In 1971, six emirates of the Arabian Peninsula formed a new country: the United Arab Emirates. A British Protectorate since the 19th century, the British announced their withdrawal in the late 1960s, and these small, mainly desert nations formed a union in order to preserve their culture, security and future.

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Historically populated by nomadic tribes, and later coastal pearl traders and slavers, this hot, dry, desert land was strategically important for shipping and trade, especially for the British Empire. But it was sparsely populated and largely empty inland; inhospitable to all but the most hardy peoples. 

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The 20th century changed everything; thanks to oil wealth and a singular vision for the future, in just one generation the UAE has become a global centre for finance, shipping, oil production, leisure and tourism. Abu Dhabi and Dubai in particular have grown almost exponentially to become global megacities shimmering in the desert, hosting record-breaking structures and attractions, and redefining humanity's relationship with environment and nature. 

 

Reminiscent of the Biblical and Qu'ranic stories, the UAE is now reshaping its desert, mastering the climate and landscape in its rapid expansion and drive forwards into the future.