The origins of Abu Dhabi dates back to 3 BCE. The city that we see today as one of the most developed in the world was a small fishing village 5000 years ago. Over these years, a great of deal of development took place which has made Abu Dhabi so advanced and one of the major tourist attractions in the world. Abu Dhabi history has a great deal of evidence of the many civilizations that prospered on this land and there are archaeological proves for that.

Phase 1: Discovery and Early History

In the early years, Abu Dhabi was nothing but a small fishing village. It was quiet and home to nomadic herders and fishermen.

Phase 2: Arrival of Al Nahyan Family

In the 18th century, the Bani Yas tribe followed a deer until they found a source a freshwater and settled there as this place was fertile and had the biggest treasure, water, this was how Abu Dhabi was found. This is the reason why this city was named, “Abu Dhabi” that means “father of Gazelle”.  One of the sections of the tribe that migrated to the land of Abu Dhabi was the Al Nahyan family. This family is the ruling family of Abu Dhabi today.

Phase 3: The Flourishing Pearl Trade

Since the early times, pearl trading and fishing were the primary sources of the city’s economy and this trade flourished for a very long time in this area. The Persian Gulf was of great value for the people of Abu Dhabi as it improved their economy significantly by providing pearls for trading. 

Phase 4: Trucial Coast

Trucial is a word derived from truces, it was given this name after the many treaties that were signed between Arab Sheikhs and Britain. The British began to dominate in the area and the reason behind this was to save the trade route from the pirates. Soon Britain began to exclude other powers from the area as the oil discoveries were being made in other close areas.

Phase 5: Discovery of Oil

Pearl trade begin to decline in the city when the Japanese started pearl trading and became the pioneers in the year 1930. After the pearl trade decline, efforts begin to look for oil prospects in the area. In 1958, oil was discovered for the first time in Abu Dhabi and since then, this city carried out the oil business and is now one of the richest cities in the world.

The Abu Dhabi Culture:

This city is one of the most important cities in the UAE and is referred to as the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi. This is because Abu Dhabi hosts numerous cultural and sports events. The Abu Dhabi culture is significantly influenced by Islamic and Arabic culture. There are numerous mosques all around the city and many men dress traditionally in a long white robe. The locals of this city practice the older traditions and cultural activities.