1. I recently traveled to Abu Dhabi and was given this book as a gift. It was a wonderful surprise. The book covers the history of Abu Dhabi–both the far past and the recent past. It is particularly interesting from the 1950s and beyond. The author, Mohammed Al-Fahim, grew up in Abu Dhabi during this period. The reader experiences the period through the author’s eyes. Mr. Al-Fahim’s bitterness sometimes comes through–and rightly so. For example, his mother died in childbirth when she was only 30. Her death would have been preventable if proper medical attention were made available. He blames the British for exploiting the region and its people without giving much in return for a long time. But the book is extremely well-balanced. He also blames previous rulers for being reluctant to improve living conditions to the same standards of the rest of the world. However, Mr. Al-Fahim is extremely fond of Sheikh Zayed whom he knew well and who did much to improve the lot of his people. Anyone interested in the Middle East, the politics of oil, and how moderate Islam can live harmoniously with the West should read this book.
   Rating: 5 / 5

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