Title

Emirati historical narratives

Source of Publication

History and Anthropology

Abstract

The rapid development of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has encouraged a focus on the future rather than on the past, and Emirati historical narratives condense historical time significantly, sometimes erasing entire periods. Emirati narratives also retrace the years of British hegemony and present British-Emirati relationships in competing and conflicting ways. This article identifies several current historical narratives: the Qawasim; the British are our friends; the freedom fighters; The Trucial States Council; and building the country. The article reviews the documented history of the UAE, and then describes the historical narratives that have contemporary currency. The research for this article was conducted during the years 2001 to 2008, and is based on participant observation, interviews and focus groups. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.

Document Type

Article

First Page

107

Last Page

121

Publication Date

6-1-2009

DOI

10.1080/02757200902875407

Author First name, Last name, Institution

Jane Bristol-Rhys, Zayed University

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