But as Sheikh Zayed once said, a country with no past "has neither a present or a future".
The country's ruler, Sheikh Zayed al-Nahayan, has long been outspoken in his criticism of sanctions, for humanitarian reasons.
The president's late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan paid a state visit to the UK in 1989.
It would be much harder to go to war against Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahayyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
How many people can fit into the Sheikh Zayed mosque for prayer?
The largest and most well-known is Al Jahili, which was built by Sheikh Zayed the First in 1898 as a defense tower and a summer retreat.
So Sheikh Hamid was disposed to listen when Sheikh Zayed urged reconciliation with the London-based Bahrain Freedom Movement and offered, if this happened, to help Bahrain's impoverished countryside.
Sheikh Hamid, who hopes to inherit a less troubled little island-state, had been encouraged towards a political settlement by Sheikh Zayed, the president of the United Arab Emirates.
The gleaming white marble mosque conceived by the late Sheikh Zayed boasts a 61, 354-square-foot hand-knotted prayer carpet, 82 domes of various sizes and several reflective artificial lakes surrounding the structure.
Abu Dhabi has spent billions of dollars to attract big names like Guggenheim and the Louvre but its grandest cultural gem lies just on the outskirts of the city: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
It is the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates and the city has the highest proportion of Emiratis living there than any other city in the country.
Its two towers rise high above the city at the end of busy Sheikh Zayed Road, offering unimpeded views of the new Burj Khalifa tower (breathtaking as it peaks through the clouds in early morning fog).
Continue on to the Corniche to stroll with locals as the sun sets, and wander over to watch the last rays catch the imposing Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, probably Abu Dhabi's most important landmark, known as the "Grand Mosque" to locals, and whose lavish buildings materials hark from as far afield as Greece, Italy, Morocco and Germany.
Sheikh Issa is a half-brother of the UAE's president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
Sheikh Muhammad seems to get on well with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's ruler.
They are all financially backed by billionaire sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan.
Sheikh Issa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi prince, was acquitted on the ground of diminished responsibility.
What's more, club owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan has shown a willingness to spend heavily when needed.
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Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit the town on Tuesday as a guest of the Queen and Prince Philip.
Christo has been highly secretive in his negotiations with Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al-Nahyan, in stark contrast with his usual openness.
On the same day, Director-General Bokova met with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.
Among the other guests was the UAE's deputy prime minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, owner of Premier League football club Manchester City.
The deal was announced at the start of a visit to London by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, president of the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was taken on a carriage procession with the Queen to Windsor Castle, where he was given a guard of honour.
Named after Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, he is buried in a shrine next to the opulent mosque.
He had travelled to Abu Dhabi during the week for a meeting with owner Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan that prompted rumours about the future of the manager.
The amendments to the UAE's existing law on internet crime were announced on Tuesday in a decree by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nuhayyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Mrs Cameron says the men will appeal against the sentences but the families were hoping they would receive a pardon from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
Last month, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan summoned Egypt's ambassador over claims carried by Egyptian media the UAE was behind a plot against Egypt's leadership, saying they were "fabricated".
He then transferred to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where he first held a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates.
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