Volume 8 • Number 17 • June 2017 ISSN 1729-9039 Liwa Journal of the National Archives
Editor-In-Chief Dr. Abdulla M. Al Raisi Director General of the National Archives
Deputy Editor-In-Chief Majid Sultan Al Mehairi Managing Editor Dr. L. Usra Soffan Editorial Board Dr. Jayanti Maitra Farhan Al Marzooqi Saeed Al Suwaidi Gregory Keith Iverson, Ph.D.
Editorial Secretary Nouf Salem Al Junaibi Design & Layout Makkai Noordheen
National Archives, 2017 © Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Editor of theLiwa Journal (ISSN 1729-9039) invites the submission of original and unpublished scholarly articles in English and Arabic related to archaeology, history and heritage of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region. Manuscripts and all other correspondences concerning ‘Liwa’ should be addressed to: [email protected] Books sent for review in the Journal cannot be returned. For more details about ‘Liwa’ and subscriptions, access www.na.ae The views expressed in this issue are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or the National Archives.
Printed in the National Archives Printing Press LiwaJournal of the National Archives
Volume 8 • Number 17 • June 2017
1 Contents
Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977) Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri 3 Researcher, Zayed Centre for Studies and Research
Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE 25 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi Researcher
2 3 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977) Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbut Bin Dhiyab Bin Issa Bin Nahyan Bin Falah, the first to hold the office of Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, was well known for his extraordinary benevolence and contribution to and understanding of the welfare of the region, in general, and the Abu Dhabi community, in particular. This was very evident early on, from the days of his father, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, the ninth ruler of Abu Dhabi (1922-1926), to the reign of his younger brother, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1966-2004), who is credited with recognizing his brother’s immense value.
Sheikh Khalid joined ranks with Sheikh Zayed in putting the wheels of development in motion in all aspects of life in their state to meet the needs of both the individual and society. The oases of the Western Region benefited considerably from their efforts. This was good news for Abu Dhabi, especially the introduction of the concept of artesian wells in “Seeh Al Dam”. Numerous wells were sunk and water pumps were brought in. Staff in the Finance Department were instructed to accept payment in instalments to make it easier for the landowners and to enable them all to cultivate their land. As a result, life in that region was transformed beyond recognition. Medical and educational centers were established. The Emirate was fortunate enough to benefit from Sheikh Khalid’s decision to adopt the Abu Dhabi government agricultural pilot project in one of his personal Al Ain gardens, which set the stage for the establishment of an agricultural equipment research center to improve and produce the best crops of fruits, vegetables and ornamental plants and trees. More important was the establishment of a training school for the management and maintenance of agricultural equipment to serve as a nucleus for training agricultural advisors and to spread agricultural knowledge among farmers.
The goal of this paper is to provide a personal profile of Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his status, accomplishments and his ability in facing the countless challenges and significant events through the various historical stages that Abu Dhabi went through. This research is based on a comprehensive and thorough examination of available foreign archival records, indigenous oral history accounts of Sheikh Khalid’s personality and his contributions to the social, economic and political developments in Abu Dhabi, and on the personal observations recorded by Westerners who knew him and had the opportunity of witnessing at close range his multifarious achievements.
3 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan within the walls of Qasr Al Hosn,1955. © BP plc
Date of Birth and Upbringing As regards Sheikh Khalid’s date of birth, opinions vary. According to British sources, it appears that he was born in 1906, as the Residency Agent in Sharjah, Issa Bin Abdul Latif (1919-1935), mentioned in a report in 1934 that “he is a 28-29 year old man”.1 The English writer, Claude Morris, in his well-known book, “The Desert Falcon”, mentioned a date of birth which made Sheikh Khalid a few years younger. He writes: “Sheikh Khalid was 62 years old in 1974”. Thus, according to Morris, he was born in 1912.2 However, in the same book, the author states that Sheikh Khalid was 13 years old when his father died in 1926. That would mean he was born in 1913.3 It is likely, that Sheikh Khalid was born in the area of Jawa’, in the village of Mujib, where his father had his date palm orchards.4 However, it cannot be confirmed that it was he, and not his brother Hazza, who was born in that location west of Abu Dhabi.5 Sheikh Khalid had four siblings, the eldest being Shakhbut, followed by Hazza’, Zayed and their sister, Maryam. Khalid was born after Hazza’.
Information about Khalid’s childhood and youth is very scarce. He was brought up under the personal care of his mother, Sheikha Salama Bint Buti, a woman of great
4 5 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977) power and influence in Abu Dhabi.6 His father, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, was a very brave and religious man. During those days, Abu Dhabi was not a barren desert, but a political and cultural entity enlivened by the presence of religious scholars, learned men and dignitaries from various walks of life. Thanks to his father, as a young man, Sheikh Khalid was encouraged to associate with them. He was schooled in the teachings of the Quran, and became well-versed in Arab-Islamic culture and heritage. As Abu Dhabi merchants were instrumental in bringing religious scholars from Al Hasa, Rustaq, Persia and Mauritania,7 schools were built, and education took its rightful place among the people. Sheikh Khalid, and his elder brother, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan, joined a school in Abu Dhabi to study under learned men like Sheikh Abu Al Khayaz from mainland Persia,8 and Mohamed Al Khayar, as mentioned in another source.9 A raconteur who studied with Sheikh Khalid in an Abu Dhabi School recollects: “I studied here in Abu Dhabi with Sheikhs Shakhbut, Hazza’, Khalid and their sister Maryam under Sayed Aqil Al Farsi, a Sharif, who was a judge and imam of the Al Seer mosque.”10
In his early life, Sheikh Khalid had to confront difficult situations and numerous dangers due to political rivalries and family succession disputes. After his father assumed power, political disturbances broke out. Fearing that his family was in danger, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, sent them to Al Ain oases on July 12, 1962. He kept only Sheikh Khalid by his side in Abu Dhabi. However, soon the son was faced with a shocking incident in which his beloved father died and Khalid, himself, was badly wounded. Consequently, the family was split apart suddenly and unexpectedly.11 His father’s death, and the grievous injury that he himself had suffered on that occasion, had a deep impact on his life.
Khalid in “Diwan Al Wejha Al Dhahabiya” According to reports of the incident in which Sheikh Khalid was injured while accompanying his father, a rumour circulated that Sheikh Khalid was seriously hurt and could die. Under such a pretext, the new Ruler, Sheikh Saqr Bin Zayed (1926- 1928), who was himself responsible for the death of Sheikh Khalid’s father, wanted to take Khalid to treat his wounds.12 However, Khalaf Al Otaiba, a prominent Abu Dhabi merchant, called on a Bahraini doctor, named Mohamad Mahmoud Bahzad, who practised medicine in Bahrain, Qatar and the Trucial Coast, to treat Sheikh Khalid. In his memoirs titled “Diwan Al Wejha Al Dhahabiya”, this doctor recounted his trip to Abu Dhabi and that he gave the necessary treatment to Sheikh Khalid.13 He notes that Khalaf Al Otaiba was an elderly man, around 95 years old, who went to Dubai to personally meet him there. Khalaf asked the doctor to accompany him to Abu Dhabi to treat Sheikh Khalid and one of his sons. Bahzad readily obliged. He first went back to Bahrain to fetch some necessary medicines, then he joined Khalaf Al Otaiba in Abu Dhabi on the first of Dhu Hijjah 1344 H. According to Dr. Bahzad’s memoirs, he stayed in Abu Dhabi for five months.14
5 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
Such an ordeal had a powerful effect on Sheikh Khalid. He spent nearly two years under the care of his mother’s family, during which he received the best possible healthcare,15 and was able to overcome his trauma once the situation in Abu Dhabi stabilized after his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut, assumed power in 1928. Sheikh Khalid’s marriage was arranged by his mother, Sheikha Salama, to a relative of hers, and he became engaged to his maternal cousin, Sheikha Moza Bint Butti.16 Mrs. Susan Hillyard, the wife of ADMA’s representative, Tim Hillyard, describes his wife as follows: “Sheikh Khalid has a kind and pleasant wife whom he is proud of”.17 Sheikh Khalid could not stay away from his mother and brothers. Hence, he and his young wife lived with his family in Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, in the eastern wing on the ground floor, adjacent to that of his brother, the Ruler, Sheikh Shakhbut.18 Sheikha Moza gave birth to Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikha Mahra in Qasr Al Hosn.19 Sheikh Khalid preferred to spend summer with his wife and children in Al Ain after he built a palace in Al Muwaiji oasis, near the palaces of his mother and brothers, Shakhbut and Zayed.20
In 1951, Sheikh Khalid and his wife moved out of Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi.21 Elsewhere it is said that he moved out of Qasr Al Hosn in 1957, when Sheikh Shakhbut gave permission to his brothers Khalid and Hazza’ to each build a palace of their own near his.22
Narain Asarpota, an Indian expat, who lived in Abu Dhabi for over fifty-seven years, wrote in his memoirs about his long stay, how he came to work in ADMA as an instructor, and then became head of the purchasing department. Later on, Asarpota worked in the Private Department of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.23 He noted that “in the early nineteen sixties, Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan invited us to celebrate the opening of his palace on the corniche in the Al Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi”.24
The Values of Generosity and Kindness Over the years, British officials in the Gulf became increasingly aware ofthe importance and remarkable capabilities of certain influential personalities in running the political affairs of Abu Dhabi. The first impression of all these officials as regards Sheikh Khalid was that they held a very high opinion of him, which they expressed in most favorable terms in their formal correspondence. They described him as an up and coming, very well liked, benevolent figure.25 It is well established that generosity has long been a much valued Arab trait and one for which Sheikh Khalid was well known in modern times. All Bedouin and others who converged on Abu Dhabi to meet the Sheikhs, Rulers and British Political Agents had been guests of Sheikh Khalid at one time or another. There are numerous accounts of his hospitality recounted by several Englishmen as well as local inhabitants. The then Political Agent in Abu Dhabi, Donald Hawley (1958-1961), was impressed by the banquets and
6 7 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977) pleasurable gatherings always hosted by Sheikh Khalid in an atmosphere of friendship and warmth. Hawley says: “On the first evening, I stayed at the Al Murabba Fort, which is the guest house for the then Al Ain governor, Sheikh Zayed. Sheikh Khalid did not only send a traditional dinner meal, but turned up himself to dine with us. I was thoroughly pleased by his action…”26 The Political Agent further describes the recurrent visits to them by Sheikh Khalid adding: “Another time, Sheikh Khalid attended the lunch banquet which he held for us and for two officers from Trucial Oman Scouts (TOS)…..attended also by his brother Sheikh Zayed….I enjoyed their pleasant company”.27
Mrs. Susan Hillyard describes aptly in her memoirs the display of hospitality she watched every day during her stay in Abu Dhabi, consisting of a variety of dishes which came out of the kitchen of Sheikh Khalid’s palace intended for households east of the Abu Dhabi souk and near the Hillyard residence. Imagine, as well, seeing women who lived nearby leaving their homes when it was time to offer meals at Sheikh Khalid’s palace. Each one would carry the biggest plate in her household and would head to the palace kitchen”. A couple of minutes later, they would leave the palace putting the plates on the top of their heads and head back home. They walk very carefully lest the boiled rice with sauce and meat fall off. In one hand each held a piece of cloth containing fruits, grains like rice or wheat, etc. while children are seen waiting anxiously for the food as if it’s a day of celebration”.28 Moreover, Susan refers in her memoirs to the competition between Sheikh Khalid’s kitchen and that of his brother, Hazza, from which meals were also distributed among households at the other end of the souk.29
Mr. Narain Asarpota, who used to be a frequent guest of Sheikh Khalid, says in his memoirs: “In 1964, Sheikh Khalid sent us an invitation to celebrate the launch of a property of his in Al Khalidiya neighborhood in Abu Dhabi. He had ordered from Bahrain three sets of anklets and gold bracelets for his family. Out of affection, and because we were very close to his family, his wife, Sheikha Moza, asked my wife one day: “Why you don’t wear anklets?” My wife replied: “You are right, in fact I don’t”. When Sheikh Moza heard this, she took off her anklets and gave them to my wife to wear them. This kind gesture demonstrated the affection between my family and the ruling family”.30
There is a consensus among storytellers who knew Sheikh Khalid well, that he possessed a long list of noble and philanthropic traits. One of those storytellers mentions his passion for good deeds, generosity and benevolence. He was a role model for affection and compassion. And he always had a smile for everyone, from the man who poured the coffee to rulers and tribal dignitaries.31
Sheikh Khalid owned many camels and was proud of their qualities and breeds. It appears that the culture of taking pride in possessing thoroughbred camels was well
7 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri established in the local community at that time. Possessing specific breeds of rare camels was a source of delight and gratification for owners. Khalid was an expert in camel anatomy from the head down to the neck, their general shape and graceful gait. One storyteller who used to attend Sheikh Khalid’s council in Al Ain recalls that he often called his attendants, including a man named Shaiban and another named Ibn Maktoum, and would request them: “Show me the she-camel from the side, from the back and the front. He was adroit at camel beauty, and could tell a good camel from a bad one”.32
Internal Transformation At a relatively young age, being an observer, rather than an active participant in events during the rule of his uncles and father, Sheikh Khalid managed to master the art of diplomacy. While he was in his twenties, a new formula for government emerged, as demonstrated in the participation of the brothers of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in running the affairs of the Emirate since the nineteen thirties, when Shakhbut, his eldest brother, took over the reins of government. It ushered in a new phase characterized by wider collaboration among the members of the Al Nahyan family who assisted the Ruler in running the government.33
The relationship between Sheikhs Shakhbut and Khalid was based on mutual respect and trust, despite some differences of opinion regarding general policies. Sheikh Shakhbut seldom took any significant action without first consulting Sheikh Khalid. A letter written by the Political Agent in Bahrain in June 1935, described how close Sheikh Khalid was to Sheikh Shakhbut in conducting his administrative functions. One such occasion that may be cited were the discussions that took place on board HMS Fowey between the Political Agent and his accompanying officers on the one hand, and Sheikh Khalid and his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut, the Ruler, on the other, for building a fuel storage tank and a lighthouse in Abu Dhabi.34
No sooner had his brother assumed power, when companies began to approach the Ruler asking for oil exploration concessions. Without going into the historical details of such concessions, which were awarded between 1949 and 1952, and the great effect which drilling operations had in Abu Dhabi and which is also well documented,35 it suffices to talk about Sheikh Khalid’s significant involvement in the awarding of these concessions in the Emirate at that time. He was relied upon as one of the Ruler’s competent representatives on such concessions.36 Along with his brother, Sheikh Khalid, Sheikh Shakhbut, used to follow up the implementation of the exploration projects since the time of the launch of the drilling of the first test well in a small ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Ronald Codrai tells us in his diaries dated February 16, 1950, about that day: “A great day at Ras Al Sadr! Shakhbut and his two brothers, Hazza and Khalid, attended the celebration of the drilling of the first test well in southeast Arabian Peninsula”.37
8 9 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977)
Sheikh Khalid shared with his brothers the burdens of running the Emirate and responded to people’s demands. However, he resented the long time it took to find oil in Abu Dhabi. They had expected immediate results like they would soon be watching the movement of a fleet of oil supertankers across the calm Gulf waters. Instead, only the movement of the spice trade boats continued for some time to come. The English writer and historian, Roderic Fenwick Owen, describes the signs of desperation and frustration shown by Sheikh Khalid when he met him at the majlis of his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut. The writer had arrived in Abu Dhabi as part of his tour of the Arabian Peninsula in 1955. In the course of their conversation, Sheikh Shakhbut asked him whether he thought that what we had in Abu Dhabi Island amounted to a great deal. Roderic replied: “I am not qualified to give an answer to such a question. However, perhaps it won’t be found above ground but rather under the seabed”. The Ruler retorted: “We have waited so long to hear good news about oil since the explorations started around 18 years ago, which is a very long period”. Sheikh Khalid nodded and said: “We have been waiting too long…” The Englishman noted: “Such a nod indicated that there was no end in sight for these explorations, and their faces were grim. There were signs of impatience and anger. Nevertheless, after a moment of silence, they were all philosophical about it and simply said: “It is the will of God Almighty.”
Sheikh Khalid had always been indifferent to what his brothers possessed. He believed that there was a place for each of them in the Emirate. They consulted and advised each other and worked for the benefit of their society under the leadership of one of them. Evidence of a possible change in the structure of Abu Dhabi government emerged in the early nineteen fifties after the Ruler gave a sign of his willingness to delegate some of his powers to his brothers. This was demonstrated in the first agreement to be signed with an oil company. The Ruler was the only signatory to the agreement on behalf of the Emirate. However, the oil concession agreement signed in 1950 provided that the Ruler shall be represented by “a tripartite committee consisting of Hazza Bin Sultan, Khalid bin Sultan and Zayed bin Sultan”.38 But, the Ruler hesitated in implementing such an agreement when the time actually came. Nevertheless, the sense of collective responsibility grew stronger in the Emirate. It became crystal clear that Khalid’s youngest brother, Sheikh Zayed, held a special standing in society, thanks to his leadership qualities within the circle of the Ruling Family and throughout the Emirate, even before his eldest brother, Sheikh Shakhbut, declared for the first time in 1954 his intention to step39 down. A British report dated October 17, 1962, stated that Sheikh Shakhbut sent his cousin, Mohammed Bin Khalifa40 to his brothers, Khalid and Zayed, in Al Ain to inform them of his decision to abdicate and to ask them to take over, but the two brothers refused.41 Under Shakhbut’s instructions, the three brothers met in Abu Dhabi and held a stormy session that eventually amounted to nothing as they held conflicting views.
9 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
In spite of their differing views, Sheikh Khalid never violated the established code of conduct that was to be observed, namely to show due respect to the personality and status of the Ruler. However, Rulers do not stay in power forever. Thus, Sheikh Khalid supported the position of his brother, Sheikh Zayed, in the disturbances that erupted in Abu Dhabi in 1966 until the latter took over the reins of government.42 The reason for such a change was the development plans and schemes that were drawn up during Sheikh Shakhbut’s rule in 1965-1966 covering major construction projects like roads, power generating plants, hospitals and other essential infrastructures, were not carried out, because of the Ruler’s failure to implement them. It is noteworthy that Sheikh Khalid, and his brother, Sheikh Zayed, did all they could to see that they were implemented.43 In his report, A. J. M. Craig, an aide to the Political Agent in Dubai, confirmed that Sheikh Khalid was keen on carrying out development projects in Abu Dhabi in the nineteen sixties.44 However, they both gave up on the Ruler whose attitude was at variance with reality; especially now that oil had been discovered in the Emirate in 1958 and began to be exported in 1962. There were rewarding returns which could be invested in funding basic projects.45
As Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi In September 1966, within a month of his younger brother, Sheikh Zayed, assuming power in Abu Dhabi, a government decree was issued appointing Khalid as Deputy Ruler.46 A British communication dated November 15, 1966, mentions that Sheikh Khalid was in charge of the Emirate’s affairs while his brother Sheikh Zayed made official tours of neighboring states to forge friendly and collaborative relationships with them and to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s standing in the region. Sheikh Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Khalid was aware of the importance of the mid-1960s. supporting his brother’s declared policy 47 Source : National Archives of the UAE towards his neighbors. Sheikh Khalid © Neville Green shared several qualities with his brother Zayed like their passion for traditional Bedouin life, raising and possessing falcons, hunting, and participating in conversations that took place in the majlises. They trusted one another deeply. Sheikh Zayed had a very special place in his brother Khalid’s heart, which no other brother had.
Sheikh Zayed was in the habit of seeking Khalid’s advice in many of the Emirate’s important financial and political matters as well as its relations with its neighbors.48
10 11 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977)
*
Translation of the decree promulgated by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, forming Government administration, 11th September 1966. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, USA
*Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid
11 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
Translation of the decree promulgated by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, forming Government administration, 11th September 1966. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, USA
12 13 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977)
This is demonstrated in a British correspondence dated July 8, 1967, dealing with his brother’s discussions with the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed, aimed at consulting each other and negotiating a peaceful settlement of the border issue (the seabed limit). Sheikh Zayed made a decision only after full consultation and agreement with his brother Khalid, and after receiving his consent regarding Abu Dhabi territory.49 Khalid continued to support his brother in his discussions on the attempts to form a bilateral union between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.50 In 1968, the power structure in Abu Dhabi, was modified by a decision to appoint Sheikh Khalifa, the eldest son of Sheikh Zayed, as Deputy Ruler instead of Sheikh Khalid.51
As conditions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi stabilised, Sheikh Khalid played a pivotal role by supporting Sheikh Zayed’s plans and projects with the launch of Abu Dhabi’s first “Five-Year Plan” in March 1968, which constituted a development strategy for the Emirate. Its programs covered all aspects of life. Its budget earmarked funds for various projects in several sectors such as education, public health, agriculture, industry, communications, municipalities, housing, labour, tourism, utilities, loans, investment, etc.52 The idea of building Al Khalidiya Park was a remarkable plan implemented by Sheikh Khalid.53 His efforts and enthusiasm to create and follow up basic development projects in Abu Dhabi’s Western Province, as part of the continuous development and construction activity in Abu Dhabi and the internal regions like Al Ain, drew the attention of British observers. Their correspondence and administrative reports dealt with the following:
Liwa Enters the Modern Age
1. Seeh Al Dam and the Artesian Wells Concept Sheikh Khalid’s attitude and insistence on creating settled agrarian communities in the western region oases drew the attention of Archie Lamb, the British Political Agent in Abu Dhabi (1965-1968), following a tour by him in the Western Region. He wrote: “When we passed by Seeh Al Dam, we saw a group of men drilling artesian wells. After making inquiries, we found out that they were Sheikh Khalid’s men to whom he had promised a plot of land each in this Seeh and the necessary help by providing drilling equipment and transportation”.54
Archie Lamb did not waste any time; as soon as he reached Abu Dhabi, he rushed to see Sheikh Khalid. He discovered that Sheikh Khalid, and his brother, Sheikh Zayed, the Ruler, were thinking and acting wisely and prudently. Sheikh Khalid was keenly aware of the importance of refuting any external expansionist claims to Abu Dhabi’s Western Region territory. Lamb stated: “Sheikh Khalid firmly believes that settlements in Liwa are the key to ensure Abu Dhabi security and stability. Consequently, he thinks it is crucial to give support to those who would like to settle down over there”.
13 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
The traditional importance of Liwa, which is hundreds of miles away, south west of Abu Dhabi, on the southern border of Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia, and consisting of more than fifty villages and date palm gardens spread across green areas and sand dunes, lies in its oil.55 However, the main significance of the Liwa region, which the Political Agent did not emphasise, was that it is the land of Sheikh Khalid’s forefathers. Furthermore, it is home to the palm gardens which he had inherited from his grandfathers, and in particular, it includes the place where he was born and raised, Muzaira.56 It appeared that the garden owners and residents of this region had voiced their resentment to Sheikh Khalid about the poor condition of their crops, while once it used to be the economic as well as social capital of Al Dhafra. Furthermore, it was the place that accommodated the Al Dhafra desert Bedouins during the hot season, where they enjoyed the fruits of the date palms, and took shelter in their shade. It used to have fresh water that has since become scarce and was sold at exorbitant prices. Well drilling was overdue and way behind similar developments in Al Ain oases and elsewhere. It even lacked basic social services, like primary healthcare and schools. Guided by his social instinct, Sheikh Khalid, as a Bedouin Sheikh, realized the importance of focusing his attention on this area. He was alive to the huge responsibility shouldered by his brother, Sheikh Zayed. At the same time, he mulled over the present miserable conditions in Liwa, although it was a fertile land that abounded with groundwater that could be exploited to develop agriculture, and enable Bedouin tribes to settle down. Hence, his first initiative was taken in Seeh Al Dam.
It is appropriate to ask in this context, what were Sheikh Khalid’s most remarkable initiatives? Have they made any noticeable difference in the social, economic and environmental development of the region? More importantly: Why Seeh Al Dam and where is this Seeh located? Why was it given its name?
Seeh Al Dam is located in the Bateen Liwa within latitude 23° 06ʹ North and longitude 38° 53ʹ East.57 Sheikh Khalid had realized the importance of setting in motion the settlement process in this area in order to close the chapter on blood feuds that had plagued this locale. He explained to Archie lamb, the British Political Agent, the reason for calling this area Seeh Al Dam (the bloody surface water). He said: “Two years ago two tribes fought bloody wars in this place to seize control of arable land. In order to stop this tribal dispute, the ruler of the Emirate at that time visited the area to prevent any settlement in it for any reason whatsoever”. Sheikh Khalid went on to tell the Political Agent that the time of tribal wars in Abu Dhabi is forever past. Now all people wish to live together in peace as a result of the agricultural development projects underway in this Seeh.
Sheikh Khalid’s plans for Seeh Al Dam began by sinking 15 wells, especially since he found that its land had an abundance of groundwater. Most of the Liwa desert area is
14 15 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977) arable, if sufficient water supply is made available. In his report, the Political Agent, mentioned that Sheikh Khalid would supply water to anyone who wished to settle in the land and develop it, together with water pumps, pipes, seeds, and seedlings. Moreover, such a person would obtain a house and a sum of money to tide him over for up to two years at the rate of 30 Dinars a month, until he was settled. The Political Agent added: “It is Sheikh Khalid’s belief that it is inappropriate that the water supply does not include already created gardens. These are small properties that offer a better opportunity for making a living and deserve attention, because such grounds are located in an area deemed the heartland of Al Bu Falah”. I had already told him that people in Muzaira,58 Qarmada,59 and Al Mariya,60 obtain their water supply by water pumps and pipes needed for wells. I explained to him that small gardens in Al Mariya, that were previously prosperous and flourishing, had fallen into disrepair, and remain uncultivated. No support of any kind has been given to the landowners to help them service their water pumps”. The Political Agent further said that he told Sheikh Khalid that his project was a commendable one, especially in the present circumstances in Liwa. Further efforts need to be made to service water pumps. The Sheikh lauded the proposal made by the Political Agent to hire an itinerant mechanic to install and maintain equipment.61
Sheikh Khalid’s achievements in Liwa were observed by an Arab mission from Dar Al Hilal, which visited that region in 1969. It published statistics about the number of water pumps that were distributed in Liwa villages. The mission said that despite the short life of the water pumps, the crops around the well were very promising. Tomatoes, vegetable marrows and radish were seen!62 The mission also mentioned that the Water Department had made water available to the desert inhabitants and their livestock and land by purchasing the necessary equipment and water pumps for wells and building water storage tanks under a contract for the supply of such equipment in order to distribute them to the rest of the desert regions, especially Liwa.63
2. Education The Political Agent was impressed by Sheikh Khalid’s agricultural reforms, and wanted to see whether he would support projects to open schools in Liwa. Following several discussions with him, the Political Agent learned that Sheikh Khalid was considering building a school housed in a wooden structure in Habshan for the children living in that area and its vicinity. Sheikh Khalid was aware of the uncertainty surrounding the future of education in the Western Region. Meanwhile, education in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, had made a quantum leap with the creation of an Education Department and the opening of elementary and secondary schools and buildings that were fully equipped with all teaching and modern educational aids. Students were provided with transportation and monthly stipends as part of the Five-Year Plan, of which one third of the budget was earmarked for education.64
15 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
3. Medical services In his enthusiasm to implement urgent basic development projects in Liwa, Sheikh Khalid had embarked on some advanced medical service projects for the Western Region, despite his realization that recruiting medical staff and providing the equipment for any clinic would be very difficult, because of the rough terrain of the region. Following several discussions with Archie Lamb, the British Political Agent, they both agreed to try to seek the assistance of Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) to provide a viable healthcare service in that region. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) had already appointed Dr. Patrick Dale Russell as Chief Medical Officer. His tasks included the appointment of officers to run medical services in British colonies.65 The British Political Agent said: “People in Liwa hardly have any medical services. Consequently, mobile clinics were created…….the management and maintenance of such clinics were entrusted to the Abu Dhabi Defense Force (ADDF) under the supervision of the Director of Health”.66 Later on, it turned out that the best solution was to provide mobile clinics under the supervision of Trucial Oman Scouts (TOS), which would accompany any medical team sent to that region.
There was a small TOS contingent under the command of British officers to maintain law and order and thwart any armed incursion or infiltration, as well as to protect British political representatives. In addition, an ADDF unit patrolled that region. Cars were not available then. The only forces which possessed vehicles and equipment that could navigate Liwa’s rugged terrain were ADDF and TOS. These units had been instrumental in promptly coming to the rescue of critically ill patients in the Western Region.
The truth of the matter is that it was not only the Western Region that lacked proper medical services, but rather, all the Emirates suffered from epidemics and diseases that swept the area every now and then. The British Political Agency, which looked after British interests in the Emirates, was slow in introducing small mobile clinics that visited various Emirates. In spite of the Arab League’s persistent appeals to Great Britain at that time to allow the former to get a foothold in the Gulf region,67 Britain had warned the Rulers of the Emirates against dealing with the Arab League.68 The only speedy reaction to foil the Arab League’s efforts was the formation by Britain of the Trucial States Development Fund and its Development Office, administered under the supervision of Abu Dhabi and the Rulers of the other Emirates.69 The Development Office was established in 1965. It welcomed any unconditional assistance from any source for the development of the Emirates. The Development Office received contributions from the Emirates themselves, the Gulf States and Britain. When Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan assumed power in Abu Dhabi in 1966, he expressed his sincere willingness to provide financial support to all the Emirates. Indeed, Abu Dhabi funded 95% of the Development Fund’s budget in 1969. Rather than restricting its attention to agricultural programs and water resources surveys, the Fund also extended its efforts to medical services.
16 17 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977)
The Political Agent added: “I have told him (i.e. Sheikh Khalid) that on my way to that region, I saw south of Badiya,70, on the road from Tarif to Asab, a group of men who were busy drilling wells. Sheikh Khalid confirmed to me that those men worked for Sheikh Zayed. Later on, I learned that Sheikh Zayed intended to build a palace for himself at that place”.71 This is concrete evidence that the Ruler used to follow up personally the plans and projects of his brother Khalid who believed the Western Region must have its due share of the modernization projects, the costs of which were borne by Abu Dhabi.
Al Ain Agricultural Research Station It was not only in the Western Region that Sheikh Khalid took an interest in development projects. He also spearheaded government initiatives in the Emirate’s Eastern Region, especially focusing on agricultural development in Al Ain, in which he was the leading figure.72 Sheikh Khalid owned huge date palm gardens located in the oases of Al Ain, Al Muwaiji, Al Jimi, Al Hili, Al Qattara and Al Jahili.73 He built an agricultural settlement in Al Iqabiya, located between Zakher and Al Maqam, now known as Al Khalidiya, named in his memory as a fitting tribute. It is said that it was irrigated from Hazza Falaj, a dry Al Ain Falaj.74
In 1967, Sheikh Khalid expressed his desire to support the agrarian policy of the Abu Dhabi government by providing some necessary facilities to build an experimental research station in his Al Ain farm. It was designed to produce various vegetable and fruit crops, woodland trees, decorative plants, use natural fertilizer and manures, and establish the correct quantity of water required for each plant, as well as the most suitable farming and cultivation techniques. Such a station was intended to be the main center for training farmers on proper agricultural practices. Abu Dhabi Government had already discussed the matter with the British authorities, who submitted a preliminary study on agricultural prospects, data on water resources, education and the exploitation of land in the Emirate, to pave the way for the establishment of an agricultural equipment research center in Al Ain.75 This followed in the wake of tasking international specialized firms with conducting complete hydrological research in Al Ain and classifying the region’s soil in order to establish the prospects of agricultural expansion before embarking on it.76 Britain suggested that the project should be carried out on Sheikh Khalid’s farm where suitable groundwater was abundant and the soil was fertile.77 Sheikh Khalid entrusted the drilling of wells in Al Ain, on which he was very keen, to Nasser Bin Abdullatif Al Serkal,78 who had a water pumps business. This task was specifically undertaken after he had realised that date palm and citrus trees throughout the Emirates had weak yield as many farmers had to immigrate and work in oil companies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar during the nineteen fifties, as a result of the difficult circumstances back home. This unfortunate circumstance prompted him to import water pumps and sell them to farmers. He
17 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri appointed a mechanic to tour the various Emirates to install water pumps, and to teach farmers how to operate and maintain them. In 1962, Nasser brought ploughs and drilling equipment to sink very deep wells. Sheikh Khalid sought his assistance in drilling and exploiting groundwater. Mr. Nasser said in an interview: “In 1966, Abu Dhabi government asked me to go to the Liwa desert, where sand dunes abound, to explore and drill groundwater sites. I conducted the necessary survey, and discovered scores of water streams. We started drilling…….and planted trees in such sites”.79
A British source mentioned that the most important well in Sheikh Khalid’s farm was situated in the middle; it was a high yielding well with good water for irrigation. The said source added that various agricultural equipment was available in this farm such as water irrigation pipes, tractors, harvesting machines, etc., together with several storage facilities for plant seeds. A raconteur believes that this station was built in his Al Iqabiya farm.80
The project planners needed nearly 50,000 British Pounds Sterling (GBP) to build the basic facilities and to modify existing structures in Sheikh Khalid’s farm in Al Ain to implement the project. They needed an additional amount estimated at 15,000- 20,000 GBP for the continuous operation of this station. Furthermore, a school for agricultural equipment operation and maintenance was established as a nucleus for training agricultural guidance cadres.81 Numerous agricultural experiments and research had been conducted at Sheikh Khalid’s farm to determine the best types of fruit and vegetables crops, woodland trees, and ornamental trees. Output was enhanced by employing more experts to double the production of seedlings, conduct experiments and research on vegetable varieties and establish the suitable types to distribute them among farmers. Thus, the station had become a center for teaching and spreading agricultural knowledge and expertise among farmers, and training them on proper production practices. This led to the spread of other experimental stations in Abu Dhabi.
Beekeeping Beekeeping is a branch of agriculture and is highly important in preserving biodiversity. Undoubtedly, Sheikh Khalid was aware that a large number of plants might not bear fruits without the participation of bees in pollinating their flowers. He found that climate conditions are conducive to beekeeping and increased honeybee species in Al Ain oases, which became famous for growing fruits and vegetables. However, an unexpected element decimated Sheikh Khalid’s honeybees. What could have possibly caused this?
In Abu Dhabi, there was an epidemic of malaria and the government had to launch a vaccination campaign. A doctor in Al Ain had discovered at that time that mosquitoes were multiplying there on mist droplets on car tyres. Therefore, mosquitoes were able
18 19 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977) to spread to Abu Dhabi and transmit malaria to the Island. It is worth noting that the Abu Dhabi Ruler had actually noticed that mosquitoes did not multiply near Al Ain wells that use motor pumps, and he was right. He concluded that a thin oil layer over water prevents mosquitoes from multiplying. He heard that D.D.T. was a potent mosquito killer. Dr. George Mathew, who followed up the matter with Sheikh Zayed, said: “The Ruler turned to me and said: “Use the stuff. For this purpose, we hired an airplane to spray D.D.T. all over the Al Ain oasis. However, the result was disastrous. Mosquitoes, or rather those which survived, managed to continue multiplying and transmit malaria. But, all the honeybees owned by Sheikh Khalid died. Sultan Saeed Bin Taimur, the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (1932-1970), alleged that the people were also poisoned. The matter was finally settled by paying appropriate compensation to all affected.82
The Death of Khalid Bin Sultan announced by the State Sheikh Khalid had been suffering from a severe illness in his last years, and had been under treatment in a well-known London-based hospital. On September 5, 1977, the court of UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, issued a statement announcing that Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had passed away. With deep sadness and sorrow, but with hearts that firmly believe in God’s will, the people of Abu Dhabi bade farewell to and escorted the deceased to his final resting place in Al Ain, led by his brother Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Seven days of national mourning were declared in the State and all government ministries and departments were closed during the period.83
On this occasion, a raconteur remarked that with the demise of Sheikh Khalid, the country lost one of Abu Dhabi’s leading figures. During the national mourning period, mourners visited Sheikh Khalid’s Al Ain palace for the entire week, after the sunset prayers, to pay their respect, and recited chapters from the Holy Qur’an in the presence of the imam from the Al Kuwaitat area, east of Al Ain.84
19 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
Endnotes:
1. R/15/2/544. Residency Agent Sharjah to Political Resident, 27 Aug. 1934.
2. Claud Morris, The Desert Falcon, London: the Outline Series of Book, 1974:21.
3. Ibid: 24.
4. 4حممد مر�سي، دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة وجريانها، دار القلم، الكويت، 1981، �ص 219.
5.5عر�ضت حكومة اململكة العربية ال�سعودية التحكيم لت�سوية النزاع الإقليمي بني م�سقط و�أبوظبي واململكة العربية ال�سعودية، 1955 ،1/415.
6. Julian Walker, Tyro on the Trucial Coast, The Memoir Club, Durham, 1999: 171.
7.7عبداهلل الطابور، ر�سائل الرعيل الأول من رواد اليقظة يف الإمارات، دائرة الثقافة والإعالم، ال�شارقة، 1999، �ص 66.
8.8حمد خليفة �أبو �شهاب، �إطاللة على ما�ضي الإمارات، هيئة �أبوظبي للثقافة والرتاث، �أكادميية ال�شعر، �أبوظبي، 2011، �ص 47.
9.9عارف ال�شيخ، تاريخ التعليم يف �أبوظبي يف الفرتة )1902-1972( �أبوظبي، )د.ن( 2008، �ص 235.
1010ال�سيد احلاج �أمني باقر خوري، �أجرى املقابلة حممد العمري بتاريخ 22 /1/ 1978.
11. Claud Morris, The Desert Falcon: 25.
1212تاريخ الإمارات العربية املتحدة امل�ستخل�ص من ر�سائل الوكيل الوطني يف ال�شارقة 1852-1935 )ر�سائل ال�سركال(، جمع وحتقيق د.فالح حنظل، وفاطمة ال�صايغ، خمطوط، 1999، �ص 393.
1313حممد حممود بهزاد، ديوان الوجهة الذهبية، مطبعة النه�ضة، م�صر )د.م(، �ص 48. وانظر عن التاجر خلف العتيبة يف: عبد اهلل الطابور، ر�سائل الرعيل الأول من رواد اليقظة يف الإمارات، دائرة الثقافة والإعالم، ال�شارقة، 1999، �ص 66.
1414حممد بهزاد، ديوان الوجهة الذهبية، �ص 49.
15. IOR: R/15/1/265, Residency Agent Sharjah to Political Resident, 13 August 1926.
16. Records of the Emirates 1966 - 1971, edited by A.L. P. Burdett, Vol.2: 1967, Archive Editions, UK, 2002: 383.
17. Susan Hillyard, Before the Oil: A Personal Memoir of Abu Dhabi 1954 -1958, Ashridge Press, 2002:61.
1818رمي طارق متويل، ق�صر احل� ن،ص املجمع الثقايف، �أبوظبي، 1997، �ص 127.
19. R/15/2/544. Residency Agent Sharjah to Political Resident, 27 Aug. 1934.
20 21 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977)
20. FO 1016/ 373: Report by Political Resident, B.A.B. Burrows, to Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, 15 April 1954.
21. Julian Walker, Tyro on the Trucial coast: 135.
2222�أبوظبي وجهتنا، نارين �آ�ساربوتا 1927- ، 2010ترجمة عبد الإله املالح، دار الكتب الوطنية، �أبوظبي )د.م(، �ص 62، 67، 89.
2323�أبوظبي وجهتنا، �ص 106.
2424زيارة ملوقع ق�صره يف املويجعي.
25. R/15/2/544. Residency Agent Sharjah to Political Resident, 27 Aug. 1934.
26. Donald Hawley, The Emirates: Witness to a Metamorphosis, Michael Russell, United Kingdom, 2007: 91.
27. Donald Hawley, The Emirates: Witness to a Metamorphosis …92.
28. Susan Hillyard, Before the Oil: 142.
29. Ibid: 140.
3030نارين �آ�ساربوتا، �أبوظبي وجهتنا، �ص 64.
3131�سامل ال�سامان، دفرت العمر، اجلزء الأول، 2009، �ص 85، 98. وانظر �أي�ض ً: ادفرت العمر، اجلزء الثاين، 2011، �ص 164.
3232مقابلة مع ال�سيد علي بالعبد الظاهري بتاريخ 23 /6/ 2016.
3333بقوة الحتاد، �صاحب ال�سمو ال�شيخ زايد بن �سلطان �آل نهيان، القائد والدولة، مركز الإمارات للدرا�سات والبحوث الإ�سرتاتيجية، �أبوظبي، 2004، �ص 96.
3434ر�سائل ال�سركال، فالح حنظل، �ص 488.
3535حممد فار�س الفار�س، الأو�ضاع القت�صادية يف �إمارات ال�ساحل، مركز الإمارات للدرا�سات والبحوث الإ�سرتاتيجية، �أبوظبي، 2000، �ص 225.
36. FO 371/ 82084: Abu Dhabi, 1950: Political Agreement between Great Britain and the Superior Oil Company regarding the oil concession agreement with the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi, 15 April 1950.
3737رونالد كودراي، �أبوظبي، الألبوم العربي، جمموعة �صور تذكارية م�أخوذة يف منت�صف القرن الع�شرين، موتيفيت للن�شر، دبي، 1993، �ص 76.
38. FO 371/ 82084: Abu Dhabi, 1950: Political Agreement between Great Britain and the Superior Oil Company regarding the oil concession agreement with the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi, 15 April 1950.
21 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
39. FO 10154/39/54, Burrows, Political Resident, Bahrain, to Eden, Foreign Secretary, April 15, 1954.
4040عن ال�شيخ حممد بن خليفة. انظر: �شم�سة الظاهري، �أبوظبي: درا�سات يف التاريخ الجتماعي )1971-1820( مركز زايد للدرا�سات والبحوث، �أبوظبي، 2014، �ص 31.
4141عبد العزيز عبد الغني، �أبوظبي، توحيد الإمارة وقيام الحتاد، مركز الوثائق والدرا�سات، �أبوظبي، 2004، �ص 295.
42. FO 371/ 185578: Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 26 November 1966.
4343بقوة الحتاد، �ص 148.
44. FO 371/157033 33628 (1014/61), Craig, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi, to Tripp, Political Residence, Bahrain, Oct. 18, 1961.
4545بقوة الحتاد، �ص 148.
46. FCO 8/ 66, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi, to Political Residency, Bahrain,20 February 1967.
47. FO 371/185529, Plans for various visits, relations with other Rulers: Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 15 November 1966.
48. FCO 8/833, Review of character and attitude of Shaikh Zaid bin Sultan.
49. FO/ 1016/ 1811, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi, to Political Residency, Bahrain, 8 July 1967. FO 371/ 185578: Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 26 November 1966.
50. FCO 8/847, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi, to Political Residency, Bahrain, 24 January 1968.
5151جوينتي مايرتا، زايد من التحدي �إىل الحتاد، مركز الوثائق والبحوث، �أبوظبي، 2007، �ص 194.
52. FCO 8/997/1. Transcript of Tape Recording of press conference held at London on Thursday, 19 June, 1969.
5353زايد من التحدي �إىل الحتاد، �ص 127.
54. FCO 8/ 853, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 2 March 1967.
5555بتو�سع عن النفط واحلدود انظر: حممد فار�س الفار�س، الأو�ضاع القت�صادية يف �إمارات ال�ساحل )دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة( 1862- ،1965 مركز الإمارات للدرا�سات والبحوث الإ�سرتاتيجية، �أبوظبي، 2000، �ص 224.
5656�شم�سة الظاهري، قراءة يف �سرية )�أم ال�شيوخ( ال�شيخة �سالمة بنت بطي بن خادم، جملة تراث، نادي تراث الإمارات، �أبوظبي، العدد 181 نوفمرب 2014، �ص 20. و�أ�شار لورمير يف حديثه عن حم�ضر مزيرعة �إىل �أن الرئي�س هو بطي بن خادم الذي يقيم عادة يف مدينة �أبوظبي، وهو يحكم قرية عتاب وقرميدة �أي�ض ًا، وهو ّجد ال�شيخ خالد. انظر: ج.ج. لورمير، دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة يف دليل اخلليج، بي�سان للن�شر والتوزيع، بريوت، لبنان، 2014، �ص 377.
5757حماد اخلاطري النعيمي، معجم موارد املياه القدمية ب�إمارة �أبوظبي، دار الكتب الوطنية، �أبوظبي، 2015، �ص
22 23 Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (1906-1977)
176، 186.
5858حم�ضر مزيرعة على بعد حوايل 12 ًميال جنوب اجلنوب الغربي من �شاه يف ليوا، فيها ما يزيد على 100 بئر، ومتو�سط عمق البئر 4 قامات، ويقال: �إن املاء نقي ًجدا و�شفاف، و�أكرب مزارع �أ�شجار النخيل يف ليوا موجود فيها، وفيها بع�ض املخازن ي�شرتي منها القرويون والبدو من اجلهات املجاورة ما يريدونه. انظر: دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة يف دليل اخلليج، �ص 377.
5959قرمدة: قرية دائمة على بعد حوايل 9 �أميال �إىل ال�شرق من ناحية ال�شمال من مزيرعة ليوا، فيها حوايل 10 �آبار عمق الواحدة قامة واحدة، وفيها بع�ض النخيل. انظر: دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة يف دليل اخلليج، �ص 379.
6060املارية: قرية دائمة على بعد حوايل 7 �أميال �شمال غربي خنور يف ليوا...فيها حوايل 30 ًبئرا عمق كل بئر قامتان، ويزرع النخيل فيها على نطاق وا�سع. انظر: دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة يف دليل اخلليج، �ص 375.
61. FCO 8/ 853, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 2 March 1967.
6262�أبوظبي، دار الهالل )د.ن( )د.م(، �ص 164.
6363�أبوظبي، دار الهالل، �ص 114.
64. Abu Dhabi in Two Years, 1968: 19.
6565ذكريات الإمارات، املركز الوطني للوثائق والبحوث، �أبوظبي، 2012، �ص 243.
66. FCO 8/ 853, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 2 March 1967.
6767�سيد نوفل، اخلليج العربي �أو احلدود ال�شرقية للوطن العربي، بريوت، دار الطليعة، 1969، �ص .337 وانظر يف تاريخ الإمارات العربية املتحدة، خمتارات من �أهم الوثائق الربيطانية، املجلد الثالث، بريطانيا والقيادة الرائدة 1945-1965، مركز لندن للدرا�سات العربية، 1996، �ص 482.
6868تاريخ الإمارات العربية املتحدة، خمتارات من �أهم الوثائق الربيطانية، املجلد3، �ص 487.
6969تاريخ الإمارات العربية املتحدة، خمتارات من �أهم الوثائق الربيطانية، املجلد3، �ص 499.
7070كانت تعترب موارد مياه قدمية لحتوائها على �آبار ماء. انظر: حماد اخلاطري، معجم موارد املياه القدمية ب�إمارة �أبوظبي، �ص 118
71. FCO 8/ 853, Political Agency, Abu Dhabi to Political Residency, Bahrain, 2 March 1967.
72. Abu Dhabi From Past to Present, Documents and Research Bureau, Orient Press, Beirut, 1969: 15.
73. The Buraimi Dispute: Contemporary Documents 1950-1961, London, Archive Editions, 1992, vol. 1,p. 656.
7474مقابلة مع ال�سيد علي العبد الظاهري بتاريخ 23 /6/ 2016.
75. Records of the Emirates, 1967: 352.
23 Shamsa Hamad Al Abd Al Dhaheri
7676�أبوظبي، دار الهالل، م�صر، القاهرة، 1970، �ص 115.
77. Records of the Emirates, 1967: 352.
7878�سامل ابراهيم ال�سامان، دفرت العمر، ط :2 اجلزء الأول، �ص 224.
79 عبد79 اهلل عبد الرحمن، الإمارات يف ذاكرة �أبنائها: احلياة القت�صادية، دار الكتب الوطنية، �أبوظبي، الطبعة الثانية، 2013، �ص371.
8080مقابلة مع ال�سيد علي العبد الظاهري.
81. Records of the Emirates, 1967: 352.
82. Philip Horniblow, Oil, Sand and Politics, Hayloft, 2004: 187.
8383�صحيفة الحتاد، العدد ال�صادر يف 1977/5/9. وانظر �أي�ض ًا العدد 12-10 /5/ 1977.
8484مقابلة مع ال�سيد حميد البلو�شي بتاريخ 16 /5/ 2016.
24 25 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE* Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
Introduction This purpose of this study is to track the development of electrical services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from the late 1950s until the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, based on a wide range of documents from Qasr al Hosn, and the British government.
The study is divided into four sections; the first deals with the introduction of electricity in the Emirate, the second traces the first steps taken for the establishment of a power plant, the third deals with the power plant’s management, and the fourth monitors the development of electricity services during the reign of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The conclusion presents the most important results of the research.
Some previous studies have addressed other aspects of this subject, most important of which are:
-- “Pages from the History of the UAE and the Gulf, a Review of British Documents”, Part II, by Mohammed Faris Al Faris. This study was dedicated to the agreement between Engineering Projects Ltd and Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, for establishing an electricity company in the Emirate, but it does not mention the subsequent stages the company has gone through, and it is not devoted to electricity only, but also covers water.
-- “Abu Dhabi (1945-1971), a Historical Study of the Political, Social and Economic Conditions” by Khalil Othman Hamoud Al Jabiri. The study sheds light on the political, economic and social aspects of the Emirate from the beginning of the reign of Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan (1928-1966) until the reign of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan (1966-2004) and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The researcher deals only briefly with the Emirate’s electrical projects, and does not cover all the necessary details of the subject.
*This article is an extract from the NA’s forthcoming publication.
25 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
Before the establishment of electrical services in the Emirate, people used to rely on simple methods available in their environment in order to adapt to the area’s hot climate; for example, people living in the coast were forced, during the hot and humid summer, to leave their homes for areas with less heat, where water and farms are available. Those who did not leave their homes in the summer, made a special type of bed called “Manama” and placed it in the middle of the house courtyard. It is a large bed lifted from the ground by four legs and made of stone or Bamboo wood known as “Jandal”, with a frame of palm leaves or mats,1 and they would spend all night on these beds in search of cold places.2 No electrical lighting existed in those years. People had to rely on kerosene lamps,3 that were imported from India.4
Electricity services were first introduced to the Trucial Coast in the “Rest Station” at Sharjah in 1933, when the first power generator was used.5 In 1955, merchant Isa Bin Abdul Latif Al Serkal established the first private power plant in the Emirate of Dubai when he brought in a small generator. Then, the demand for electricity increased, so Al Serkal had to expand the station by adding three other generators.6 In 1959, Dubai Electricity Company7 was established with a capital of 3 million Indian Rupees through combined contributions of citizens and the government.8
The Introduction of Electricity in the Emirate: Electricity provision in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi started when the Iranian, Karmat Allah Yazdani, the first dentist in the Emirate, arrived in the late 1950s - and three of his friends procured a power generator in 1958. He recollected: “We used to operate it from sunset until 9 or 10 o’clock, and in a rotation one of us used to operate it each night”. It was used mainly to provide light.9
According to a British report on the economic situation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1959, Sheikh Shakhbut, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, had sought to find out if the British Oil Company10 could help to start a project to supply the Emirate with electricity, but the company advised him that he should put the project on tender in Bahrain.11 The contract was put for tender, and was awarded to a specialized company, whose initial work was limited to the supply of electricity to the ruler’s palace.12 Finally, in 1961, electricity was provided to the Ruler’s palace.13
When oil was discovered and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi started exporting it in the early 1960s, there was a need for a modern public administration, which prompted the British authorities to lay down a plan for the advancement of the Emirate.14 The plan included the first attempts to introduce electricity services in the Emirate. The firms of Sir William Hawker & Partners and Scott & Wilson Kirkpatrick & Partners initiated in 1962 the “Development Project of the Emirate”. The project was presented to Sheikh Shakhbut Bin Sultan, and included the establishment of a plant for generating and distributing electricity with a budget of 4.9 million pounds
26 27 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE* sterling.15 However, that attempt failed, as Sheikh Shakhbut is believed to have rejected the project.
The First Steps to Establish Electrical Services: The beginning of establishing electrical services in Abu Dhabi can be dated January 3, 1963, when an agreement was concluded between Sheikh Shakhbut and British Engineering Projects Ltd. Pursuant to that agreement, Engineering Projects Ltd would establish a limited liability company known as “Abu Dhabi Electric Supply Company Ltd” with capital of one half million pounds sterling. The company was to provide equipment in accordance with the recommendations of the Ruler’s advisers, install and maintain the equipment and devise to provide all customers with sufficient electric power. The company was to issue invoices and collect fees from consumers at a price of no more than 40 naya paise per kilowatt16, and the price would be reconsidered in the future with the increase of consumption. The Ruler allocated the required plot of land to the company free of charge, and disconnected power from consumers who failed to pay fees after giving them warnings within a reasonable time. The company had the right to monopolize supplying electricity to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for 20 years, and if it was nationalized a fair compensation would be paid to the shareholders. The company would be exempted from all taxes during the monopoly period. The company would allocate 10% of its capital to the ruler of Abu Dhabi in exchange for his approval.17 It is worth noting that Engineering Projects Ltd. had installed a monopoly clause to block any efforts by other companies that may wish to provide similar services.
Engineering Projects Ltd laid down the diagram, which estimated Abu Dhabi’s need of electricity from 1963 to 1969. (see digram, next page)
After the conclusion of the agreement, Mr. E. Maw, Director of Engineering Projects Ltd. in London, wrote to the Arab Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in London on March 11, 1963, stating that the Ruler of Abu Dhabi had agreed to establish an electricity company in Abu Dhabi, and that the agreement was registered with the Political Agent. He discussed the project with British commercial banks, who advised that the project’s capital must come from the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who must be convinced that this funding should be without interest. The Manager of the company said that he believed the source of funding was likely to be from Beirut, and that we were in close contact with him, and said he was trying to negotiate for the purchase of machinery and equipment from Britain.18
On the same date March 11, 1963 J. E. H. Boustead sent a letter from the Political Residency in Abu Dhabi to Sheikh Shakhbut, pointing out that Mr. Maw from Engineering Projects Ltd, had sent him a letter stating that there were possibilities for financing the Abu Dhabi electricity project, and that it could be accomplished as per
27 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
Report on proposed private electric power supply company, February 1963. Source: The National Archives of the UK. the conditions set forth in the agreement.19 The Engineering Projects Ltd eventually failed in establishing a power plant in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi20 because of a flaw in the agreement; as the manager of the company failed to collect 1,500,000 pounds sterling required for the project.21
Then the British firm of Hawker Siddeley Ltd entered the competition; when it’s CEO, G. R. P. William sent a letter from London to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, on September 9, 1963, in which he referred to the visit of V. J. Lee and Nassir Abdullatif
28 29 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE*
Al Serkal to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He said that the visit convinced them to consider the establishment of an electrical services company there. The project had been well studied, and discussions over it were about to finish. The CEO thought it was wise for the company to send a representative from London to Abu Dhabi within a month, along with details of the project, which were believed to be practical and acceptable. The mission of the company’s representative centered on discussing and coordinating the project with the Ruler.22 The Ruler responded to that letter by agreeing to meet the Hawker Siddeley’s representative in Al Ain.23
After a short period, and specifically in October 1963, a new competitor appeared in the picture for the Abu Dhabi’s power plant project; as Albert Abela, a British National of Palestinian descent, and his partners presented a plan to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi for an electricity plant. The Ruler approved it, even though a formal agreement had not been signed. The Ruler insisted on some simple changes in the draft, provided that work on the project would begin in the near future. The Ruler gave Abela a grace period until the end of October in order to find manufacturers who were able to produce the generators as soon as possible.24 Abela spent two weeks in Abu Dhabi to discuss the matter with the Ruler, who insisted on getting 10% from the net profit. Abela refused, and left Abu Dhabi on November 30, 1963. In December 1963, the Abu Dhabi Ruler finally refused Abela’s offer, although the Emirate’s merchants and residents wished to finance the power plant project.25
Hawker Siddeley Ltd eventually managed in January 1964 to sign an agreement with the Ruler of Abu Dhabi to establish Abu Dhabi Electric Supply Company Ltd, to be completed by mid-July of the same year. But the company was not fully formed within the specified period, and work continued until August, which angered the Ruler who then ordered the work to stop, although the company was willing to pay the penalty for the delay.26
The delay was not the only reason that infuriated the Ruler of Abu Dhabi;the Hawker Company imported used and poor equipment and generators for the plant, according to the Ruler. Subsequently a delegation from the company visited the Ruler to inform him that the equipment and generators were all new. He finally accepted the British Resident’s proposal to designate an independent British expert to inspect the equipment, but the Ruler insisted on the presence of a Pakistani expert, too. Salisbury, an expert from Cindy & Duncan Company, visited the location on 14 September of the same year, and inspected the power plant. He confirmed that the equipment and generators were new, but the Ruler refused to accept that.27
George Briggs, the managing director of the Hawker Siddeley Company visited Abu Dhabi at the end of September of the same year to try to resolve the dispute between the company and the Ruler. Following the visit, the Ruler agreed that the company should build the walls and the ceiling of the plant to protect it from climate changes;
29 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi however, they did not reach a final settlement to the dispute.28
Boustead, the British Resident in Abu Dhabi, wrote in a letter to William Luce, the Political Resident in Bahrain on October 26, 1964: “The Ruler of Abu Dhabi stopped the electricity project, which the people were waiting impatiently for. The project could have provided great benefits to the Emirate.”29
During the period of dispute between Hawker Siddeley Company and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi there were attempts by some other companies to establish a power plant in the Emirate. Mr. Tariq Bin Taimoor sent a message to Sheikh Shakhbut on November 4, 1964, expressing his desire to establish an electricity company in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to provide it with electricity for 12 years, and that he would compensate the companies working in this field in the Emirate. He gave the Ruler the option to select a company from any country: Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, or France.30
A. T. Clark, the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, sent a letter to B. R. Sippy of Umm Said Power Station Company in London on November 18, 1964, apologizing for not having their services, and that he would inform them if a need arises in the future.31
It seems that all attempts of those companies failed to get investment opportunities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Ruler finally agreed in January 1965 to complete the power plant; thus he put an end to the dispute between him and Hawker Siddeley Company, whose agreement with the Ruler did not include distribution of electricity to consumers’ homes, and there was no arrangement to set up a department for electricity; as distribution was confined to the Ruler’s palace and road’ lighting.32 In March 1965, Hawker Siddeley Company completed the building of the power plant, and on 26 April of the same year, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi inaugurated it in the presence of the Political Resident.33 The plant produced 3000 kilowatts at the beginning. 34
Another electricity project was announced in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain thereafter. A. T. Clark, the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, sent a letter “to whom it may concern” dated January 5, 1965, regarding advertising in newspapers for a tender to expand Abu Dhabi power plant to 4000 kilowatts and the Al Ain plant to 3000 kilowatts, with generators that operate with crude oil for the workshop, stores, staff offices, houses and road lighting. The generators would be operated with the locally produced crude oil. Interested companies should send representatives to Abu Dhabi to study the requirements during 25 days from the date of the advertisement.35
R. A. Park, the manager of Hawker Siddeley Company sent a letter to A. T. Clark, the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi dated January 21, 1965, expressing his desire
30 31 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE* to enter the tender of the installation of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain power stations,36 and then G. S. Wall of Hawker Siddeley Company sent a message to the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi dated January 31, 1966, in which he indicated the participation and preparation of the two Electricity projects in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.37
The Ottoman Bank in Abu Dhabi38 published the names of the companies that were required to present their bids for electrical generators. There were companies from Britain, Germany, Denmark, France and Italy.39 Then other companies sent letters requesting the opportunity to supply the Emirate with electrical generators. The Swiss firm, Brown Boveri Inc. expressed their desire to Sheikh Shakhbut on March 6, 1965 to supply thermal generators,40 and the Italian company, Ercole Marelli & C., sent a letter to Hamel Bin Khadim Al Ghaith on March 25, 1965, expressing their desire to provide the Emirate with turbo-generators and offering their bids for them.41 Mohammed Salih Abdul Rahman Abdul Ghani from Bahrain sent a letter to Sheikh Shakhbut on March 29, 1965 telling him of his intention to supply electrical generators to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi from France or from any other country.42
Although the Ruler of Abu Dhabi accepted the bid presented by the Italian company Marelli, with a reduced price, estimated at 1.8 million pounds sterling, he felt that the cost was too high. The project was then awarded to its rival, Hawker Siddeley Company, they presented a plan for the project, with an increase of two generators for each, the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stations, with road lighting and cabling at a cost of £300,000. The Ruler asked the company to prepare a plan to supply the whole of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with electricity as soon as possible.43 Thus, Hawker Siddeley Company was awarded an additional contract from the Emirate for an additional 4000 kilowatts in Abu Dhabi, and 3000 kilowatts in Al Ain.44
R. Keene, the Commercial Director of the Associated Electrical Industries International Ltd sent a letter on September 17, 1965 to the manager of Abu Dhabi Electricity in which he offered quotations to enter the tender of the Abu Dhabi power project.45 Clark, the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, sent him a letter dated October 7, 1965 telling him that he had opened a letter of credit in the Ottoman Bank in Abu Dhabi with the sum of GBP 4,587,616. for the purchase and transport of the equipment for the power station, and asked him not to delay the procedures.46 After that, L. C. E. Hawke, the Sales Manager in the company sent a letter to Clark, the Secretary to the Ruler, on October 12, 1965, notifying him of the cables and materials for Abu Dhabi generating station that had been sent.47
It was agreed between Sheikh Shakhbut, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Oil Company Limited on November 6, 1965 to supply the power plants with fuel (crude oil) at production cost, without any taxes.48
31 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
Management of the Power Plant: The Ruler of Abu Dhabi issued regulations and laws on June 12, 1965 pertaining to the Abu Dhabi Electricity Project, concerning the supply of electricity to the palaces, government departments, subscribers and roads. These included such provisions as: subscribers have to pay 15 Baisa for each kilowatt,49 the minimum monthly consumption shall be 20 kilowatts, electricity subscribers shall pay the relevant subscription fees and expenses to be registered as subscribers, that they shall not be entitled to transfer subscriptions to any place other than the place for which subscription was concluded, a subscription of 75 Rupees in addition to the costs of the supplying materials and the deposit must be collected from them before supplying electricity to their sites. Palaces, government and municipal departments, houses given by the government and municipality to their staff, mosques, hospitals, and public roadways are exempted from subscription. The Ruler may determine consumption in some cases.50
On June 16, 1965 Sheikh Shakhbut issued an order appointing Muslim Maktoum as manager of Abu Dhabi Electricity Station, establishing offices for the administration, printing and circulating subscription forms to government departments.51
Sheikh Shakhbut sent a letter to the engineers and consultants in Abu Dhabi asking them to settle the affairs regarding the management of the Abu Dhabi power project with Hawker Siddeley Company and to inform him of the results.52 Hawker Siddeley Company confirmed its readiness to send an observer to the power station tobe responsible for its operation and maintenance, provided that the company pay his salary for one year, that it would complete the delayed electrical extensions, street lighting and other works included in the contract between the company and the Ruler, and that the company would send one of its electrical engineers to advise and assist in the operation of machinery, project management, pricing, and other matters relevant to electricity.53
Consumption of electricity started initially in 1966. The station had three machines, each one with the capacity of 1088 kilowatts, but demand increased.54 There was a power plant with the capacity of only 6 megawatts,55 which was hardly sufficient to meet the city and its population’s need for electricity.56
Sheikh Shakhbut canceled the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Electricity projects with Hawker Siddeley Company. Archie Lamb, the British Resident in Abu Dhabi, mentioned in his report on the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on January 2, 1967: “On April 20, 1966 the Ruler of Abu Dhabi was not able to grant contracts of Electricity projects”.57
32 33 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE*
Development of Electrical Services in the Era of Sheikh Zayed: When Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan58 became Rule of Abu Dhabi on August 6, 1966, he ordered the formation of a Board of Directors for water and electricity, headed by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.59 He prepared tenders for the electricity projects; and Hawker Siddeley Company was awarded contracts in September of the same year to provide an additional 4000 kilowatts of electric power supply in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and 3000 kilowatts in Al Ain;60 Thus the company continued working on the project it was assigned during the reign of Sheikh Shakhbut.
An invoice of prices and a list of electrical materials used in Abu Dhabi and Al Buraimi stations. Source: National Archives of the UAE.
Sheikh Zayed inaugurated the Emirate’s new power plant on August 6, 1968.61 Dhahi Matar Al Badi, who worked at Abu Dhabi Electricity Office in 1968, recollects: “The office was a small building made of wood with an attached storeroom and an emergency office, and another storeroom for the meters”. He adds that the number of employees in the office was not more than 20 people, including 10 workers, in addition to electricians and meter readers, and was headed by Saeed Ateeq. The power plant consisted of two diesel generators. As for electrical connection, Al Badi says: “There were no meters; because electricity was distributed free to homes, and electrical appliances were very few, mostly small refrigerators, fans and lamps for lighting. There were no air conditioners, and the connecting wires for houses were simple and did not exceed 2.5 mm to 4 mm in thickness”.62
Hassan Ismail Al Nasai recollected that he was trained in the Water and Electricity Department between 1967 and 1970, and that the training period was in the summer. He received a monthly stipend from the department. He said the department was a small power plant with a production capacity of 3 megawatts, and in 1970, it was
33 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi transferred to Al Mina Street, where it had five gas units and three distillates for desalinating seawater.63
The Abu Dhabi Department of Planning had prepared a five-year plan for 1968- 1972, with a budget of 317 million Bahraini Dinars 64 to develop the Emirate.65 That plan included a number of infrastructure projects, including electricity projects.66
In 1969, an invitation was sent to a number of international corporations and companies to submit their proposals for conducting extensive studies on generating and distributing electric power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. That study estimated the cost of the new electricity project as Bahraini Dinars 2,586,000. The project would have two additional generators each with the capacity of 2200 kilowatts, capable of transforming 7900 electric units, in addition to a lightening line for a distance of 20 kilometers. Al Ain would be supplied with three generators; each with the capacity of 1080 kilowatts, and capable of transforming 3900 electric units and a lightening line for a distance of 20 kilometers.67
Also in 1969, officials in the Development and Public Works Department examined the best ways to generate electricity, such as the use of natural gas for the operation of generators, or any other suitable and economical means.68
In the summer of 1967, electricity consumption increased 3 times the consumption in 1966, and in the summer of 1968 it surpassed 7,000 kilowatts.69 In 1969, the consumption reached 23,000 kilowatts.70 In 1970 the Departments of Water and Electricity were merged under the name of the “Department of Electricity and Water” and assigned to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.71
Conclusion: The lifestyle on the Trucial Coast was simple and acceptable to prevailing conditions of that era. However, by the 1960’s, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi witnessed significant developments that led to the need for more electrical services. One of those developments was the discovery of oil in commercial quantities which increased the financial resources and encouraged the establishment of the infrastructure Abu Dhabi needed, including electrical services.
Electrical services began in the Emirate when the Iranian dentist, Dr. Karmat Yazdani and his friends brought a generator in 1958. The Palace of the Ruler was provided with electricity in 1961. The first power plant in the Emirate was inaugurated in 1965. Nonetheless, power plants in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in 1966 faced some difficulties and delays which were overcome when Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan became Ruler and established the new electricity project.
34 35 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE*
The Department of Electricity was headed by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. Source: The National Archives of the UAE.
Electricity services had a significant effect on the Emirate, firstly trade; import of electrical appliances increased as the demand for buying them escalated. There had been an increase in the establishment of buildings, roads, factories and other infrastructure, all of which required electrical services as a direct result of the increase in the Emirate’s population, and as electricity service came to be considered among the basic needs that must be available in any region witnessing significant developments.
35 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
Endnotes:
1. "Manama" is the name of the bed which is made from palm tree fronds. See Abdel Fattah معجم �ألفاظ لهجة الإمارات وت�أ�صيلها، العني، مركز زايد للتاريخ .Al Humouz, and Faiz Al Qaisi, et al .والرتاث، 2008، �ص 123
2.2�سلمى حممد قري�شي، حديث الذكريات، �سرية �إبراهيم حممد �صالح العو�ضي �أحد رواة الرتاث ال�شعبي الإماراتي، املجل�س الوطني لالإعالم، دولة الإمارات العربية، 2011، �ص 102.
3.3�سيف حممد البدواوي، جمل�س حكام الإمارات املت�صاحلة )1952-1971( ر�أ�س اخليمة، مركز الدرا�سات والوثائق، 2009، �ص 185.
4.4املياه والكهرباء يف دولة الكويت �سرية وم�سرية، الكويت، مركز البحوث والدرا�سات الكويتية، 2005، �ص 42.
5.5نيقول�س �ستانلي براي�س، اخلطوط اجلوية الإمرباطورية واملطار بال�شارقة )1932 – (1939 جملة ليوا، �أبوظبي، مركز الوثائق والبحوث، ال�سنة الثالثة، العدد ال�ساد�س، دي�سمرب 2011، �ص 28.
6.6عبداهلل عبدالرحمن، الإمارات يف ذاكرة �أبنائها: احلياة القت�صادية، اجلزء الثاين، دبي، القراءة، 1990، �ص334.
7. Political Diaries of the Arab World, 1959-1960, Edited by Robert L. Jarman, (UK: Archive Editions,1998),Vol.22, p.322.
8.8عبداهلل عبد الرحمن، الإمارات يف ذاكرة �أبنائها: احلياة القت�صادية، اجلزء الثاين، �ص 348.
9.9�إبراهيم الذهلي، �أبوظبي: ذكريات من املا�ضي، دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة، دار كتاب، 2014، �ص58،59.
10. In 1939, the company was awarded the concession to explore oil in the Emirate, but the conditions of the Second World War prevented the continuation of its operations, thus the company stopped, and resumed exploration in 1947. In 1962, the company changed its name, and became Abu Dhabi Oil Company Limited. See Mohammed Hassan Al Aidaroos, The Political Developments in the Arab Emirates (1932- 1971), Dubai, Al Aidaroos Center for Studies, 2002, p. 305.
1111حممد مر�سي عبداهلل، تاريخ الإمارات: خمتارات من �أهم الوثائق الربيطانية 1797-1965، لندن، مركز لندن للدرا�سات العربية، املجلد الرابع، 1997، �ص572 .
12 خليل12 حمود عثمان اجلابري، �أبوظبي )1945– ( 1971درا�سة تاريخية يف الأو�ضاع ال�سيا�سية والجتماعية والقت�صادية، بغداد، دار ومكتبة عدنان للطباعة والن�شر والتوزيع، 2015، �ص 209. 1313حممد عبد اجلليل الفهيم، من ْاملح ِل �إىل الغنى: ق�صة �أبوظبي، لندن مركز لندن للدرا�سات العربية، 1996، �ص103.
1414فاطمة ال�صايغ، عوائق البنية التحتية يف �أبوظبي يف عهد ال�شيخ �شخبوط بن �سلطان )1928 –1966( �ش�ؤون اجتماعية، ال�شارقة، جمعية الجتماعيني، العدد الثالث وال�ستون، ال�سنة ال�ساد�سة ع�شرة، 1999، �ص137.
36 37 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE*
15. Development Plans of the GCC States, 1962 – 1995, United Arab Emirates, vol.1, (England, Archive Editions: 1994), p. 8.
16. The Indian Government carried out radical changes in all its coins in 1957; it divided the rupee to 100 cents, and a half rupee to 50 cents. The new division was known as “Naya Paisa” (“new” paisa). 100 Naya Paisa was equal to One Indian Rupee and remained in circulation until 1964. See Mutaz Mohammed Othman, History of the UAE Currencies, Dubai, Al Ajwad for Publication and Distribution, 2012, pp. 132-133.
17. FO 371/168947, NO.14, agreement between Engineering Project Limited and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi for supply of electricity; formation of "Abu Dhabi Electric Supply Company Ltd", 3 January 1963.
18. FO371/168947, NO.13, Engineering Project Limited and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi for supply of Electricity: formation of "Abu Dhabi Electric Supply Company Ltd" 11 March 1963.
19. HA 120, NO.180, Letter from Political Agency in Abu Dhabi to Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 11 March 1963.
20. FO 371/168947, NO.118, Visit of Mr. Abela to Britain to find the necessary equipment for the Abu Dhabi Power Project, 6 October 1963.
21. Political Diaries of the Arab World 1963 – 1965, op.cit, vol.24, p.137.
22. HA 34, NO.119, Letter from the Executive Director of Hawker Siddeley International Limited to Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 9 September 1963.
23. HA 34, NO.120, Letter from the Secretary to the Ruler Abu Dhabi to Hawker Siddeley International Limited, 15 September 1963.
24. FO 371/168947, NO. 118 – 119, visit of Mr. Abela to Britain to find the necessary equipment for Abu Dhabi Power Project, 6 October 1963.
25. Political Diaries of the Arab world, op.cit, vol.24, pp.174, 177.
26. Political Dairies of the Arab world op.cit, vol.24, p.413.
27. Political Dairies of the Arab world, op.cit, vol.24, 397.
28. Political Dairies of the Arab world, op.cit, vol.24, 403.
29 حممد 29عبد اهلل مر�سي، تاريخ الإمارات العربية املتحدة: خمتارات من �أهم الوثائق، املجلد الثالث، �ص 343.
30. HA 36, NO.122, Letter from Tariq bin Taimour to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 4 November 1964.
31. HA 37, NO. 123, Letter from the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi to Umm Said Power Station in London, 18 November 1964.
32. Political Diaries of the Arab World, op.cit, vol.24, p. 522.
37 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
33. FO 371/185523, NO. 18, Extract from the Chronological Summary of Events in Abu Dhabi for the Year 1965.
34. Records of the Emirates 1966 -1971, 1967, Edited by Anita L.P. Burdett, (Slough: Archive Editions, 2002), vol.2, p.6.
35. HA 39, NO. 127 – 128, Letter from the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi about tenders invited for completion of electrical installations in the towns of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, 5 January 1965.
36. HA 172, NO. 362, Letter from Hawker Siddeley International Limited to the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 21 January 1965.
37. HA 175, NO.365, Letter from G .S. Wall from Hawker Siddeley International Limited to the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 31 January 1966.
38. The Ottoman Bank was opened in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in July 1962. See Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi, Banking Services in the Trucial States (1945-1971), Abu Dhabi, Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, 2012, p. 90.
39. HA 40, NO.129, Ottoman Bank publishes the names of companies that are to rate generators in Abu Dhabi, 24 February 1965.
40. HA 47, NO.139, Letter from Brown Boveri and Co, Ltd to Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 6 March 1965.
41. HA 45, NO. 136 – 137, Letter from Ercole Marelli Company to Hamil Bin Khadim Al Ghaith in Abu Dhabi, 25 March 1965.
42. HA 46, NO.138, Letter from Mohammed Saleh Abdul Rahman Abdul Ghani to Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 29 March 1965.
43. FO 371/185566, NO.10-11, Letter from C. Dyer from the Political Agency in Abu Dhabi, to D.D. Asprey from the Commercial Relations and Exports Department, 30 December 1965.
44. Records of the Emirates 1966 -1971, 1967 op. cit, vol.2, p.6.
45. HA 122, NO. 275 - 280, Letter from the Associated Electrical Industries International Ltd to the Manager, Abu Dhabi Electricity Department in Abu Dhabi, 17 September 1965.
46. HA 258, NO.562, Letter from the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi to the Associated Electrical Industries Ltd, 7 October 1965.
47. HA 136, NO.298 – 299, Letter from the Associated Electrical Industries Ltd to the Secretary to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 12 October 1965.
48. HA 278, NO.1092, Letter from Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company Ltd to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 6 November 1965.
49. It is the currency used when the term “Naya” was written off and the old name “Baisa” was reused. It was used during the period 1964-1966. Use of this currency was stopped upon the
38 39 Establishment of Electrical Services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Prior to the Formation of the UAE*
Indian Government’s decision to devalue the Indian Rupee by 35%. See Mutaz Mohammed Othman, The History of the UAE Currencies, Dubai, Al Ajwad Publishing and Distribution, 2012, pp. 134-135.
50. HA 56, NO .148- 150, Abu Dhabi System Project, 12 June 1965.
51. HA 59, NO .157, Ordinance Nomination for the Director of the Abu Dhabi Electricity Station, 16 June 1965.
52. HA 71, NO.179, Letter from the Ruler of Abu Dhabi to Consulting Engineers, 19 July 1965.
53. HA 82, NO.198 – 199, Letter from Brian Colhoun Company, London, to the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, 10 August 1965.
5454حممد يا�سر �شرف، جمتمع الإمارات، �أبوظبي، دار املتنبي، )د. ت(، �ص181.
انظر مظفر �أنور النعمة، �سنان حممود عطار . .An electrical measurement equal to 1,000,000 Watt .55 .با�شي، القيا�سات الكهربائية، العراق، دار الكتب للطباعة والن�شر، 1988، �ص20
56. Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed reveals the secrets of the beginnings of the water and electricity services in Abu Dhabi to Tawzea Magazine, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, 8th edition, December 2011, pp. 4-5. See: http://www.addc.ae/pub/ADDC%20DECEMBER2011WEB%20ISSUE%208%20AE.pdf. Wednesday, 13 /11 /2013.
57. Records of the Emirates 1966 – 1971, 1966, op.cit, vol.1 p.27.
58. Sheikh Zayed was born in 1918 in Al Ain. He was the Representative of the Ruler there in 1946. Shortage of water and lack of resources delayed the development of Al Ain city. The first school was opened there in 1959, as well as the first market, road network and hospital. Sheikh Zayed became Ruler in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on August 6th 1966. See: Abdul Hadi Mohammed, The 50 Most Powerful Figures in the UAE, Cairo, Al Raya Centre for Publishing and Media, 2011, pp. 13-14.
59. Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed reveals the secrets of the beginnings of the water and electricity services in Abu Dhabi to Tawzea Magazine, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, 8th edition, December 2011, pp. 4-5. See: http://www.addc.ae/pub/ADDC%20DECEMBER2011WEB%20ISSUE%208%20AE.pdf Wednesday, 13 /11/ 2013.
6060جوينتي مايرتا، زايد من التحدي �إىل الحتاد، �أبوظبي، مركز الوثائق والبحوث، 2007، �ص 112.
6161يوميات زايد، اجلزء الأول، �أبوظبي، مركز الوثائق والبحوث، 2003، �ص 19.
6262حديث الذكريات: حوار مع �أ�صغر و�أقدم موظف، جملة توزيع، �أبوظبي، �شركة �أبوظبي للتوزيع، العدد الرابع، يونيو 2010، �ص 7-8. وانظر: http://www.addc.ae/pub/3523-ADDC-june(A).pdf. الأربعاء 2013-11-13.
63. Al Nassai, “I liked ‘distribution’ since it is associated with people and deals directly with the
39 Aisha Saeed Al Qaidi
public”, Tawzea Magazine, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, 11th edition, January 2013, P. 13. See: http://www.addc.ae/pub/ADDC%20News%20January%202013.pdf. Wednesday, 13/11/2013.
64. The Bahraini Dinar was issued in Bahrain in 1965. It was used until July 1966, when the Indian Government devalued the Indian Rupee by 35% in that same year. See: Mana Saeed Al Otaiba, Abu Dhabi’s Economy in the Past and Present, Beirut, Commerce and Industry Press, 1973, p. 218.
6565 فاطمة احلاج عبداهلل حممد احلربو� ،ش التطور التاريخي لإمارات ال�ساحل املت�صالح من مطلع القرن الع�شرين وحتى قيام دولة الإمارات العربية املتحدة: درا�سة توثيقية، دبي، م�ؤ�س�سة التعاون للعالقات العامة 2008، �ص95.
6666حممد فار�س الفار� ، سزايد يف الوثائق الربيطانية، �أبوظبي، املجل�س الوطني لالإعالم، 2008، �ص 148.
6767خالد الب�سام، �صحفية كويتية تتحدث عن �أبوظبي عام 69)4-4( �أبوظبي تنمو ب�سرعة، �أبوظبي، جملة تراث، العدد 20، يوليو 2000، �ص27.
6868املرجع ال�سابق.
6969خالد الب�سام، �صحفية كويتية تتحدث عن �أبوظبي، �ص 27.
7070دائرة الكهرباء واملاء، �ص 10.
7171ال�شيخ �سرور بن حممد يفتح ملجلة »توزيع« خزانة �أ�سرار بدايات خدمات املاء والكهرباء ب�أبوظبي، �ص 4. على �شبكة الإنرتنت: http://www.addc.ae/pub/ADDC%20DECEMBER2011WEB%20ISSUE%208%20AE.pdf.
40 PB