History of the United Arab Emirate

Formation of the UAE

On December the second 1971 the states gave way to the newly born United Arab Emirates. Meeting in what was known as the guest panelists the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain and Fujairah sign to the country's first constitution and established the independent state of the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February of the following year.

His Highness  Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ruler of Abu Dhabi was elected president of this new country. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum ruler of Dubai was appointed as the UAE's first vice president and Prime Minister. Together the dignitaries and guests gathered under the world's newest national flag. Today Union house stands as a reminder of this successful federations with a much larger national flag now flying over this historic landmark. Looking back it's amazing how far the United Arab Emirates have progressed in such a short space of time.

Pearling days

It began with pearls, the pearl industry was a major source of income for communities on the Arabian Peninsula. Tribes migrate to the coast during the pearling season to work on the fleets putting to sea. The pearling dials would spend many weeks and even months gathering oyster from the sea bed. The industry collapsed in 1930 due to the popularity of artificially cultured pearls. Coastal communities dependent on fishing and pearling have to find new sources of income.

First Air Service

It was shortly after this that the first air links to the region were established. Sharjah became a vital stop over in 1932 for aircraft on route from Great Britain to India and on to Australia. Passengers would stay overnight in the Al Mahatta Fort before departing the next morning. The airstrips fort was practical necessary to protect against occasional rains by Bedouin from the interior. On today the site is an aviation museum displaying aircraft that served the region. And Sharjah has grown from its humble beginnings into a major city. These original dusty airstrips have evolved into gleaming modern airports linking the UAE to every major city in the world.

Oil was discovered in commercial quantities in 1958. Development at this abundant resource begin shortly after. It was in 1962 that beat SOW loaded the first cargo of crude oil. In addition to exporting oil, need to be self sufficient led to the opening of the UAE's oil refinery. On shore and offshore oil production continued to develop throughout the 1960s. The oil wealth was put to use improving infrastructure.

The city of Abu Dhabi embarked on a wave of construction that show the island's shoreline dramatically changed. The city's oldest building al-Hosn or the white Fort erected in 1798 was the most prominent landmark in the city. Today the fort now undergoing restoration is surrounded by the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi. The city is still developing and growing worthy of its place among the world's capitals.

Dubai into trading

With pearls now no longer able to supply a vital income, the resilient city of Dubai turns to trade to restore its fortunes. It became the base for commerce throughout the Gulf region. The Dubai Creek traditionally the central business was dredged in the early 1960s to allow larger downs to navigate the water way. This allowed the city to continue to grow as an important commercial hub. Ships laden with goods are still a common feature on the city's Creek and historical link between the old and the new. Increasing demand leads to the world's largest man-made ports being created at Jebel Ali. it's crowded docs are testament to the valuable role it now plays at the center of regional trade. These successful commercial links have brought great change to the city of Dubai. Once crowded narrow alley ways barely wide enough to accommodate donkeys and camels have evolved into wide highways and metro systems. These intern we have through record-breaking skyscrapers and developments that are the icons of the city.

The capital city

Abu Dhabi city was a base for the scouts who would set out on camel to police the area. They were based at Al Jahili Fort erected in1898 by Sheikh Zayed the first and used as his Summer Palace. Surrounding the fort, the houses of Al Ain where made from mud brick or palm fronds. Today Al Jahili Fort stands restored and is a popular tourist attraction. The modern city of Al Ain and surrounding districts have now expanded to be home to over 380,000 people. Throughout the country, constant reminders of these links with the past can be found sitting side by side with modern wonders. Practical has given way to recreational. Forts stand restored as museums, construction methods have changed. Some things however remained the same, the people of  the UAE still remember and honor their past as the move into the future. A reminder of how much has been achieved in such a short space of time.