The Bedouin Tribe
The Bedouin people have a long history of living in the Syrian steppe, engaging in nomadic herding, agriculture, and fishing since 6000 BCE. Arab tribes emerged from the Bedouin communities, which were desert nomadic tribes relying on hunting, gathering, and trade. Their wealth was measured by the number of animals they owned and their ability to find and provide water. Camels, Saluki dogs, and falcons played vital roles in their way of life, serving as travel companions, helpers, and hunting partners. The largest family or tribe in the Empty Quarter, the Bani Yas, was closely linked to the Nahyan Family.
Survival, water location, and utilization were crucial skills for the Bedouins of the Empty Quarter. Their nomadic lifestyle was driven by the availability of raw resources in the desert and the need to ensure safety for future generations. Water wells were essential, acting as petrol stations for the Bedouins, who knew the paths between each well and relied on them for survival during their travels. Finding water required careful observation of birds or tracking the Arabian oryx. Bedouins who discovered water would have the well named after them, and creating a well could take several months of manual digging. In extreme drought conditions, the milk of sheep or camels and even the stomach water of camels would be used for survival. Bedouins were adapted to the harsh conditions, capable of enduring longer periods without water compared to most people. However, their way of life began to change in the 1950s and 1960s, as many Bedouin individuals transitioned to urban living due to shrinking grazing ranges and increasing population levels in the Middle East cities.
Sheikh Zayed, known for his love of outdoor pursuits, particularly hawking expeditions in the desert around Al Ain, showcased exceptional skills in traditional Bedouin activities like hunting, shooting, and riding. In 1966, he took over as the ruler of Abu Dhabi after his brother and went on to become the founding President of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Sheikh Zayed held these positions until his passing in November 2004, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
