Senior Emiratis have shared poignant memories of life before the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, recalling a time focused on survival and basic needs.
In a conversation with Khaleej Times on July 18, declared Union Pledge Day by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to honor the day the rulers met, setting the stage for the UAE’s establishment on December 2, 1971, senior citizens recounted their experiences.
Maryam Salem, an 80-year-old from Ras Al Khaimah, described life before the Union. “Before the Union, our life was just about getting a bite to eat. Life was hard, and our goal was only to settle in a place that provided us with food and safety.” Living in a remote area, the news of the Union’s signing reached them only after the official announcement. “We were searching for stability and safety, and that’s what we found after the Union. Everything became better thanks to our rulers and the wisdom of Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in peace,” she added.
From Tents to Homes
Abdalla Hussain, 63, from the Al-Shuwaihean area, also reflected on the profound changes in the UAE. “In the early days, the UAE had no infrastructure,” he said. “People’s loyalty then was to their tribe rather than to the country, and most were in poor financial condition. The main jobs were diving, fishing, and guarding.”
After the Union, Abdalla witnessed significant improvements. “The economy flourished, jobs increased, and the financial situation gradually improved,” he noted. “Sheikh Zayed was generous with the residents, providing for those in need. Many people lived in tents, but after the Union, their conditions improved, and they moved into homes. Sheikh Zayed was able to transform people’s belonging from a tribe to a complete homeland,” Abdalla emphasized, attributing the country’s progress to Sheikh Zayed’s wisdom and foresight.
A Childhood of Hardship
Aisha Ali, 65, born in 1959, reminisced about her childhood in Dubai. She lived in the Al Rafaah area before moving to Satwa just before the UAE’s formation. “Life was tough when I was young,” Aisha recalled. “I remember how my mother struggled to transport me from one emirate to another. Travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi took hours, unlike now which takes only more than one hour.” She vividly described the winding roads and the large black passport required to cross into Abu Dhabi through Saih Shuaab. “Even for medication, we had to bring our own bottles from home,” Aisha added.
“We heard the news on the radio, and when the Union was formed, people celebrated for days. Initially, it was six emirates, then Ras Al Khaimah joined later.”
These personal recollections highlight the transformation and progress the UAE has made since its formation, driven by the vision and leadership of its founding fathers.