Discover UAE History | A Journey Through Time

Soon after assuming power on 6th August 1966 as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the late Sheikh Zayed underscored the importance of the union and remarked: “In harmony, in some sort of federation, we could follow the example of other developing countries”. The significance of unity and the need to work in co-operation with the other emirates was thus ingrained in Sheikh Zayed’s thinking very early in his career.

As a result of these new forces set in motion, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, along with Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, promptly initiated the move towards establishing a federation.

A Journey through Time

The Rulers of the six Trucial States: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Quwain and Fujairah, decided to form the United Arab Emirates in a meeting held in Dubai on 18th July 1971. The foundation of an independent, sovereign state was formally proclaimed on 2nd December 1971. A few months later, Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation on February 10, 1972.

In 1966, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and while working on developing the emirate, building schools, hospitals and roads, his political sense and his futuristic vision turned his attention to forming a unity with the neighboring emirates of the Arabian Gulf. He was the first to call for the formation of the United Arab Emirates immediately after Britain announced it would withdraw from the region.

When his father passed away in 1958, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum took over the rule of the emirate. Sheikh Rashid was not new to the political scene at that time as he was actively helping his father, the late Sheikh Saeed, managing the emirate's affairs. His long years of experience were well reflected on his performance later as the Vice-President and the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

Seven Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is comprised of seven emirates, which occupy the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Each emirate, unique and rich in tradition, is an essential component necessary for making up the whole.

Supreme Council of the Federation

The Federal Supreme Council is the highest constitutional authority in the UAE and the highest legislative and executive authority. It is also the council that draws up the general policies and approves the federal legislation.

The Federal Supreme Council consists of rulers of the seven emirates constituting the federation or their deputies in their emirates in case of rulers' absence or unavailability. Each Emirate has one single vote in the council resolutions and deliberations.

UAE Cabinet

The UAE Cabinet is the executive authority of the federation and consists of the cabinet's president, two deputies and council of ministers. The general secretariat is handled by the secretary general of the cabinet.

Federal National Council

The UAE people knew Shura and exercised it as an authentic approach to the relationship between the ruler and citizens decades before the inception of the federation. A ruler’s majlis was a place to exchange viewpoints and consultations over different issues and listen to citizens’ problems and concerns before meeting their needs. After the inception of the federal state had been announced, it was only natural for the Federal National Council to be established to become the fourth of the five federal authorities stipulated in the Constitution: these being the Supreme Council of the Federation, President and Vice President of the Federation, UAE Cabinet, Federal National Council and Federal Judiciary.

Ministerial Council for Services

The Ministerial Council for Services was established in 2006 under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and the membership of ministers. The purpose of establishing this council is to serve as an executive council for the cabinet. It follows up the performance of the federal government authorities when implementing the general policy of the UAE government.

The UAE Flag

The UAE flag is closely connected to the national anthem of the UAE and both the enjoy immense respect of all citizens across all social, education and financial categories as it simply represents all without exception. The UAE flag is divided into four rectangular sections and consists of four colours: red, green, white, and black. The first to hoist the flag was the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Constitution of the UAE

Since its establishment on December 2nd 1971, the UAE first set up a temporary constitution, which turned into a permanent one. This happened after the federation had established its stability, achieved success, committed to a moderate policy, and made cultural changes and giant accomplishments on the local, regional and international levels for the progress of the people of this federation. By doing so, this would be one of the most successful experiences of unification in modern history.

courtesy: National Center for Documentation & Research