Travelling through time: UAE then and now!
- Khwahish Punjabi
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
A wish to wander through the Emirates of the past...
JUAN SAMBHASH JACOB
AL AIN JUNIOR SCHOOLS, AL AIN
If I had a time machine, I would visit the old UAE, which would be very different from today’s UAE. The cities, towns, and places where Burj Khalifa stands tall with other skyscrapers were once a large mass of desert. The UAE, founded on 2 December 1971, consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah, and was later
joined by Ras Al Khaimah.
UAE‘s history is one of the most impressive histories because of its ultimate transformation. The UAE has evolved remarkably from a modest desert landscape to one of the world’s most advanced nations. Before the discovery of oil, the region now known as the UAE was a land of desert nomads, fishermen, and pearl divers. The economy primarily depended on fishing, pearl trading, and limited agriculture. The Bedouins, known for their resilience, roamed the vast deserts, relying on camels for transport and date palms for survival. Pearl diving was once the driving force of the UAE economy. It contributed massively to the UAE’s sustenance; nearly everyone is engaged in pearl diving and fishing. Pearl diving is respected and remembered by the people of the UAE.
In the present, the UAE stands as a modern and innovative country. The country has become a global economic hub, from tall skyscrapers to artistic infrastructure. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi consist of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The UAE has expanded its economy beyond oil, investing in tourism, finance, technology, and space exploration. The UAE continues to push the boundaries of innovation and progress.
With initiatives like UAE Vision 2071, the country aims to become one of the world’s most developed nations, focusing on artificial intelligence, green energy, and digital transformation. The upcoming projects, including the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and advancements in space travel, demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to shaping a future that balances heritage with innovation. Time travel through the UAE’s history reveals a story of transformation that continues to unfold, promising an even brighter tomorrow.
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