Today when you mention Abu Dhabi, most people's first thought has something to do with futuristic architecture, fancy sports cars and loads of cash. However, just a few decades ago, things were quite different.
A new National Geographic Abu Dhabi documentary entitled "The Early Years – The Untold History of Abu Dhabi" traces the history of the emirate from a desert traversed by nomads to a modern-day luxurious and oil rich global metropolis.
Including never-before-shown historical footage, the documentary will highlight the heritage of Abu Dhabi from before the oil wealth, telling "a story of poverty, hunger and desperation," according to a press release.
Through personal interviews with individuals who still remember a time before the oil-wealth and historical reenactments, the documentary intends to show a perspective on the history of Abu Dhabi often forgotten. Women used to walk miles just to access fresh water and men would sail for months without proper nutrition, surviving on incredibly low wages.
Directed by award-winning American director Jay Tuck and produced by Airtime Dubai in association with renowned Emirati book author Mohammed Al Fahim, the documentary promises to tell, "the story of a generation born in the primitive huts of Old Arabia, and catapulted into the futuristic world of New Arabia ."
The 45-minute documentary will air in Arabic on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on August 22 at 7 p.m. UAE time.
Watch the trailer below: