History of the Emirates
2019 · National Geographic · 60 min · 1 season
S01E03 · Rise of the Supercities
Mon, 16 Dec, 1:00 pm
We look at the key events and forces that, in the last 500 years, have led to the glitz and glamour of the United Arab Emirates that we see today. From the rise of the tribes that battled for control of the different emirates, to the colonial meddling of the British, the discovery of oil and the struggle to form a new nation.
About
At the heart of the Arabian Peninsula is a nation only 4 years older than Microsoft, famous around the world for its gleaming modern cities - Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But behind the fast cars and the skyscrapers, there lies a compelling and untold story. With unprecedented access, and told through the voices of its people, this fascinating 3-part series reveals how new archaeological and historical discoveries are only now uncovering the true extent of this land's ancient wonders - remarkably advanced civilisations that once held centre stage in world history.
Episodes
- E01
Taming the Desert
Mon, 2 Dec· 60 minWe reveal the ancient innovations that lie behind some of the most enduring and romantic images of this region - the camel caravanserai and the lush oasis. And we discover the many other ingenious ways in which people here - for thousands of years - have been overcoming the challenges of life in one of the world's harshest environments.
- E02
Masters of the Ocean
Mon, 9 Dec· 60 minWe tell the remarkable story of how ancient people here used their unique location on the Gulf to find precious resources and forge trading links around the world. From the ancient free-divers who risked their lives to harvest pearls from the sea bed to the merchants who traded with history's greatest civilizations, from Rome to China.
- E03
Rise of the Supercities
Mon, 16 Dec· 60 minWe look at the key events and forces that, in the last 500 years, have led to the glitz and glamour of the United Arab Emirates that we see today. From the rise of the tribes that battled for control of the different emirates, to the colonial meddling of the British, the discovery of oil and the struggle to form a new nation.
Cast
Jeremy Irons
Narrator