Between the myths of shipwrecked sailors and the history of camel caravans transporting frankincense, myrrh, and gold to the archaeological expeditions at the crossroads of the Empty Quarter, "Arabia Felix" - a name given to the southern Arabian Peninsula by Classical historians, meaning "Happy" and "Fortunate" - has captivated the minds of ancient and modern-day explorers. But what is Arabia Felix? Why, after this imagined place has enlightened and eluded so many according to its myths, is it still identified today as the land of happiness, the land of builders? Where is the source of Arabia's happiness at the intersection of its myth and history? In this seminar, we will explore the idea of Arabia Felix inside Abu Dhabi's Island of Happiness, where oil has developed a prosperous cultural-heritage, religiously tolerant, ecotourism landscape. By learning to read accounts of travelers, archaeologists, expatriates, politicians, clergy and poets, the aim is to produce interdisciplinary essays on Arabia today.