Page 9 - UAE Truncal States

Table of Contents
Chapter Six: The Social Aspects of the Traditional
Economy 198
1 The changing occupational and social pattern of
Abu Dhabi’s tribesmen 198
The traditional economic basis: desert and sea 198
Occupational specialisation in Abu Dhabi 199
The impact of the pearl boom 199
Changing populations pattern of Abu Dhabi town 200
Entrepreneurs in the Abu Dhabi pearling industry 202
The effect of the decline of the pearling industry on
the desert tribesmen 203
Alternative sources of income after the Second
World War 205

2 The pearling communities in the other Trucial
States 208

The economic structure: interdependence and debts 208
Absconding debtors 211
Position of British subjects in disputes over debts 212
The status of immigrants 216
The divers’ court 217
Members of ruling families interfering in the
pearling industry 218
Effects of the declining demand for pearls 219
Search for alternative markets for pearls 221
3 Socio-economic status of the settled population in
the oases 223

Who owns the land? 223
Social stratification in villages 224
Trade in real estate 225
Establishing new gardens 225
Summary 226
4 Side effects of the economic stress 227
The limitations of resources and economic
opportunities 227
Factors leading to raids and maritime ghazu 228

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