Driving through Abu Dhabi recently, I noticed a street sign I hadn't seen before. It wasn't one of those that refers to a little-known desert settlement, though I approve of these, since they promote knowledge of local geography.
This one, instead, referred to one of Abu Dhabi's most important historical figures of whom, sadly, one hears little today. The sign said simply "Salama bint Butti". Those with a passing knowledge of local history will know her as Sheikha Salama bint Butti, widow of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1922-1926. She was the mother of four sons, including the late Sheikh Zayed and his elder brother and predecessor, Sheikh Shakhbut, who, between them, ruled for over 75 years, between 1928 and 2004.
Today, we're used to Emirati women playing an important role in the life of the country. From the Cabinet to business, from the arts to the air force, it's become perfectly normal and accepted. Decades ago, or so many people would appear to think, it was different. Yet, Sheikha Salama had enormous influence, albeit exercised largely behind the scenes. As a mother, she also helped to mould the views of her children. No less a person than Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation” and the inspiration for Emirati women today, has commented that it was Sheikha Salama who taught her son, Zayed, that women could, and should, be enabled to contribute fully to national life.
"Zayed was a good son of a great mother," Sheikha Fatima once said. "Her prudence, compassion, strong character and wisdom made her the ideal manifestation of womanhood in his eyes. As a result, there is no limit to his (Zayed's) faith in the ability of women."
The UAE's achievements since its formation in 1971 have been dramatic. Rightly, credit is given to Sheikh Zayed and to his fellow pioneers for the way in which they built the nation of today, as well as to those who follow in their footsteps.
It's important to remember, though, that they did not start with an empty canvas. They had something on which to begin building the new state – the heritage of a country that could trace its origins back into the distant past. Some of the physical elements of that process can still be seen, like the forts and castles of a bygone era found in coastal cities, desert oases and mountain wadis. Of the leaders who built them, though, and of the role they played in the history of what was to become the Emirates, most of us know little. Yet without them, there would be no UAE.
If we reach back farther than Sheikha Salama, who is still fondly remembered by the older generation, there are other names deserving of memory.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa, who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1855-1909, gets credit for the achievements of his reign.
What, though, of the great Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi? He first became ruler of the Qawasim state that combined Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, in 1803, reigning until 1808 until removed by Wahhabi invaders. He returned in 1820, and ruled until 1866, completing over 50 years in power.
Or of Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti, first of the Al Maktoum rulers of Dubai in 1833, who, in his nearly 20-year reign, laid the foundations of what was to become the great commercial centre of today?
To return to Abu Dhabi, an earlier Sheikh Shakhbut ruled from 1795-1816, then serving as a trusted adviser and guide to two succeeding sons from 1818 until the early 1840s.
Through historical figures like these, we can trace a continuity of authority and of governing structures that remains relevant to the UAE today. Commemorating them in street names is laudable. Recognising their contributions in other ways, through the school curriculum or through the media, though, would be of much longer term value.
Peter Hellyer is a consultant specialising in the UAE’s history and culture
