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

by Michael Quentin Morton

For those who visit the UAE today, staying in air-conditioned hotels and shopping in ultra-modern malls, the country itself remains an enigma – a glass and concrete creation that seems to have sprung from the desert overnight. Keepers of the Golden Shore looks behind its glossy facade, tracing the traditional tribal bonds of an ancient land to the society of today and casting a new and revealing light on this intriguing, innovative and resilient place.Across the spread of its deserts and mountains, islands and seas, the UAE has a rich and diverse history. From the ancient people who came out of the desert to settle the land, through the invasions and wars these people fought, to the myth of piracy and the mystique of pearls, and the arrival of the oilmen in the stifling heat, Keepers of the Golden Shore tells the extraordinary story of how the Emirates and its ruling families evolved from a tribal society to become one of the richest countries on earth.

Genres: History, Middle East, Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

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.