@islaminpast: #creatorsearchinsights Before oil was discovered, Abu Dhabi was a small coastal settlement shaped by the desert and the sea. The economy relied on pearling, fishing, and trade, with pearl diving being the main source of income until its decline in the early 20th century. Life was harsh, with extreme heat and limited access to fresh water. People lived in simple barasti (palm-leaf) or mud houses, and there was no modern infrastructure such as roads or electricity. The Bani Yas tribe played a key role in maintaining stability and supporting the community. Trade was modest but important, with dhows connecting Abu Dhabi to nearby regions. Overall, it was a simple, resource-dependent society that was transformed into a modern global city after the discovery of oil in the mid-20th century. #unitedarabemirates #UAE #islaminpast #oil