The history of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is deeply rooted in the Arabian Peninsula’s rich cultural and economic tapestry. Before the formation of the UAE in 1971, the region comprised separate emirates, each ruled by its own sheikh. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area witnessed a significant reliance on pearl diving and trade as primary economic activities. However, with the global economic changes and the discovery of oil in the 1950s and 1960s, the fate of the region took a transformative turn.

The Emirates experienced a rapid socio-economic metamorphosis, marked by the establishment of the Trucial States, a British protectorate that brought stability to the region. The sheikhdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ajman were part of the Trucial States. In 1971, following the expiration of the British treaty, six of these emirates unified to form the United Arab Emirates on 18 July 1971, with Ras Al Khaimah joining shortly after on February 10, 1972. This union marked a new era for the UAE, providing the foundation for its modern development and global prominence as a hub for trade, finance, and tourism. The discovery of oil wealth and the subsequent commitment to diversify the economy laid the groundwork for the country’s remarkable growth and prosperity in the decades to come.