You usually flip through this kind of book while waiting for a meeting or scan past this genre of picture books on a bookshelf. Building a Nation isn’t that kind of book or genre. It is the sort you take time to read, immerse yourself in and ask, “Where can I get my copy?”
In addition to the extraordinary images of transformation – camels to metros, sand dunes to skyscrapers – this book has amazing depth of content. It’s in a class apart from its predecessors. The chapters with contextual information and captions will not only enlighten new residents but also serve as a history class for Emiratis born after the Federation.
The images leading up to December 2, 1971, serve as a reminder to the nation’s people of the difficult past we have come from. To be shown just how challenging simple day-to-day life was for our fathers and grandfathers is humbling to say the least.
I am particularly delighted to have the record set straight about the meaning of the colours of the UAE flag. Finally, the inaccurate notion that the colour black in our flag represents oil can be put to rest. (The colour black represents the battles required for freedom.)
Parts that stood out for me include a surprisingly honest account of the 1987 coup attempt. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, was in London, when his brother Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, head of the Emiri Guard staged a coup; an inspiring photo of our armed forces at the UAE army camp and hospital in Kosovo being greeted by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister and Lt General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces; and moving historical images of the founding fathers, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
There are many pleasant surprises like the unsheathing of the traditional Arab dagger, rare photos of Shaikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the role his mother, Shaikha Salama Bint Butti, played to bring about peace in the region. There is also a striking image of a broad-shouldered, young Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed at his accession to power in Oman.
The beloved Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was granted his Prophethood at the age of 40 – the age he was deemed ready to take on the responsibility to lead the people. Likewise the UAE’s40 years is significant as it now has a strong foundation. As a nation, we are ready to take our message of peace, tolerance and love to the rest of the world. Building a Nation is a book that displays our pivotal foundation years with authenticity and honesty that is inspirational.
Available at leading bookstores in the UAE and through Gulf News Circulation Department. Priced at Dh200. ISBN: 798-9948-16-328-2.
