Sociology: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Thesis Example

Chapter Two: Social Study Introduction The chapter is going to look into; religion, anthropology, politics, archaeology, jurisprudence, economics, history, geography, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. It is going to give insights about Abu Dhabi. Through the study of the social life of this part of United Arab Emirates, we are going to discover some hidden facts about the area. The study of social life is very important in any community and it’s going to tell the kind of life that can be got once in a given place. Social studies always indicate some of the common activities that are being undertaken from day to day by the people who reside in that particular place. Due to urbanization of the area, there is no longer any privacy or sanctity for homes where in the past the person next to you used to be the first and second-class relatives. Before the area was urbanized, these families used to come and go together in the same time, same holidays as they used to move to gather. However, due to the continued expansion of the area, these is not a norm as different neighbors are coming into the town. People from different cultural backgrounds are getting into to work in the company that is in town. In addition, in the past, men used to for fishing and children were playing around the shore with peace or playing with motorcycles that were few or almost nonexistent. But after the street paving in 1999-2000 was the beginning of cars, motorcycles and reckless driving by teenagers who do not have a driver's license. The number of accidents and the death in the teenager category increased in the schools’ holidays where the area has become a haven to practice these reckless driving taking the advantage of the police’s absence. Also, people started engaging in different economic activities that are different from fishing. Life had changed in a great deal due to the process of urbanization that was frequently being seen in the area. Some of the past activities have been undertaken by events and they are no longer in existence. Therefore in these chapter we will look extensively into the effects of urbanization in Data and methods Methodology To ensure that the results that are going to be obtained are accurate and verifiable, it is important to use a research methodology that is simple and straight forward. The following methods will be use to collect data in the course of the study; questionnaire and interview. This will be achieved through mixed methods in studying phenomenological theme-work and obtain the much needed results. For the process to be conducted in a manner that the data collection and recording methods are ones that are best for the study then it is best that all areas should be covered. Hence the, use of both primary and secondary sources of data will ensure that the results reflect the true facts about this topic. The general research methodology will be; use any model, framework, and hypotheses. However, in this study the use of interviews will be carried out to ensure real facts about the social life in Peninsula. In addition to these, online sources of information will be used to give further information that may not be captured by the interviews. This means that mixed methodology will be used to ensure that everything that is taking place within the study attains the required standards. Qualitative analysis will be carried out to ensure that all data collected will result towards giving the right information needed to study the whole social life in these region. In-depth interviews will be helpful in capturing the much required data about Peninsula and the real situation that those who live there do experience. Further, some readings, governmental organization visits such as Municipality of Abu Dhabi will be conducted to give in-depth information about what has taken place in this region over years. Historical evidences will be used in most cases to indicate how social life of the region has been affected over a period of time. Results and Discussion Reasons that led some of emirates groups to occupy the area According to interviewees, most of the people who settled at this region are those who visited Peninsula as employees in the British petroleum company in the 60s. The company was one of the reasons why most of the people settled in these area so as to have a source of income. Some of the people could sail to Abadan which a city is in and the capital of Abadan country, Khuzestan province which is located west of Iran with some workers from the company to buy oil in different forms (Gasoline, Diesel, Petrol and planes petrol). They were sailing on boats that were moving using Diesel three times for one month. In the 60s, there was no any form of land roads that people could use to reach the peninsula, people who were working in the company were using the sea to reach it. So that they were sail from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhabyeea taking their goods for a month. This contributed to a great extent to why people had to settle in these part due to difficult means of transport. In 1958 for the first time Petroleum Development (Trucial states) found the first inshore oil field while the Abu Dhabi Marine Areas (ADMA) was finding oil at Umm Shaif. This was the beginning of the revolution of UAE, though at that time Abu Dhabi was just a state in at the Emirates region. People moved to this region in search for different economic activities. Some of the people could work in the oil fields and others could perform other economic activities to support those who work in the oil field (Khirfan, & Jaffer, 2013). At this time, those who were working in the oil fields, bought oil from Abadan because at that time Abu Dhabi had just discovered oil but they had not started any petroleum refinery. British Petroleum used to buy oil from Abadan of Iran which it could use in its operations of oil exploration equipment. However, during the 60s there was no one living in this area. One could see only small houses that British Petroleum owned for the workers and they were few at that time. It was at this time that most of those who were here, decided to build houses. Therefore, the petroleum company had a great influence in making people to settle in this area. The opportunity it provided in relation to economic activities led to opening up of the areas and even giving people the motivation to settle on this area. In the 1980s, people used to consume fish for pleasure and also it acted as the daily basic food. The practice of eating food in the communities in this area is considered as norm and tradition. In the tribe of “Al Rumaithi” most of people eat fish and they usually participate in fishing activities. For a while now fishing has been carried out using different traditional methods. Families mostly the male have been carrying out fishing activities together in order to feed their families. Due to the fact that fishing was done for consumption purposes, in the 1980s most of the families that carried out fishing did not for commercial reason but in small scale for domestic use. The Arab Peninsula was characterized by a barren wilderness and a mere collection of huts in the expansive desert less than 60 years ago. However, with the discovery of oil and innovativeness of its leaders, the region has transformed into one of the leading tourist destinations, a hub for Fortune 500 companies and leading institution in the world (Krauss & Rosalind, 2014). Oil provided the financial muscle for the development of countries like Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia among others into re-known countries in the world. Moreover, the innovative thinking of the leaders in the region has transformed through rapid urbanization. In addition to this, the region attracts highly skilled and unskilled labor force that contribute to the significant urbanization in the region (Saltz, 2007). Thus, it is evident that urbanization has transformed the shape of the Arabian Peninsula. During this period, the only construction work that was being carried out in the area was that of small anchorage which people referred to as “Ras Al Dhabeyyah” which means the head of Al Dhabeyyah. The anchorage was built by AL Kharafi Construction Company from Al Kuwait at the request of British Petroleum Company. It was the construction that improved the expansion of the area to be seen as a growing urban center. The continuous construction that was carried out improved the area in a great deal something that was recognized by about the immense contribution. Construction of the small anchorage was key towards the improvement of the area in general. Once the construction was done. The area looked more decent and one could recognize that there existed life in that area unlike the past where people were not seen at these area. Looking at different sources of information, it shows that the area has archeological sites, which means that this area was occupied by human for over 600 year but a clear evidence can be traced back to only from the 60s. This is an indication that there were people who used to stay in the area. However, there is an indication that there was four families that had settled in the area during this period. The four families are as follows; Shammsah Bint Sultan AL Rumaithi, Jumaah AL Mellioti AL Rumaithi, Khasiba Bint Ahmad AL Rumaithi and Muhammad bin Salem Bin Kaddas AL Rumaithi. They are considered as the first four families who occupied the area first. Progressively, since the 1970s, live in these area has flourished and there are many of AL Rumaithi tribes who have moved to the area. This is due to the good social economic lifestyle that has been experienced in the area. Others members who moved in to the area came together because they wanted enjoy the marine and also carry out fishing activities. Due to the movement that has been seen over time, most individuals from Al Rumaithi Tribe with others from other tribes such as Al Muhairi, Al Qubaisi and Al Mazrouei keep visiting this area in the holidays for entertainment, gathering and practice fishing but not like before as everything is changed with the development of Abu Dhabi and the new tribes who come to the area (Farhat & Maymanah, 2007). The act as seen Peninsula being one of the destinations that people are moving and growth of the tow. This makes it possible that it is slowly turning into an urban area with different economic activities being carried out in the region. There are a number of facts that can be associated with social studies in Peninsula. Some are historical, archaeological, economic, political, and religious. All these have contributed in a great deal towards the growth of Peninsula and Abu Dhabi on large. The rate of growth of urbanization of a given area, always depends on the amount of attractions, economical activities, and the number of individuals who are living in it. Peninsula has been in a great way been assisted by the above factors to grow and become one of the towns in the United Arabic Emirates. The economic activities that are carried out in this area have been a key contribution towards the growth of Peninsula. Some of the activities are historical and they can be traced back up to 600 years. This gives it a very unique opportunity for it to expand even more as many will come to see the historical sites hence contributing to its economic growth. Apart from the above mentioned facts, which is all about social study in general and some of the activities that contribute immensely towards the growth of this particular region, it will be complemented by interviews that will be carried in the area to shade more light about their social life (Saltz, 2007). Urbanization of the Peninsula area started when the government started to pave the streets and registration of the houses. This activities were carried throughout the municipality of Abu Dhabi. The motive behind the government doing all these was due to the fact that accessing the area through the sea was an uphill task. Reaching the peninsula was difficult because the canals that connected the area were so narrow. This period was during the 1970s. However, in the 1980s, there was an expansion done on the marine channels to facilitate the movement of ship. The process increased the number of people who could visit peninsula at a given period. According to Mr. Khalifah, people started to own houses in the area by the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 80s. In 1983 many of random wooding houses were removed and replaced by cemented houses (White, 2010). This was a major milestone towards urbanizing Peninsula. Some of these action made Peninsula to become one of the quick expanding towns. To prove the quick expansion of Peninsula, before the year 2013, people could randomly choose the location where they could build their own houses. However, in the year 2013 Eng. Mohamed Abdel Hakim, Chief Engineer – Urban Planning, Municipality of Abu Dhabi, in conjunctions with a presidential order (official letter come to the Municipality of Abu Dhabi, then to the Urban Planning council for approval and depending of ne approval the official letter goes for the services such as water, electricity and facilities.) made it necessary that people had to comply with the required rules before they could start to construct the area (White, 2010). Economic activities One of the interviewee indicates that the neighboring Bu Kesheishah Island was owned by an emirate family whose father’s name is Ahmad bin Beyat Al Rumaithi. These is an indication that at the early times not many people had occupied the area. However, there is an indication that people carried out different economic activities for their survival. In addition to these, there was another Al Rumaithi man “Saife bin Murshed Bul Haaraq Al Rumaithi” who was responsible in controlling the activities that were being carried in the sea between Bu Kesheishah Island and Al Dhabeyyah Peninsula. He was responsible in regulating all activities that were related to fishing practices. The practices were referred to as Al Maskar by the Emirates. Al maskar is the area of the sea that is owned by a specific family and use it for fishing. It’s named by Maskar due to the Method that people use to catch fish. “Al Maskar” is the location and “Al Scar” is the method. Gaining gaps on fish. According to Eid Jumaa Al Romaithi, who is a Site Manager in the Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity of Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, the activities have been referred to as “fishing rights” and these rights have been supported by the government over a period of time. Also, according to Eid’s brother, Mr. Muhammad Jumma Al Romaithi who is an expert in the traditional fishing, from the past until the present times each family has its own Maskar in which it carries its fishing activities. This has been the routine to a point that if anyone form outside the family wants to fish from a certain Maskar, he has to ask permission from the owner first as a sign of respect. In addition, Mr. Muhammad Jumma indicates that, fishing net is required in “Al Scar”. The method requires experience when fishing in the area. Therefore, there is need to be close to the net and in determining the length of the nets fishermen have to use the net to close the area and detained the fish until the tide in which the fish gather in one place. Therefore this is an indication that one of the major economic activity that is being carried out in the area is fishing. It is one of the widely recognized activity to an extent that most of the families in the area have their own area of fishing. They cannot do without the activity. They have come up with a culture ow how different activities are to be carried out in order to ensure that the activity is being carried out in an organized manner. Progressively, since the 1970s, live in these area has flourished and there are many of AL Rumaithi tribes who have moved to the area. This is due to the good social economic lifestyle that has been experienced in the area. Others members who moved in to the area came together because they wanted enjoy the marine and also carry out fishing activities. Due to the movement that has been seen over time, most individuals from Al Rumaithi Tribe with others from other tribes such as Al Muhairi, Al Qubaisi and Al Mazrouei keep visiting this area in the holidays for entertainment, gathering and practice fishing but not like before as everything is changed with the development of Abu Dhabi and the new tribes who come to the area. The act as seen Peninsula being one of the destinations that people are moving and growth of the tow. This makes it possible that it is slowly turning into an urban area with different economic activities being carried out in the region. In the 1980s, people used to consume fish for pleasure and also it acted as the daily basic food. The practice of eating food in the communities in this area is considered as norm and tradition. In the tribe of “Al Rumaithi” most of people eat fish and they usually participate in fishing activities. For a while now fishing has been carried out using different traditional methods. Families mostly the male have been carrying out fishing activities together in order to feed their families. Due to the fact that fishing was done for consumption purposes, in the 1980s most of the families that carried out fishing did not for commercial reason but in small scale for domestic use. The area also contains chalets that are owned by the Emirates Heritage Club. The chalets were used by different participants for racing in the sailing boats. This was some of the games that people could come and play for leisure. In fact most of the families that could come from the area and different parts could come to participate in these races because it was very interesting. The club is famous for the chalets and most of the people have been frequently been coming to participate in sailing the boats at the same time carry out some fishing for leisure in the process. The existence of the ADCO petroleum company in the area has had both the positive and negative effects to the area. The role of the company cannot be underestimated and one cannot discuss anything about the social life of the area if he/she has not touched on issues that are related to this company. According to Mr. Khaleefa Mohammed Kaddas Al Romaithi, who is the HR & Administration Division, Department of Municipal Affairs, indicates that in the 1980s there was freedom in moving around the whole peninsula, yet after that the establishment of the company, the movement in the area was somehow restricted due to the construction of a fence that made it difficult in accessing the area. Such an effect is common when large corporations are built in a given region. People will always feel the effect of movement. Also, security can be beefed up in search areas. All the measures that are put in place to ensure that the corporations are secured will always be felt by the residents in these regions. Residents in this area nowadays are seeing a different environment than what they used to see in the past. In the past, Al Dhabyeeah was not restrictive as it’s currently. There is always restricted and limited access to the area comparing to the past. This is an indication that the corporation brought in an effect that cannot be underestimated under social studies of a given area. In the past, there was more space to move around using different sizes of cars or motorcycles. Especially, Al Kahf area where in the past some females would gather after having lunch and also, go to Al Kahf which is located in the north of the peninsula to be away from men and entertain themselves. However, presently things are different. No more space that people can do what they want and they are now congested due to the fact that the factory has taken a big proportion of land that could have been used for the pleasure. Opt People have been forced to adopt this lifestyle. At this time, those who were working in the oil fields, bought oil from Abadan because at that time Abu Dhabi had just discovered oil but they had not started any petroleum refinery. British Petroleum used to buy oil from Abadan of Iran which it could use in its operations of oil exploration equipment. However, during the 60s there was no one living in this area. One could see only small houses that British Petroleum owned for the workers and they were few at that time. It was at this time that most of those who were here, decided to build houses. Therefore, the petroleum company had a great influence in making people to settle in this area. The opportunity it provided in relation to economic activities led to opening up of the areas and even giving people the motivation to settle on this area. In addition to the jobs that had been provided by the BP Company ADCO also added more and enabled people economically. In the 1980s, the only construction work that was being carried out in the area was that of small anchorage which people referred to as “Ras Al Dhabeyyah” which means the head of Al Dhabeyyah. The anchorage was built by AL Kharafi Construction Company from Al Kuwait at the request of British Petroleum Company. It was the construction that improved the expansion of the area to be seen as a growing urban center. The continuous construction that was carried out improved the area in a great deal something that was recognized by about the immense contribution. Construction of the small anchorage was key towards the improvement of the area in general. Once the construction was done. The area looked more decent and one could recognize that there existed life in that area unlike the past where people were not seen at these area. The major indicator of changing of social life in the area due to the establishment of the company has been said by Ahmad Jumma Ali Al Rumaithi. He indicates that approximately, in 1990s ADCO sent a warnings letters to residents of the area to evacuate as they may be affected by different chemical substances that they may be released by the company in the course of its operations. Though the concern of the company was genuine and justified, most of the people rejected due to the fact they had lived in the area for a long time. They felt that their lives was being affected and the company had no right to evacuate them. The idea brought about a conflict which had to be solved urgently. Due to these, the elders and elderly people of the area decided to gather in Subah bin Kaddas house in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, to discuss this issue. 10 of Al Rumaithi’s tribe who were the elders in the family went to “Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Majlis” who was acting for Sheikh Zayed in that time to discuss this issue. In the end, these warnings were canceled yet the company send other letter to the people to sign a disclaimer. The company from the issue came up with its own effects that needed dialogue and agreement to ensure that existed with the surrounding peacefully (Poulin, 2010)). People who settled at this region are those who visited Peninsula as employees in the British petroleum company in the 60s. The company was one of the reasons why most of the people settled in these area so as to have a source of income. Some of the people could sail to Abadan which a city is in and the capital of Abadan country, Khuzestan province which is located west of Iran with some workers from the company to buy oil in different forms (Gasoline, Diesel, Petrol and planes petrol). They were sailing on boats that were moving using Diesel three times for one month. In the 60s, there was no any form of land roads that people could use to reach the peninsula, people who were working in the company were using the sea to reach it. So that they were sail from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhabyeea taking their goods for a month. This contributed to a great extent to why people had to settle in these part due to difficult means of transport. In 1958 for the first time Petroleum Development (Trucial states) found the first inshore oil field while the Abu Dhabi Marine Areas (ADMA) was finding oil at Umm Shaif. This was the beginning of the revolution of UAE, though at that time Abu Dhabi was just a state in at the Emirates region. People moved to this region in search for different economic activities. Some of the people could work in the oil fields and others could perform other economic activities to support those who work in the oil field. In addition to the jobs that had been provided by the BP Company ADCO also added more and enabled people economically. The process of urbanizing Peninsula area started when the government started to pave the streets and registration of the houses. This activities were carried throughout the municipality of Abu Dhabi. The motive behind the government doing all these was due to the fact that accessing the area through the sea was an uphill task. Reaching the peninsula was difficult because the canals that connected the area were so narrow. This period was during the 1970s. However, in the 1980s, there was an expansion done on the marine channels to facilitate the movement of ship. The process increased the number of people who could visit peninsula at a given period. According to Mr. Khalifah, people started to own houses in the area by the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 80s. In 1983 many of random wooding houses were removed and replaced by cemented houses. This was a major milestone towards urbanizing Peninsula. Some of these action made Peninsula to become one of the quick expanding towns. To prove the quick expansion of Peninsula, before the year 2013, people could randomly choose the location where they could build their own houses. However, in the year 2013 Eng. Mohamed Abdel Hakim, Chief Engineer – Urban Planning, Municipality of Abu Dhabi, in conjunctions with a presidential order (official letter come to the Municipality of Abu Dhabi, then to the Urban Planning council for approval and depending of ne approval the official letter goes for the services such as water, electricity and facilities.) made it necessary that people had to comply with the required rules before they could start to construct the area. The process came up with positive developments that led different lifestyle. On top of these, jobs were created for the locals. Economic activities that were not being carried out in the area then started taking place. The employment of the locals meant that some of the individuals could not depend on fishing as the only source of food for their families. The company also through the corporate social responsibility educated the locals on other activities that could make their life better. On top of that, the environmental effects that were brought by the company made some of them change their lifestyle. In fact the establishment of the company show the different diseases that were not affecting people in these area there before affecting them in the process. Partial Conclusion Abu Dhabi is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, and the exceptional level of growth witnessed in the city incorporates interdependent factors such as urbanization, economic diversification, and population growth. When these processes are combined, they result in significant social impacts in the city of Abu Dhabi. Ideally, urbanization leads to the expansion of the city, which attracts both people and investors from different parts of the world that lead to an increase in population. Moreover, as the city diversifies and grows through globalization, business corporations continue to raise tall buildings for offices and hotels in a densely urbanized Central Business District, where multinational corporations cluster in search of business advantage and efficiency, which affect the natural environment in many ways. Furthermore, the influx of people into Abu Dhabi changes the population profile and the cultural landscape, which impose high demands on the resources such as water, housing, land, and power. Also, Shirazi and Kazmi, (2016) noted that the changing population profile coupled with high birth rates in Emirate would continue to have an adverse impact on the population structure with regards to the available resources. In addition, these interlinked processes continue to shape the city of Abu Dhabi with both benefits and significant environmental effects. Nevertheless, these factors; increase in population, rapid expansion, and other social factors affects Abu Dhabi in many ways as explored in this study. It is evident that the world has revolutionized in recent years with regards to urban structure, increased vegetation cover, and population which is positive for the development of humanity. However, these developments have contributed to an increase in environmental population. Thus, it is important to understand the factors that hasten environmental degradation and ways to curb them to develop a sustainable environment for the city of Abu Dhabi. In particular, a sustainable environment is essential for the development of a society and the ecosystem. Thus, coming up with ways and strategies to enhance a sustainable environment is essential for the growth of humanity and a sustainable environment for the future generation. References David Hearst (2013). "The UAE's bizarre, political trial of 94 activists". The Guardian J.E. Peterson, 2014. The Arabian Peninsula in Modern Times: A Historiographical Survey of Recent Publications. Journal of Arabian Studies. Krauss, Rosalind, 2014. "The Cultural Logic of the Late Capitalist Museum". Farhat, Maymanah (2007). "The Louvre Abu Dhabi, Exploitation and the Politics of the Museum Industry". ZNet. Poulin, Taylor L. (2010). "An Oasis in the Desert? Issues and Intricacies Concerning the Louvre-Abu Dhabi Museum Expansion". Student Pulse: Online Academic Journal. Saltz, J. (2007). "Downward Spiral: the Guggenheim Museum Touches Bottom". The Village Voice. White, Allison (2010). "CULTURAL EVOLUTIONS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES". e-Merge Journal of Art Administration and Policy. Read More