David Heard Boeken

Pearls to Oil From Pearls to Oil is a testament of the challenges contended by extraordinary men who initiated the search for oil in the United Arab Emirates, in the years between the two World Wars. The book features never-before-published copies of letters, notes and reports complementing the research, which itself stems from the archives of the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company (ADPC) and other literature recorded by British Government officials. With rare photographs, maps and diagrams alongside the in-depth narrative, this book is a great asset for scholars, residents and visitors interested in the history of this land. -- Book Description Amazon.

“Oil Men“ represents a unique resource for the student of the challenges, both physical and political, of oil prospecting in a region with no infrastructure and no formal boundaries between local power bases. The book charts the slow and unexpected transformation of the emirates from poverty to undreamed-of wealth. Detailed coverage with extensive access to primary sources describes the frequently tortuous negotiations between oil companies, sheikhs and regional political agents, all of whom sought to protect their different vested interests. The author has had full access to company records which are quoted throughout, including progress reports, minutes of meetings, telegrams and other primary sources, which are collected in full in Volume 2.