From rags to riches : a story of Abu Dhabi / Mohammed Al-Fahim.

Chapter 1. Humble Beginnings : The Trucial States - Pearling-bitter memories - Bare essentials - Bedouin hospitality-timeless traditions - Unwanted domination - The Bani Yas and the Qawasim - Waves of migration from the Persian coast - New agreements in 1892 - Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa and the British -- Chapter 2. Unmet Expectations : Dawn of the twentieth century - The Shakhbut years - The race is on - Border disputes - High hopes -- Chapter 3. Generations in the Gulf : A short family history - Simple lives - A daily struggle - Through the eyes of a child - Unsettled times - The spoils of battle - A young life lost - Entrepreneurial spirit - Early school days with Mulla Darwish - Six-room schoolhouse - Good intentions -- Chapter 4. Mixed Blessings : Black gold - Empty promises - The future looks brighter - Daring desert driving - Heaven on earth - Two steps forward, one step back - Bahraini visitors - Paradise found -- Chapter 5. The Threshold of Development : Castles in the sand - Deteriorating relations - Needless loss - The Arab Voice - Few amusements - Cinema and secrets - Faraway places - A dream come true - Dust in the wind - Chapter 6. Leaps and Bounds : A charismatic leader - Fierce patriotism - Starting from scratch - Record-breaking growth - No room at the inn - Supportive strategies - In the driver's seat -- Chapter 7 : Birth of a Nation : Born of necessity -Federation proves challenging - Tribal roots - Tangible benefits - Winning over the world - Three hundred tons of olives - From boom to bust -- Chapter 8. Shifting Sands : Money Problems - Many happy returns - Opportunity knocks - A shooting star - Close call! - Shocking truths -- Chapter 9. Beyond Our Dreams : Persistence pays off - Faith, hope and perseverance - Education is key -- Glossary of Gulf terms.