The United Arab Emirates is certainly one of the richest countries in the world. Oil has made the fortune of this sovereign state, independent since 1971 and composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

The union is governed by a Supreme Council formed by the seven emirs, each of whom is sovereign in his own territory. 

Before 1971 they were known as the Trucial States, referring to a 19th century truce between the British and some Arab sheikhs. The Emirates face the Persian Gulf to the north, the Gulf of Oman to the northeast and border Qatar to the north, Saudi Arabia to the west and Oman to the south. At the end of the 18th century the region was known as the Pirate Coast.

After the British troops left, the emirs decided to create a single federal state and Abu Dhabi was chosen as its capital. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan became the federation's leader and he remained in power until his death in 2004. Since 4 November of that year, Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan, the sheikh of Abu Dhabi, has been President of the United Arab Emirates.

Up until the last century, the region was still a simple land, with a tribal society based on sheep and goat farming and fishing. However, the discovery of precious oil deposits in 1959 radically changed the situation, and every aspect of traditional life is disappearing rapidly. Probably the only aspect of tradition left is Islam, the strictly observed state religion. Little more than forty years ago, even Abu Dhabi was just a small fishing and pearling village.

The city's history is very recent: Abu Dhabi was founded in 1761 and became the seat of the reigning Al-Nahyan family.

During the 19th century it was a fairly famous centre of the pearling industry, but when this sector declined at the end of the century, Abu Dhabi went through a dark period.

Around 1930 the first oil concessions were sold, but a couple of decades passed before the discovery of the large deposits that triggered its dizzy development. Hovels and mud huts were quickly replaced with banks and luxury shops.

Now urban settlement occupies the whole of the T-shaped island of Abu Dhabi, located right in the middle of the northern coast. A few signs of the past still remain, like the Al-Hosn Palace, known as the Old Fort or White Fort.

It was built by the first heir to the Al-Nahyan dynasty, but was replaced at the end of the 19th century by the current building, now restored and used as an archive.

The courtyard and the tile work above the main entrance are of interest. Near the fort is the large and anonymous Cultural Foundation, a building used mainly as a library and research and reference centre. About 5 km south of Abu Dhabi there is a Women's Craft Centre. In the northeastern section of the city the dhow wharf and fish market are worth a visit.

The old souk, on the northern seafront, also offers glimpses of local folklore and houses a small gold market and many shops of all kinds where tourists can enjoy seeking out original souvenirs. Small markets and shopping centres offer the opportunity for excellent buys, especially as Abu Dhabi is a free port. Between Abu Dhabi and Oman is Al Ain, the main centre of the Buraimi oasis.

Its twin city is Buraimi, which is on the other side of the border, but visitors can move freely between the two areas. This oasis is probably the longest inhabited part of the country: the first settlement dates back to 4000 B.C. Here you can visit Al Ain Museum and the Eastern Fort, both in the southeastern part of the city.

The museum has displays on local life prior to the unexpected disruption caused by the development of the oil industry and offers various examples of typical crafts, from Bedouin jewellery and weapons to musical instruments and the inside of a traditional Bedouin tent.