Senior citizens…testimonies documenting important details in the Union’s journey

Senior citizens and community figures confirmed that the establishment of the union constituted the most important shift in the modern history of the Emirates, after it transferred the population from a life dependent on springs, wells, and arduous mountain roads, to a modern state that possesses advanced infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and modern services, noting that their personal stories contain distinct details that embody the magnitude of the transformation that the country has witnessed since 1971.

Their testimonies to Emirates Today documented the stages before and after the union, starting with cities such as Al-Shuwaib and Hatta, all the way to the first educational and artistic experiences in Fujairah and Dubai, stressing that the union transferred their lives to a modern state that possesses advanced infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and modern services.

In detail, Ali Suleiman Al-Ketbi, a retiree from the armed forces, said that life in Al-Shuwaib before the union was “simple and spontaneous,” relying on agriculture, grazing, and traditional crafts, while houses were built from mud and palm leaves, collecting water from springs and wells, and relying on camels or walking for daily transportation.

He added that the establishment of the union in 1971 marked the beginning of a “renaissance that did not stop,” as electricity, water, and paved roads reached the region, schools and health centers expanded, and agricultural projects grew, which made life “more comfortable and organized while preserving the authenticity of society.”

Al Ketbi recalled a defining moment that brought him together with the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God have mercy on him, saying: “When work began at Jebel Ali Port, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum told us: (This place will be great). At that time, we were wondering: How could this land change its features? But he saw the future clearly, and today Jebel Ali has become one of the most important ports in the world, a testament to the sincerity of the founders’ vision.”

He pointed out the importance of adult councils and their role in transferring experiences and encouraging young people to adhere to the union’s values ​​and leadership approach, also recalling the memories of the Al-Shuwaib football team during the 1980s, which united the community and strengthened team spirit and discipline.

In the city of Hatta, her mother, Moza Rabie, said that Hatta has undergone extensive transformations since the seventies, as the houses were “arbours” and “tents” before the popular homes were established in 1977 under the directives of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God have mercy on him, in addition to the establishment of schools and the founding of the Hatta Sports and Cultural Club in 1981.

While (Umm Saeed) talked about life in 1976, when the people were bringing water from the wells, she pointed to a blind man called “Za’il,” who was in charge of distributing water to the homes with remarkable precision, as despite his disability, he had a sharp memory and acumen that made the people amazed at his ability to deliver water without error, becoming one of the most prominent members of society at that time.

She stressed that the current services for senior citizens, including housing, health care, and social aid, reflect the goodness of the union and the care of the leadership, adding that she named her grandson (Rashid), after the leadership and out of love for the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God have mercy on him.

Moza Suhail stated that the people, despite development, still maintain their popular heritage in traditional dress, the burqa, and customs, which are an integral part of identity.

For her part, the mother, Hamama Harith, who got married in Ajman and then moved to Dubai, narrated that she lived in the Port Said area for 20 years before moving to another area, stressing that the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God have mercy on him, used to check on people’s conditions at various times, which made the people feel close to the leadership and interested in their daily affairs.

She added that the news of the establishment of the union was “a joy that was transmitted from house to house,” as it carried hope for a single homeland and a better future.

In Fujairah, the former director of the Fujairah Municipality, Ahmed Shaker, recalled the beginnings of education in the emirate in 1962, noting that he was among the first batch of 52 students, before continuing his studies later thanks to the “directed enrollment” program.

He talked about his professional career, from his work in education, residency, and foreigners’ affairs, to his assuming the administration of the Fujairah Municipality between 1982 and 1997, and his participation in the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, stressing that the union phase contributed to the development of infrastructure and municipal services.

He explained that the mountain road between Fujairah and Dubai used to take four days via Al-Huwailat, Rafad, and Nasla, or via Wadi Ham, before modern road projects brought about a radical transformation in traffic. He pointed out that the ancestors wished for unity, which was achieved through the will of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God bless them, with a cohesive union.

In addition, the Emirati artist Abdul Rahim Salem, one of the founders of the plastic movement, confirmed that the plastic arts before the union were not clear except through individual attempts, but with the efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Information, the movement began to take an organized form.

He added that the establishment of the Emirates Fine Arts Society in 1981 was a turning point, as it contributed to sponsoring young artists and organizing exhibitions, workshops and summer courses.

He pointed out that the Emirati artist distinguished himself because he started from his local environment, citing names such as Abdul Qadir Al Rayes, Najat Makki, Mona Al Khaja, and Obaid Surour, stressing that “art is a message that must derive its spirit from heritage and the environment.”

He advised young artists to employ technologies and artificial intelligence in artistic work without dispensing with creative sense and manual skill, considering that “true talent is a rare currency.”

Senior citizens:

• The “Union” moved us to a modern state that possesses advanced infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and modern services.