Students have expressed their love for the milk’s taste, with many noting that their families also purchase it for home use
uae10 hours ago
“We were searching for stability and safety, and that’s what we found after the Union.” These were the poignant words by senior Emiratis as they recalled life before 1971, before the United Arab Emirates was born.
Khaleej Times spoke to some of them on Thursday, July 18, the day declared by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed as Union Pledge Day to commemorate the day the rulers met which set the stage for the establishment of the UAE on December 2, 1971.
Maryam Salem, an 80-year-old from Ras Al Khaimah, shared her memories before the country was formed. She said: "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, news of the signing of the Union document did not reach them immediately. "We learned about it only after the Union was announced, as we lived in a remote area where news did not spread quickly at the time," Maryam explained.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
But the changes brought by the Union were immense and significant, added Maryam, noting: "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."
Abdalla Hussain, 63, from the Al-Shuwaihean area, also reflected on the dramatic changes in the UAE over the years.
"In the early days, the UAE had no infrastructure," said Abdalla, adding: "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 establishment of the Union, Abdalla witnessed significant changes. "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," Oil played a role in improving conditions, but it was Sheikh Zayed's wisdom and foresight that truly advanced the country and enhanced people's lives after the union,” Abdalla underscored.
Born in 1959, Aisha Ali, now 65 years old, also reminisced about her childhood in Dubai. She lived in Al Rafaah area before moving to Satwa, just before the formation of the UAE.
"Life was tough when I was young," said Aisha. "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."
“The roads were winding and far from the straight highways we see today,” she added as she vividly shared crossing into Abu Dhabi through Saih Shuaab required presenting a large black passport.
"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."
ALSO READ:
Students have expressed their love for the milk’s taste, with many noting that their families also purchase it for home use
uae10 hours ago
People across the country can watch it live on December 2 on local TV channels, cinemas and selected public areas
uae13 hours ago
The tremors were not felt by UAE residents despite the country's close proximity to Iran
uae16 hours ago
He was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and once served as general manager of Khaleej Times
uae18 hours ago
No casualties were reported by authorities in Aurora province, but thousands of homes were damaged, and heavy losses were sustained
uae18 hours ago
Omar Al Marzooqi is determined to qualify for the 2025 World Cup in Switzerland; his next big goal is the 2028 Olympics
uae20 hours ago
Tamim Al Tamimi had some of his shots displayed at Duroor Nights, an event that celebrated the Duroor system and its profound impact on Emirati life, in Ras Al Khaimah
uae20 hours ago
The budget covers UAE-themed decorations, cash prizes, Emirati-themed photo corner, and giveaways such as chocolates and perfumes
uae20 hours ago