Join us for our very first event since the establishment of the Cambridge University Emirati Society, which is a registered student society of the University of Cambridge.

The launch event will give you a glimpse into the Emirati culture and heritage. The launch event will give you a glimpse into the Emirati culture and heritage. Our speakers Peter Hellyer, Timothy Power, and Hassan M. Al Naboodah will talk about  some of the most important archaeological discoveries and societal changes in the United Arab Emirates.

The two talks will be followed by a panel discussion and drinks and networking.

• Date: Thursday, November 28, 2019, 17-19:30
• Location: Palmerston Room, St. John’s College, University of Cambridge

For more info please visit our website: www.emiratisociety.com

EVENT SCHEDULE

• 17:00-17:20: Doors open
• 17:20-17:25: Welcome
• 17:30-17:50: Not Just Deserts, but 9,000 Years of Trade by Peter Hellyer
• 18:00-18:30: Who are the Emiratis? Identity and belonging between the Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean by Timothy Power
• 18:30-19:00: The Pre-Oil Society and Economy of the Emirates by Hassan M. Al Naboodah
• 19:00-19:30: Networking (drinks and nibbles)

TALKS

Not Just Deserts, but 9,000 Years of Trade by PETER HELLYER

Abstract. For many outsiders, the United Arab Emirates is seen as a land of deserts, Bedouin and camels - and the dramatic modernity that has followed on from the discovery of oil and gas. In reality, its history is much more diverse. Yes - there are deserts, Bedouins and camels, but there is also a heritage of nearly 10,000 years of international trade. There is the earliest evidence of a pearling industry, mining and exporting of copper 5,000 years ago and sailing to China 2,000 years ago. That interaction with the outside world over generations lies at the heart of the UAE and of its culture of tolerance today.

Bio. PETER HELLYER, an Adviser at the UAE’s National Media Council, is author and editor or co-editor of nearly twenty books on the UAE’s archaeology, history and environment. His latest book is “The Emirates – Our History”, written with Professor Peter Magee, director of archaeology for the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and Mohammed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the DCT and of Image Nation, co-producers of the documentary film series of UAE history (History of the Emirates). He served as an adviser on the production of the documentary. Born in the UK, he has been a resident of Abu Dhabi for over 40 years and was granted UAE citizenship in 2010 for his services to knowledge of the country’s archaeology and history. He was given the Abu Dhabi Medal in 2014 and was winner of the Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed Prize for Natural History in 2005. Between 1992 and 2005, Peter founded and then managed the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey, ADIAS, which discovered some of the most significant historical sites in the region. These included the 1400 year old Christian monastery on the island of Sir Bani Yas and the 7,500 year old Neolithic village on the island of Marawah, where the oldest pearl yet found on an archaeological site has subsequently been discovered.

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Who are the Emiratis? by TIMOTHY POWER

Abstract: The United Arab Emirates was established in 1971. However, the constituent elements of the country have much deeper roots. Successive waves of migrants have settled in the lands of the Emirates over the past 10,000 years. This short presentation will explore the main episodes of migration and discuss the resulting synthesis – both ‘melting pot’ and ‘mosaic’ – which defines the national character of the Emirates. It is further argued that a distinct regional identity existed from early times and that this provided a solid foundation on which to build a successful nation state.

Bio: Dr Timothy Power is an archaeologist and historian focusing on Arabia and the Islamic world. He is a consultant to the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and freelancer for The National newspaper. His forthcoming book ‘A History of the Emirati People’ will be published in 2021 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Emirates.

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The Pre-Oil Society and Economy of the Emirates by HASSAN M. Al NABOODAH

Abstract. Despite overall harsh natural conditions, oases and mountain foothills provided a sufficient abundance of water for human settlement, supported by relatively important agricultural and herding activity. Settled communities lived in these limited areas, for instance in Al Ain and Liwa, on the one hand, and in villages and towns along the coast, on the other. The latter were mainly engaged in pearl diving, fishing and regional trade. They had a co-dependent relationship with the Bedu with whom they came into regular contact. The Bedu moved around all throughout the year, in a migratory pattern determined by seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall. Their local summer dwellings were located in the oases where survival in the extreme desert heat became possible. The presentation argues that geographical distinctions not only between inland and coastline, but also between sandy desert and mountainous areas, created distinct forms of self-sufficiency.

Bio. Professor Hassan al-Naboodah is Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of the United Arab Emirates. His research interests are in Arabic and Islamic history, with a particular focus on the UAE and Arabian Gulf.