As we enter the year-long celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the UAE in December 1971, I have been pondering over my memories of those years, from 1975 onwards and my thoughts on the future.
One of the most remarkable features of the Emirates is how it has not just survived, but thrived. There have been ups and downs, of course. No country can escape those, especially one which, like the UAE, is so intimately bound to the global economic cycle because of its important oil and gas industry. So we have seen slumps, as well as booms. But for the most part, the country has steered a consistent path, even as its population has grown from around 250,000 at the time the federation was created to more than nine million today.
While the economy is now recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, those of us who remember previous setbacks, such as the collapse of oil prices in the 1980s, have confidence in the UAE's ability to move forward once more.
Sheikh Zayed, Founding Father of the UAE, being briefed by Dr Farouk El-Baz, right, who was a part of America's Apollo programme. Dubai Media Office
The extraordinary extent of the acceptance of mutual coexistence amongst the UAE’s multinational population is also, in my view, something well worth remembering. This country has always welcomed people of other cultures and other faiths, of course, as anyone with a knowledge of local history can explain. This is not, though, a static process. During my years here, I have seen people arrive, become a part of the fabric of life in the Emirates and play their part in the development of community and country.
All that has taken place against a background of rapid and peaceful social and economic change that has meant that the UAE today, in terms of its urban centres, at least, is almost unrecognisable when compared to 1971. The amazement of former residents who return after a decade or two away is almost palpable.
The contrast with many of the other countries within the broader Middle East region is sufficiently sharp as to need no description.
Looking back, I give thanks that, at its birth, the UAE was endowed not just with financial resources, but with political leadership – not least that of the late Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father – that had the wisdom to chart the course that we have followed.
What, though, can that tell us about the half-century that lies ahead?
The pace of technological progress is such that it is, I think, nearly impossible to imagine how society will look 50 years from now. How will the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence change lives, both at work and elsewhere? If advances in health care mean that the lives of most become longer, how will we adapt not just to that, but to the presumably inevitable population growth that will follow? How will the nature of travel and other communications change? What will be the key aspects of our economy, and of the economies of our present and future partners? How will our governmental system evolve to ensure the continuation of an effective two-way process of dialogue and interchange between the state and the people? How will we tackle the environmental challenges posed by climate change and the need to devise sustainable ways of exploiting natural resources before it is too late? How can we preserve the key elements of our heritage?
A 50th year celebration message of the forming of the UAE on a Dubai Metro station off Sheikh Zayed Road. The UAE's past and its future are inextricably linked. Antonie Robertson / The National
The ability to innovate and to adapt is fundamental to the UAE's successes and to overcoming challenges
For these, and for many other questions, I have no answers – merely further questions.
If, however, we look back half a century, either by recalling our own memories or by learning from those of others, a not dissimilar set of questions emerges.
Over the past 50 years, the UAE has dealt with those through a process that has involved not just careful planning but also a willingness to recognise that all plans may be liable to change as circumstances change. The ability to innovate and to adapt in pursuit of long-term goals has been fundamental both to the successes that the UAE has achieved and to the overcoming or circumventing of unexpected challenges. That ability is still evident today, as is the ability to dream.
There can be no guarantees that we will reach the targets that we now set ourselves, or, indeed, that those targets will still exist.
The same was true, of course, of the targets set back in 1971. Some have fallen by the wayside as priorities change. Others have been overtaken by changing events. What has remained, however, has been a sense of optimism, a belief that the underlying goal of creating a better society not only remains relevant but is achievable, even if the routes towards it may evolve.
Looking back, that optimism has been evident throughout our history. That is something truly worth celebrating in our anniversary year and a noble goal to set our sights on in the years ahead.
Peter Hellyer is a consultant specialising in the UAE’s history and culture
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
Tips for used car buyers
Choose cars with GCC specifications
Get a service history for cars less than five years old
Don’t go cheap on the inspection
Check for oil leaks
Do a Google search on the standard problems for your car model
Do your due diligence. Get a transfer of ownership done at an official RTA centre
Check the vehicle’s condition. You don’t want to buy a car that’s a good deal but ends up costing you Dh10,000 in repairs every month
Validate warranty and service contracts with the relevant agency and and make sure they are valid when ownership is transferred
If you are planning to sell the car soon, buy one with a good resale value. The two most popular cars in the UAE are black or white in colour and other colours are harder to sell
Tarek Kabrit, chief executive of Seez, and Imad Hammad, chief executive and co-founder of CarSwitch.com
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures: Monday, first 50-over match; Wednesday, second 50-over match; Thursday, third 50-over match
Result
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 – Group 1 (PA) $65,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Brraq, Ryan Curatolo (jockey), Jean-Claude Pecout (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (Turf) 1,800m; Winner: Bright Melody, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
