Keepers of the Golden Shore: A History of the United Arab Emirates

by Michael Quentin Morton

For those who visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE), staying in its the lavish hotels and browsing in the ultra-modern shopping malls of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, the country can be a mystery, a glass and concrete creation that seems to have sprung from the desert overnight. Keepers of the Golden Shore looks behind this glossy façade, illuminating the region’s history, which stretches from the ancient Arabian tribes who controlled a desolate but economically important shoreline to the ostentatious architectural wonders—bankrolled by a massive wealth of oil—that characterize it today.
           
As Michael Quentin Morton recounts, the region now known as the UAE likely began as a trading post between Mesopotamia and Oman, and since that time has been the stage of important economic and cultural exchanges. It has seen the rise and fall of a thriving pearl industry, piracy, invasions and wars, and the arrival of the oil age that would make it one of the richest countries on earth. Since the early 1970s, when seven sheikhs agreed to enter into a union, it has been a sovereign nation, carrying on the resourceful spirit—with resplendent fervor—that the brutally inhospitable landscape has long demanded of the people. Ultimately, Morton shows that the country is not only rich in oil and money but in an extraordinarily deep history and culture. 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Middle East

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2016

About the author

Michael Quentin Morton grew up in Qatar, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi in the 1950s and 1960s. He then worked as a barrister until he decided in 2008 to write full time. He has written nine books and many articles on the history of the Middle East. His latest book, "Masters of the Pearl: A History of Qatar" was published in August 2020.

Reviews

[Sandeep Mohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to learn about Emirati history, before visiting the country. Unlike the impression I got from reading some of the reviews, I found this book quite easy to read. It is very well written. I would recommend this book.

[Tim G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be mandatory reading for any of Dubai’s expatriates. A very sound and appropriate capture of UAE’s rich history, with its interwoven tribal culture and clashes as well as the underpinning religious traditions. These important moments from the past, informed UAE’s oil enriched rise to modern day wealth, and is necessary awareness a decent life in the modern UAE.

The writing was straightforward, and the content was well researched to make this a resourceful tool.
The history and linkage to a trading past were relatively unknown and fascinating to learn through. Such as the iconic Bedouin's camels, the global significance of the UAE pearls, and the UAE's rich oil reserves on the land and under the sea. These coupled with the tribal conflicts and feuding Emirates which have flickering to the present day, are informative and worthwhile.

The book's chapter of UAE’s rise to a Middle Eastern financial powerhouse was a standout, particularly the short time period to achieve this impressive big bang style transformation.

There is much to learn and appreciate for this region of the Middle East, as well as the fundamental role the UAE plays.
For any ex patriot, this book will provide a wealth of knowledge, and will ensure a greater appreciation for the arid environment they are a part of, and their vital role amongst it.

[Emin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise and sometimes funny history of the United Arab Emirates. 🇦🇪

I wish he had longer chapters about the final 25 years when the growth was explosive and intermittent at the same time.

Funny that I could not find this book in an excellent Dubai bookshop. I wonder if it’s not sold there for political reasons.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good general overview of the country's history. Could've benefitted from a couple of more detailed maps and a longer glossary, but it's a good intro the UAE and jumping off point for other reading.

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in Dubai for 7 years. Its amazing whats changed.