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HomeShop at BookSurgeEducationTeaching Methods & MaterialsScience & TechnologyFrom Rags to Riches: A Story of Abu Dhabi (Arabic Edition) |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 6 customer reviews )
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8 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 An Inspiring Read Mar 07, 2009
By Vahan Janjigian
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.
4 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Abu Dhabi - From the Emirati Perspective Jul 30, 2011
By CMS
Mohammed Al Fahim's 'From Rags to Riches' is unfortunately a disappointment. As other reviews have pointed out, the author is clearly biased toward Sheikh Zayed and the Emirati perspective. Most of the Emiratis' problems are blamed on the British: they limit trade with the outside world, stunting Abu Dhabi's development and do not invest in building local infrastructure or health services. When describing some of the UK's positive contributions to Abu Dhabi's development - like preventing its being overrun by Saudi Arabia - the author dismisses the country as acting "for its own selfish interests" (don't all states behave this way?).
The tone and style of the book is also awkward and inconsistent with scholarly work (e.g. colloquial phrasing like "lock, stock, and barrel" is sprinkled throughout the text). While the author admits that his work is more a collection of stories told to him by his ancestors, he seems to weave into and out of the historical events without thoroughly developing his arguments. He is fairly critical of the backwards Sheikh Shakhbut but once again blames the British for the ruler's reluctance to initiate development projects in the country (he also alludes to Shakhbut's reluctance to move on any development project not linked in to a "central plan" but once again doesn't develop his thoughts).
Al Fahim is also thoughtlessly praiseworthy of Sheikh Zayed. At one point, he spends several pages fawning over every aspect of the ruler's essence and never even hints that such a man could contain any faults. While Al Fahim admits to growing up in the sheikh's household, he could at least offer some token criticism to maintain a small degree of credulity. Another disappointing section concerns the author's attempt at a mea culpa in the final chapters (he was apparently a high officer for an Emirati financial services firm that was essentially a major ponzi scheme). The awkward tangent doesn't fit with the remainder of the work and feels excessively defensive.
However, some of the worst sections of the book concern the author's glossing over of the most relevant social issue currently concerning the Emirates: the large expatriate population. Al Fahim complains early on that the oil companies came in and developed Abu Dhabi but failed to give the native Emiratis any of the most selective jobs, training, or a voice in the state of their own affairs. He also briefly mentions that the locals have always entertained foreign passers-through and provided them the utmost hospitality. He fails to mention that the Emirates currently host a foreign population ten times its own size, and these people live a voiceless, status-less life. Claiming that they currently enjoy a better life than in their own countries is fair, but criticizing the British and foreign companies for the same behavior currently practiced by the Emirati government reeks of hypocrisy.
Overall, a disappointing work.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Excellent and Interesting Dec 03, 2010
By M. McLean
"English teacher"
I am currently living in Abu Dhabi, and this well written book has given me a lot of insight into the local mind-set. Read this and get some knowledge along with your entertainment.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
history from the ground Jun 08, 2011
By Tabboush
"Craft book worm"
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.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
nitram May 08, 2011
By nitram
Amazing book. The story about having no pockets really makes you think how far they have come in so little time.It makes one appreciate what America has built.
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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