Best United Arab Emirates History Books of 2026

The Biography of Donald Trump by University Press is a short and captivating portrait of one of the most compelling figures in American history. Despite his controversial image, Trump has become a recognized name worldwide, and this book delves into his life story, showcasing his resilience, tenacity, and intuition. The book highlights the intensely human story of a man who is changing the world in a way that no one else can. Overall, this book is an excellent read for anyone interested in learning more about one of the most polarizing figures in modern history.

Wounded Tigris: A River Journey Through the Cradle of Civilization is an exploration of the Tigris River, starting from its source and passing through historic cities like Diyarbakir, Mosul, and Baghdad. Leon McCarron, the author, and his team meet farmers, fishermen, artists, activists, and archaeologists who depend on the river's flow. They also encounter threats from geopolitics and climate change, including harassment from militias and ISIS. This book is a poignant account of what humanity stands to lose with the death of a great river and what can be done to save it. McCarron's immersive storytelling makes this book unique and worth reading.

Islamic Empires: The Cities that Shaped Civilization: From Mecca to Dubai is a fascinating history of Islamic civilization told through its greatest cities over the fifteen centuries of Islam. The author brilliantly connects the defining moments in Islamic history, showcasing the power, artistic grandeur, commercial power, and spiritual sanctity of Islamic empires. The book covers the earliest beginnings of Islam in Mecca to the astonishing rise of Doha in the twenty-first century. It's an excellent read for anyone interested in the history of civilization and culture.

The book "Gaza Conflict 2021" offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. It sheds light on the history, funding, and political dynamics of the conflict, which is often overlooked in mainstream media. The book highlights the role of Iran, Qatar, Turkey, and Malaysia in fomenting the conflict while other countries like Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain try to minimize it. The book also discusses the challenges faced by the Biden administration in dealing with the conflict and the US-Israel relationship. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex dynamics of the Gaza conflict and its implications for the Middle East.

Rigged: The True Story of an Ivy League Kid Who Changed the World of Oil, from Wall Street to Dubai (P.S.) is a fascinating read that tells the story of Johnny Castino, a Brooklyn-born kid who makes it big in the oil trading industry. From Harvard Business School to the Merc Exchange in Manhattan, Castino takes on the testosterone-fueled world of oil trading, eventually partnering with a young Muslim to revolutionize the industry. The book takes readers on a wild ride through Dubai, Monte Carlo, Beijing, and other exotic locales, filled with danger, money, sex, and international intrigue. Ben Mezrich's writing is captivating and engaging, making this true story a must-read for anyone interested in the world of high-stakes finance and adventure.

The Power of PR Parenting by Marjie Hadad is a must-read for working parents looking to raise confident, resilient, and successful children. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, Hadad offers practical and effective strategies for using public relations techniques to help children develop essential skills such as self-confidence, communication, and problem-solving. The book covers various topics, including dealing with bullies, handling crises, and striking a work-family balance. Hadad's humorous and straightforward approach makes the book an engaging and informative read. Overall, The Power of PR Parenting is a valuable resource for parents seeking to equip their children with the tools they need to thrive in life.

"Reinventing the Sheikhdom: Clan, Power and Patronage in Mohammed bin Zayed's UAE" is a compelling book that delves into the security strategy of Mohammed bin Zayed's regime and the alliances that support his reign. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the UAE's domestic changes and how it has cemented power within Abu Dhabi. The author effectively illustrates how Mohammed bin Zayed has driven modernization to strengthen his grip on power. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Middle Eastern authoritarian control. It is a unique contribution to the academic literature on the UAE, rich in empirical data and theoretically nuanced."

"City of Gold: Dubai and the Dream of Capitalism" by Jim Krane is an insightful book that delves into the rise of Dubai from a poor and dusty village in the 1960s to a thriving metropolis. Krane examines the city's history, the ruling Maktoum family, and the impact of global economic downturn on this capitalist oasis. He also highlights the city's stratification and pollution problems. Despite its flaws, Dubai remains a fascinating place and Krane's boots-on-the-ground approach makes the book a captivating read."

Dubai: The Story of the World's Fastest City is a fascinating book that tells the story of Dubai's rapid development over the past 50 years. From a small desert village to a bustling metropolis, Dubai has become a symbol of capitalism and luxury, attracting tourists and celebrities from around the world. The book delves into both the positive and negative aspects of Dubai's growth, including its impact on the environment and labor practices. Overall, this book provides a well-rounded perspective on Dubai's rise to power and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates.

This book, written by Rory Miller, explores the rise of the Arab Gulf states from sleepy desert sheikdoms to global powers. Miller expertly analyzes the achievements of the Gulf states since the 1973 global oil crisis and examines how their shrewd rulers have overcome crisis after crisis to meet the challenges of the future. The book also considers the future possibilities for the region, including the demands of social and democratic reform. Overall, Desert Kingdoms to Global Powers is a must-read for anyone interested in the unprecedented rise of the Arab Gulf States in world economics and politics.