The first reference to Bani Yas dates back to 1633, and is found in a manuscript called "Kashf Al Ghumma Al Jame'i Li Akhbar Al Umma" (A Collected Chronology of Grief in the Nation's Tales) by Omani historian Said Bin Sarhan. The manuscript states that Bani Yas rushed to the assistance of the Al Dhahira people in their struggle to drive the Portuguese out of the Gulphar Fortress, north of Ras Al Khaimah.

     The Bani Yas Alliance represented the land force in the area under the leadership of Al Bu Falah. The name "Bani Yas Alliance" was given to the tribal assemblage that formed this alliance. It consisted of a group of tribes under the leadership of Al Bu Falah, from whom the Al Nahyan family, who reigned for more than two hundred years, is descended.

     As mentioned by the sources, one of the main divisions in the Bani Yas Alliance was Al Bu Falasah, from whom the rulers of the Dubai Emirate are descended; the Qubeissat who dwelled in Liwa in the middle of Al Dhafra territory; and the Suwaidis, most of who have lived in the Bateen area. There are other sub-groups of Bani Yas such as Mazaar'i, Al Bu Mihiar, Hawamil, Marrs, Rumeithat, Maharba, Qamzan, Sabais, Al Busair, ar-Rawashid and Mushaqibin.

     There were also small groups that were subordinated to the Bani Yas such as Al Bu Ameen, Al Eireifat, Al Dhuhailat and others, in addition to sub-groups of some other tribes that lived under the aegis of the Al Nahyan.

     It could be said that: "The coherence of this Alliance and the strong ties between its members made this Alliance acquire the term "tribe", since the seventeenth century, as historic sources and references refer to Bani Yas Tribe."

The Al Nahyan "Family" In Abu Dhabi

     It is a pleasure and delight to see Abu Dhabi gain such prominence in the modern age, and to introduce men whose names have been brightly etched in the annals of history.

      Al Nahyan rulers have measured up to the task, and have reigned with prudence and wisdom. As a result, the country has lived in unprecedented peace, security, and stability. It could not be otherwise in the prevailing atmosphere of boundless generosity, unlimited loyalty and justice, like a fountain of light and a beacon of peace and prosperity. The Al Nahyan rulers have been great leaders, responsible, devoted and focused on nation building.

     Towards the end of the 18th century, Sheikh Eissa Bin Nahyan managed to assemble all the Bani Yas under his banner. Thus, he is considered as the first ruler from the Al Nahyan. Sheikh Dhiab Bin Eissa laid the foundation for the coastal area in Abu Dhabi and chose Sahl Al Hamrah, north of Al Dhafra Land, as his place of residence. In spite of his short reign, justice became widespread and he ruled with wisdom and prudence, creating stability and peace.

     Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Dhiab took over the leadership of Al Bu Falah during the period between 1793 and 1816, after the death of Dhiab Bin Eissa. He was well known for his broadmindedness, keen perception and thorough analysis.

     Under his rule, the Al Bu Falah leadership of the Bani Yas was established. He engaged in battles to defend Oman from foreign invaders and associated with the Rulers of Muscat, Al Bu Saeed. This paved the way for the creation of the spirit of solidarity and respect between the Al Nahyan Rulers and the Al Bu Saeed Rulers.

      Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Dhiab will be remembered for taking a daring step, which had a great and far-reaching political and economic impact on the life of the Abu Dhabi Emirate. He shifted his headquarters from Liwa, located in the interior, to the town which was coming into being on Abu Dhabi Island, and encouraged trade, pearl diving, hunting and navigation.

     Tahnoun Bin Shakhbout succeeded Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Dhiab. He was distinguished by his devotion to work, his dynamism and vitality. Under his rule (1818-1833) Abu Dhabi, supported by Bani Yas, grew into a power to be reckoned with on the Oman Coast, thanks to his wise policy, armory and great warriors.

     When Sheikh Khalifa Bin Shakhbout took over the reign after his brother Tahnoun, Abu Dhabi was already a great political and military power in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Shakhbout's reign lasted from 1833 to 1845. Abu Dhabi experienced times of turmoil because of the conflict between Sheikh Khalifa and his brother, Sultan, who shared the power with him for some time. But later Sheikh Khalifa ruled alone. At that time the Al Bu Falasah seceded from the Bani Yas and established their own authority in Dubai.

     Sheikh Khalifa remained in power until it was taken over by Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoun who ruled from 1845 to 1855. All those years Abu Dhabi was exposed to many foreign dangers. However, Sheikh Saeed, with his strong will and love for his country, defended it, and with his prudence and wisdom managed to attract, among others, the Al Dhawaher and the Al Naeem tribes to his side.

Zayed The First (Senior)

     Zayed the First, who was called شthe Senior', ruled Abu Dhabi Emirate from 1855 and remained in power until 1909. He ruled and managed with prudence, and endeavored to develop the country through uniting the tribes in the Emirate and marrying from the tribes inhabiting the Oman Coast.

     Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa was a very practical and perceptive man. He was fully supported by all the tribes. He had eight sons who played significant roles in their fatherصs life. Those were Khalifa, Tahnoun, Saeed, Hamdan, Hazaa, Sultan, Saqer and Mohammed.

     Zayed the Senior believed in consultation, and overcame many obstacles through the friendly relations that he established with the Bani Yas and the Qawassim, and through his cooperation with the Al Maktoum in Dubai. He also established his authority in Buraimi.

     Mr. Hamdi Tammam, author of the book Zayed, The Leader and the March says: "The efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan were not just limited to the political and economic development of the society; those efforts also brought about great development in the intellectual and cultural spheres. This was evident in the heritage of many scholars and men of letters who emerged in the Emirate society during his rule.

     "When Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa died, the majlis of the Al Nahyan family met and agreed that the late Zayed should be succeeded by his eldest son Sheikh Khalifa who was known for his strong personality and intelligence. However, Sheikh Khalifa thanked the family members but refused to succeed his father. So Sheikh Tahnoun, the second eldest son of Sheikh Zayed the First was chosen as ruler. Sheikh Tahnoun ruled for three years from 1909 to 1912. During his rule, the Abu Dhabi Emirate witnessed great economic welfare and prosperity, commercial activity and large-scale development in the fields of fishing and pearl diving.

     Following the death of Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed was again offered to take over, but he refused. His brother Hamdan took over in 1912 and ruled for a full decade during which the country was very peaceful and stable. The pearl industry flourished. Tolerance prevailed throughout the state as Sheikh Hamdan was a very generous man, and thus all the tribes were positively disposed towards him, both during and after his rule.

     In 1922, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed took over the rule and remained in power for five years until 1926. He was a very brave and wise ruler. He established good relations with his neighbors, the Princes of the Coast of Oman. Sheikh Sultan gave special care to agriculture and irrigation. He ordered the drilling of the Al Muwaiji Falaj, which resulted in the flourishing of Al Muwaiji village, and built a palace in the eastern part of Al Ain that can still be seen today. In August 1926, Sheikh Saqer Bin Zayed took over. As he ruled for a short time, his achievements did not come to the foreground.

      Sheikh Shakhbout then took over the rule in the Emirate (Abu Dhabi) for thirty-eight years. He was one of the grandsons of Sheikh Zayed the Senior. The Al Nahyan family pledged allegiance to him, following the directions given by Sheikha Salama Bint Butti, mother of Sheikh Shakhbout. He paid special attention to the basic elements of life, in particular the aspect of drinking water. During his rule the first drinking water pipeline was extended from Al Sad area, near Al Ain city, to Abu Dhabi.

     On August 6, 1966, H.H. Sheikh Shakhbout transferred the rule to his brother H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This heralded the beginning of a bright new era of bounty during which Abu Dhabi has experienced progress, increased welfare, prosperity and justice - an era of abundance that, we pray to God, will ever remain so.

A Chronicle of Al Nahyan Rulers in Power:

 1. Eissa Bin Nahyan (18th Century)

2. Dhiab Bin Eissa (18th Century)

3. Shakhbout Bin Dhiab (1793 - 1816)

4. Mohammed Bin Shakhbout (1816-1818)

5. Tahnoon Bin Shakhbout (1818-1833)

6. Khalifa Bin Shakhbout (1833-1845)

7. Saeed Bin Tahnoun (1845- 1855)

8. Zayed Bin Khalifa (1855 - 1909)

9. Tahnoun Bin Zayed (1909 - 1912)

10. Hamdan Bin Zayed (1912 - 1922)

11. Sultan Bin Zayed (1922 - 1926)

12. Saqer Bin Zayed (1926 - 1928)

13. Shakhbout Bin Sultan (1928 - 1966)

14. Zayed Bin Sultan (1966 - to date)

Why was it called Abu Dhabi?

     A report by the Indian Government, written in 1831, refers to an incident when one of the Al Bu Falah men discovered a water well for the first time on Abu Dhabi Island in 1761, which prompted some of the Bani Yas members to migrate and settle on the island.

     Different stories are told about the name "Abu Dhabi" One of these stories recounts that the island was given that name because there were plenty of deer living in the area. Another story claims that a hunter caught a deer after a persistent chase. Both died of thirst near a dry well, which was then given the name "Abu Dhabi" Since then the island has been known by that name and later the whole Emirate. Some people say that the name was "Umm Dhabi" in the beginning and was changed afterwards to "Abu Dhabi"

     Until oil was discovered, extracted and exported, pearl diving and fishing were the principal occupations of Abu Dhabi people. Contemporaries of that period say that Bani Yas and its numerous affiliate tribes in Abu Dhabi, as well as 70 percent of the Al Ain population lived from diving and the pearl trade. The diving season was between June and October. When the diving season ended, the men would join their families and go out hunting in the rainy and green seasons or go fishing.

     The Abu Dhabi population was divided into the tribes (or sub-tribal groups) of the Bani Yas in adjacent localities (Ferjan). East of the present Central Market, the area was occupied by the Rumeithis and Qubaissis. The Otaibas and Yamounahs were in ar-Ras. West of old Al Hisn (Fortress) were the Qamzis, Hamdans, Hawmails, Mazrouies and Mohairba. Bateen was occupied by the Suwaidis and Muheirys. The main port of Abu Dhabi (or Qutaa) was located opposite to the present Clock Tower Roundabout on the Corniche road and had no docks.

     There was also زAl Bandarس another port at the present location of Mina Zayed, and a third port at Mina Al Bateen. Types of dwellings:

     Traderصs dwellings were made of gravel and plaster, comprising stores and living rooms (majlis). But, the majority used to live in dwellings made of palm leaves, or in tents made of palm leaves and palm trunks.