History of the Emirates: Taming the Desert

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For the first time ever, the ancient history of the United Arab Emirates is depicted in this informative and entertaining three-part documentary series. Stretching back 125,000 years and culminating in the union in 1971, History of the Emirates profiles the ancient foundations of the modern country – exploring some of the region’s most historic sites, uncovering innovations that allowed its forefathers to thrive on the land, and revealing the latest archaeological discoveries.

Narrated by Academy-Award winner Jeremy Irons, the series utilizes state-of-the-art CGI technology, 360-degree camerawork and incredible archaeological footage that brings to life the UAE’s past unlike anything seen about the region.

History of the Emirates has been co-produced by BAFTA and Emmy award-winning Atlantic Productions and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the Academy Award-winning media and entertainment company.

Episode 1: "Taming the Desert" synopsis

We 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 an incredible 125,000 years – have been overcoming the challenges of life in one of the world’s harshest environments.

Welcoming remarks by
His Excellency Abdalla Shaheen, Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in New York

Hosted by

• NYU Abu Dhabi Institute

In Collaboration with