"An Honor To Live In Abu Dhabi..." 'Tammy Ann VanderWende' (Live from Abu Dhabi-3)

Dakinetalk is excited to welcome our newest regular guest-blogger Tammy Ann VanderWende.

Tammy is a Kaua'i girl who recently moved to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emerites

 with her husband Tom, son Kyler and family dog Kealia.

Join Tammy on her adventures as she shares her experiences on life in the Middle East!

This is Blog #3 from Abu Dhabi...

An  Honor To Live In Abu Dhabi

Good Morning Kaua'i  and the world!

Abu Dhabi, so much to talk about! I am still learning and enjoying reading all kinds of books and tabloids on living here. I will share some information that I collect and file away with you!

Abu Dhabi  is one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in the world and a growing cultural force in the Middle East, yet the city still holds dear the tribal past and religious ideals on which it was founded.

Many people are choosing to live all over the world and the resulting mix of cultures is part of the beauty of globalization. We locals who have lived in Hawai'i all our lives really have NO IDEA, how BIG THIS WORLD REALLY IS! I know a few people who reside in Kekaha and have not ventured off the island, let alone past Waimea Bridge!!! Hard to Believe, Yah! Its True!!! With that in mind, imagine me a Filipino/Japanese girl, Born in Frankfurt Maine Germany and raised in Kalihi and  lived most of my adult life on Kauai - with the exception of 7 years spent living in Carlsbad, San Diego!
Living in Abu Dhabi  is a huge culture shock. I was always told that Hawaii is the "Melting Pot" this was true, until I set foot here here. The UAE of  Abu Dhabi is like a huge kitchen aide mixer, the blends of nationalities and languages still amaze me.

The UAE is a young country with an intriguing history, before oil was discovered in the 1940's, Emiratis made their money Pearling, which was a dangerous trade. In the 19th century there were 1,200 pearl boats operating, men would dive to the bottom of the Gulf to find Oysters. In the 1940's Oil was discovered. Because of the proximity to India and Iran, this area was important for shipping and trading.

7 Emirates like 7 islands of Hawaii, each started out as its own Dynasty, in 1853 after many disagreements, the leaders of several Sheikdoms signed a treaty referring all future disputes to the United Kingdom. The British influenced much of the history here, sometimes strategically in order to keep their European rivals away and in 1892 a treaty, they agreed to protect the Sheikdoms that, in return, would not enter into relationships with other governments.

The Country's fortune took a dramatic turn with the discovery of oil and the ascension of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed inspired the leaders of the other Emirates to form a council to co-ordinate policies. This Council took on greater significance when Britain reduced its presence in the late 1960s and left in the early 1970s. With no foreign protection, the leaders of the Emirates met to discuss a union and on December 2,1971 the UAE United Arab Emerates was born.

The United Emirates are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Each Emerate has its own Ruler and Crown Prince. A Leader commanded the loyalty of his tribe, he has to lead by consensus.

 Abu Dhabi citizens proudly display portraits of their leaders in their offices and  places of business.  There are  Flags and banners on almost  every building, home and on cars.

The  street posts every Dec. 2, 1971 to show their love and respect for all the Royal family and what the Sheikdoms are doing and have done to enrich their lives.
Cultures and Laws are strong here, but that blog remains to be shared. 

I felt it an honor to share the history of the UAE, as I have become very fond and respectful the of the land and people here.

Hana Hou, (Encore) Shared from Facebook...