Abu Dhabi History: Sheikh Zayed (1855-1909)

Abu Dhabi - Paramount Sheikhdom (1855-1909)

• Zayed Bin Khalifa was elected as the new ruler of Abu Dhabi.
• Young Zayed displayed leadership qualities and strong personality.
• He spent significant time with Bedouins learning their customs and ways of managing tribal matters, preparing himself to become ruler of Abu Dhabi.
• Zayed the Great was destined to manage Abu Dhabi for half a century (1855-1909).
• He established peace within the tribal region, and made Abu Dhabi an important economic center.
• Abu Dhabi experienced remarkable prosperity as a significant economic force during this time, notably in pearl trading.
• The goal of unifying the Trucial Coast Emirates emerged, but existing regional conditions hindered this goal.
• Pearl trade in the Gulf accounted for 90% of the world's pearl trade in 1901.
• Zayed allied with Omani forces to force the Saudis out of the Buraimi Oasis.
• His reign saw a war with Qatar in 1880.

War with Qatar

• The Turks allied with the Emir of Al Bida to expand their influence along the Gulf Coast.
• Sheikh Jassim, encouraged by Turkey, aimed to relocate people to Al Odeid, but this was opposed by the British.
• Sheikh Zayed's relations with Jassim were marked by hostility, which was a prominent feature of the relations between Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
• British attempts at reconciliation between the chiefs, however, were ultimately unsuccessful.
• In 1881, Jassim declared intent to settle people in Odied, land under Abu Dhabi's dominion.
• The British intervened to prevent interference.
• A prolonged war began between Abu Dhabi and Qatar in 1888, with major attacks and counterattacks, causing heavy losses and destruction.
• Sheikh Jassim led incursions into Liwa in 1889, expelling residents, resulting in heavy casualties.

Proposed Settlement at Zora

• Zayed's rise as a leader meant other Sheikdoms were reluctant to extend Abu Dhabi's power.
• Zora, located between the towns of Ajman and Hamriyah, was considered disputed territory.
• The other sheikhdoms opposed Zayed's intentions, and refused granting of Zora to Abu Dhabi.
• Zora was claimed by Sharjah and Ajman because of its proximity to their territories.
• The fort at Zora's location was later destroyed by the British.