Waves of Time: The Maritime History of the United Arab Emirates

About this book

The United Arab Emirates is in the true sense of the word a maritime nation. Not only does it possess over 800 kilometres of mainland coastline and a large number of islands in both the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea it also has a long and proud tradition of sailing navigation boat building pearling fishing and marine trading. From as far back as archaeologists have traced Mans existence in the land now known as the UAE there is strong evidence of local inhabitants dependence upon the sea. Artefacts in the form of ancient pearls shell necklaces pottery decorated with fish motifs and carved pendants depicting early sailing craft (including one with the first known depiction of a lateen sail) form a vital part of this archaeological record whilst carved fish hooks net-sinkers fish bones piles of sea-shells or mounds of dugong and turtle bones attest to an early fishing industry and to the development of fishing techniques over the centuries. The archaeological record has also yielded incontrovertible evidence of the UAEs intimate maritime commercial links with ancient civilisations. Indeed in later times Emirati seafarers were skilled navigators much sought after for their knowledge on the Indian Ocean navigation long before the Portuguese entered the arena. One of the greatest of these was Ahmed ibn Majid. His name spread throughout the Arab World and has lived on to this day as one of the most respected of Arab scientists and writers. Just as famous in song and legend is the UAEs most renowned marine product the precious pearl. harvested since early times pearling continued to be a source of prosperity right up to the 20th century. This informative book is a valuable summary of the UAEs marine heritage and a reminder of the deep love and respect which the people of the UAE have for the sea.