--- product_id: 69295144 title: "From Rags to Riches : The Story of Abu Dhabi" price: "VT18558" currency: VUV in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/69295144-from-rags-to-riches-the-story-of-abu-dhabi store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # From Rags to Riches : The Story of Abu Dhabi **Price:** VT18558 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** From Rags to Riches : The Story of Abu Dhabi - **How much does it cost?** VT18558 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/69295144-from-rags-to-riches-the-story-of-abu-dhabi) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Born in 1948 in Abu Dhabi, the author knew dreadful poverty in the years before fabulous oil wealth transformed his country forever. He grew up in the ruler's palace, barefoot like his friends, who are all now senior figures in the United Arab Emirates. This is a vivid eye-witness account of the total transformation (within only 30 years) of a Bedouin society into a country with the world's highest per capita income. Al-Fahim speaks with great frankness about his own life and provides remarkable insights into the workings of the business community and the ruling elite with the UAE. Review: history from the ground - This is the first history book I read that was not written by a historian. Historians often document history that has been shaped by the politics of the time. It is so refreshing to read history through the eyes of an individual that lived it. In general, historical accounts are influenced by the writer's bias, either a historian influenced by the research documentations that have already been shaped by the politics or an individual relaying their own personal perception of historical accounts. However, I find that the naiveté that comes through from the author in this book, a strong sentiment to the integrity of information and historical stories recited in this book. This book made me develop a great admiration to this country and its people. Review: Great Intro - I was traveling for work and found this book to be a great introductory primer to a country I had no real experience with previously! The author clearly displays his biases, but not in a way to distract from giving a clear picture of how Abu Dhabi developed. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #1,783,658 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #10,197 in Asian History (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 51 Reviews | ## Images ![From Rags to Riches : The Story of Abu Dhabi - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81aLTCeI+UL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ history from the ground *by T***H on June 8, 2011* This is the first history book I read that was not written by a historian. Historians often document history that has been shaped by the politics of the time. It is so refreshing to read history through the eyes of an individual that lived it. In general, historical accounts are influenced by the writer's bias, either a historian influenced by the research documentations that have already been shaped by the politics or an individual relaying their own personal perception of historical accounts. However, I find that the naiveté that comes through from the author in this book, a strong sentiment to the integrity of information and historical stories recited in this book. This book made me develop a great admiration to this country and its people. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Intro *by L***B on June 26, 2019* I was traveling for work and found this book to be a great introductory primer to a country I had no real experience with previously! The author clearly displays his biases, but not in a way to distract from giving a clear picture of how Abu Dhabi developed. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Inspiring Read *by V***N on March 7, 2009* I recently traveled to Abu Dhabi and was given this book as a gift. It was a wonderful surprise. The book covers the history of Abu Dhabi--both the far past and the recent past. It is particularly interesting from the 1950s and beyond. The author, Mohammed Al-Fahim, grew up in Abu Dhabi during this period. The reader experiences the period through the author's eyes. Mr. Al-Fahim's bitterness sometimes comes through--and rightly so. For example, his mother died in childbirth when she was only 30. Her death would have been preventable if proper medical attention were made available. He blames the British for exploiting the region and its people without giving much in return for a long time. But the book is extremely well-balanced. He also blames previous rulers for being reluctant to improve living conditions to the same standards of the rest of the world. However, Mr. Al-Fahim is extremely fond of Sheikh Zayed whom he knew well and who did much to improve the lot of his people. Anyone interested in the Middle East, the politics of oil, and how moderate Islam can live harmoniously with the West should read this book. ## Frequently Bought Together - From Rags to Riches : The Story of Abu Dhabi - City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism - My Story --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/69295144-from-rags-to-riches-the-story-of-abu-dhabi](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/69295144-from-rags-to-riches-the-story-of-abu-dhabi) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-08*