The United Arab Emirates is somewhere where rapid changes in the country and society can be seen for oneself with one's own eyes. History and tradition meet with a western style of life. The young generation which has gone beyond the borders of desert villages has caused a development in culture and literature. On the one hand they feel a great sense of respect for their own past and for continuing the traditions of their ancestors while on the other they are attempting to adapt themselves to the demands of the state and world developing around them.

In travelling to the United Arab Emirates I had no idea as to the richness of its cultural-literary life. Up until then the Emirates had been associated with wealth, architectural wonders like the tallest building in the world, Burj Al Khalīfa or the Burj al-'Arab Hotel in the shape of a sail. There, however, it turned out that the authorities are conducting a full-scale policy on culture. Numerous institutions have been founded to support film, theatre, literary and musical events. Libraries and literary salons are being created, supported by leading figures from cultural life. Book fairs are one of the most important cultural events in the Emirates, enjoying with each year increased popularity.

The United Arab Emirates are a union of seven independent sheikdoms situated in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula.