About Abu Dhabi - History & Culture
The history of Abu Dhabi reveals that parts of the emirate were inhabited during the 3rd millennium BC! Modern Abu Dhabi has its roots back in the important tribal confederation, the Bani Yas in the latter half of the 18th century.
Right up till the middle of the last century, the economy of Abu Dhabi was dependent on camel herding, date and vegetable cultivation and extensive fishing and pearl diving. In the year 1958, oil was first discovered here. This led to the subsequent prosperity associated with Abu Dhabi, but in a gradual manner. At first the impact of the oil reserves was marginal. The then Ruler of Abu Dhabi HRH Sheikh Shakbut preferred to save the revenue rather than invest in development oil and associated resources. It was only in 1966, when Sheikh Zayed, his brother became ruler that Abu Dhabi began to reap the benefits associated with the oil reserves, worldwide.