu Dhabi, and the Qasr Al Hosn fort is built to protect the water source.
• 19th Century — Abu Dhabi becomes one of the key centers of the region's flourishing pearling industry, which formed the basis of the local economy.
• 1939 — Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan grants the first concession for oil exploration, heralding future economic changes.
• 1958 — The first oil is discovered at the offshore Umm Shaif field, forever changing the economic future of the emirate.
• 1962 — The first shipment of crude oil is exported from Abu Dhabi, marking the beginning of an era of economic prosperity.
• August 6, 1966 — Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan comes to power, whose rule marked the beginning of massive modernization and infrastructure development.
• 1968 — The first five-year development plan is adopted, initiating rapid urban planning and the growth of Abu Dhabi.
• December 2, 1971 — Abu Dhabi becomes the temporary capital of the newly formed state — the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Late 1980s — The UAE gains full control over its oil industry, strengthening the country's economic independence.
• 1996 — The status of Abu Dhabi as the permanent capital of the United Arab Emirates is officially confirmed.
• 2007 — The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, opens to visitors, becoming a symbol of modern architecture and cultural heritage.
• 2010 — Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opens, marking an important step in economic diversification and the development of the tourism industry.

Major Stages of the City's Development

The journey of Abu Dhabi from a desert settlement to one of the wealthiest and most modern cities in the world is a story of strategic decisions. Several key stages can be highlighted that radically changed the economic and cultural landscape of the UAE capital:

• The Pearling Era (19th — early 20th century). Before the oil boom, the city was a center for pearl diving. This formed the first international trade ties and laid the foundations of maritime traditions that are still an important part of the emirate's cultural code.
• Discovery of Oil (1958). A turning point in history that transformed a modest economy into a global player. Oil revenues funded the creation of basic infrastructure: roads, schools, hospitals, and desalination plants, ensuring a rapid rise in the quality of life.
• Gaining Capital Status (1971). With the creation of the federation, the city became the political core of the country. This led to large-scale administrative construction, the emergence of a diplomatic quarter, and the city's transformation into a regional decision-making hub.
• The "Green Revolution" (1970s–1990s). Sheikh Zayed's unique urban planning program to green the desert. The planting of millions of date palms and the creation of parks not only changed the microclimate but also made the city comfortable for living, turning it into a "Garden City".
• Strategy "Abu Dhabi 2030" (2000s). A transition to comprehensive metropolis planning. The beginning of the era of high-rise construction and the creation of iconic architectural landmarks that formed the city's recognizable futuristic silhouette.
• Cultural Expansion (since 2010). The development of Saadiyat Island and the opening of world-class museums (including the Louvre Abu Dhabi) reoriented the emirate's image. The city began positioning itself as a global center for arts and cultural tourism.
• Innovation and Post-Oil Economy. The modern stage is characterized by the development of high technologies and renewable energy (the Masdar City project). This creates a foundation for sustainable development in the future, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons.

The architectural appearance of Abu Dhabi is a visual history of its rapid transformation from a humble settlement into a futuristic metropolis. In just half a century, the city has gone from traditional structures to bold world-class experiments, reflecting every stage of its development in stone, glass, and steel.

The Beginning: Functional Modernism (1960s – 1980s)

After the discovery of oil fields, the first phase of rapid construction began. The main task was to quickly create a modern city from scratch. The architecture of this period was primarily utilitarian in nature, in the spirit of the International Style and Modernism. Urban development was carried out according to a clear plan with a rectangular grid of streets, and the first multi-story buildings rose along the Corniche. The main focus was on functionality rather than decorative refinements.

Search for Identity: Postmodernism and Neo-Islamic Style (1990s – early 2000s)

As prosperity grew and awareness of cultural uniqueness increased, a shift towards rethinking national heritage emerged in Abu Dhabi's architecture. This period is characterized by elements of Postmodernism and the birth of a Neo-Islamic style. Architects began actively incorporating traditional Arab and Islamic motifs into modern projects: arches, domes, ornaments, and mashrabiya patterns. The crown jewel of this era and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city became the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, opened in 2007. It is a vivid example of how modern technology can be combined with the age-old artistic traditions of the Islamic world.

The Era of "Starchitecture" and Futurism (since 2007 to present)

With the adoption of the "Abu Dhabi 2030" master plan, the city entered a new phase, striving to become a global cultural and business hub. This stage was marked by the appearance of unique buildings designed by world-famous architects ("starchitects"). Architecture became a tool for image-building and attracting tourists. The main styles of this period are High-tech, Deconstructivism, and Futurism.

• Louvre Abu Dhabi (arch. Jean Nouvel) — a museum with a fantastic dome creating a "Rain of Light" effect, inspired by traditional Arab structures.
• Capital Gate — the famous "leaning tower", entered into the Guinness World Records due to its 18-degree incline.
• Aldar Headquarters — the world's first perfectly circular skyscraper, resembling a coin or a seashell.
• Al Bahar Towers — a pair of skyscrapers with a unique "kinetic" facade made of thousands of elements that open and close depending on the position of the sun, which is a modern interpretation of traditional Arab lattice screens.

These and many other structures have formed the unique and easily recognizable silhouette of modern Abu Dhabi, where every era has left its distinct architectural mark.

Prominent Figures in the History of Abu Dhabi

The history of Abu Dhabi is inextricably linked with the activities of the rulers from the Al Nahyan dynasty. It was their decisions and vision that turned a modest coastal settlement into a thriving capital and one of the most important cities in the world. Below are key figures who made the most significant contributions to the foundation and development of the city.

• Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan (ruled 1761–1793) — The leader of the Bani Yas tribe, credited with founding the settlement on Abu Dhabi island. It was under his leadership that the tribe migrated to the discovered freshwater source, which marked the beginning of the city's history.
• Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1905–1989, ruled 1928–1966) — The ruler during whose era oil fields were discovered. He granted the first concessions for oil exploration but was known for his extremely conservative approach to spending the revenues received, which led to a change in power. His reign was a transitional period from the era of pearl diving to the oil boom.
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004, ruled 1966–2004) — The "Father of the Nation", the first President of the UAE, and the chief architect of modern Abu Dhabi. Coming to power in 1966, he directed oil revenues toward the radical modernization of the emirate: building roads, hospitals, schools, and creating modern infrastructure. His wise policy and foresight laid the foundation for the prosperity of not only the capital but the entire nation.
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1948–2022, ruled 2004–2022) — The eldest son and successor of Sheikh Zayed. During his reign, Abu Dhabi continued its course toward economic diversification and development as a global cultural, tourism, and business center. Under him, the ambitious "Abu Dhabi 2030" plan was launched, and iconic projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi were realized.
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (born 1961, ruling since 2022) — The current ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the UAE. Even as Crown Prince, he played a key role in shaping the country's economic and foreign policy. His activities are aimed at further strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as a technological and innovative leader, as well as an influential player on the international stage.
• Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (born 1970) — Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and a member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. He is one of the key figures in the field of global investments and represents the economic power of the capital on the world stage. His activities, including leading major investment funds and owning prominent international assets, contribute to strengthening Abu Dhabi's international influence.