Parts of Abu Dhabi were
settled as far back as the 3rd millennium BC and its early history fits the
nomadic herding and fishing pattern typical of the broader region. Modern Abu Dhabi
traces its origins to the rise of an important tribal confederation the Bani
Yas in the late 18th century, who also assumed control of Dubai. In the 19th
century the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches parted ways.
Into the mid-20th
century, the economy of Abu Dhabi continued to be sustained mainly by camel
herding, production of dates and vegetables at the inland oases of Al Ain and
Liwa, and fishing and pearl diving off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, which was
occupied mainly during the summer months. Most dwellings in Abu Dhabi city
were, at this time constructed of palm fronds (barasti), with the
wealthier families occupying mud huts. The growth of the cultured pearl
industry in the first half of the twentieth century created hardship for
residents of Abu Dhabi as pearls represented the largest export and main source
of cash earnings.
In 1939 Sheikh Shakhbut
Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan granted petroleum concessions, and oil was first found in
1958. At first, oil money had a marginal impact. A few lowrise concrete
buildings were erected, and the first paved road was completed in 1961, but
Sheikh Shakbut, uncertain whether the new oil royalties would last, took a
cautious approach, preferring to save the revenue rather than investing it in
development. His brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, saw that oil wealth had
the potential to transform Abu Dhabi. The ruling Al Nahayan family decided that
Sheikh Zayed should replace his brother as ruler and carry out his vision of
developing the country. On 6 August 1966, with the assistance of the British,
Sheikh Zayed became the new ruler.
With the announcement
by the UK in 1968 that it would withdraw from the Gulf area by 1971, Sheikh
Zayed became the main driving force behind the formation of the United Arab
Emirates.
After the Emirates
gained independence in 1971, oil wealth continued to flow to the area and
traditional mud-brick huts were rapidly replaced with banks, boutiques and
modern highrises.
Capital:
Government: Emirate
Area: 67.340
km˛
Population: 15.000
(1958), 211.812 (1975)
Currency: Dinar (1000 fils)
For more stamps see:
Links
Flag
of
Stamp catalogue
International Year for Human Rights
date:
designer: -
printer: Harrison
& Sons,
perforated: 14˝:14
remark: an aerogramme was
issued on the same date and occasion
1 35 fils IYHR
emblem, Sheikh Zayed, text "HUMAN RIGHTS YEAR / 1968" (also in
Arabic)
multicoloured
(cat. Michel 42/SG 42/Yvert 42)
2 60 fils IYHR
emblem, Sheikh Zayed, text "HUMAN RIGHTS YEAR / 1968" (also in
Arabic)
multicoloured
(cat. Michel 43/SG 43/Yvert 43)
3 150 fils IYHR
emblem, Sheikh Zayed, text "HUMAN RIGHTS YEAR / 1968" (also in
Arabic)
multicoloured
(cat. Michel 44/SG 44/Yvert 44)
last revised: