Discovering the United Arab Emirates

Sixty years ago, Dubai was a fishing village about to be transformed by the discovery of oil. It has since been transformed more gradually into an international business hub and holiday destination, which earns a mere 5% of its revenues from oil.

---

Although Dubai tends to capture the headlines, the transformations of Abu Dhabi, the capital, and Sharjah, the third major city, have been scarcely less dramatic.So what's it like to live in this idiosyncratic Arab federation, where so many different cultures meet and co-exist with such apparent ease? And what lies beneath the veneer of economic success? In answering these questions, Discovering the United Arab Emirates is designed to appeal not only to students of all nationalities but also to the growing number of families who choose to make their home here. For many, the business agenda is so all-consuming and modern creature comforts so extensive that they can spend months, even years, in the United Arab Emirates without understanding anything about the region's history and culture. But that attitude is changing. The government is vigorously promoting its culture and heritage, encouraging Emiratis, residents and tourists to visit cultural sites. Historic buildings are being renovated and opened up to the public. Meanwhile, international students are becoming increasingly interested in the region, and not just for its record-breaking buildings and economic success.Lavishly illustrated with photographs of people and places not on the tourist trail, the book offers its audience a wealth of information in an easy, accessible manner.
It is also an invaluable resource to schools and teachers, and prompts the reader to investigate and explore further.