THE HISTORY OF THE EMIRATES

BEFORE 1971

18th CENTURY

The Bedouin tribes living in the region that would later become the United Arab Emirates depended heavily on maritime trade, fishing and pearl farming for their livelihood.

1820-1890

The British signed a series of treaties with the local sheikhs to establish a relationship of mutual protection and support. These agreements, known as the "Truce States", also guaranteed a halt to acts of piracy against British ships.

1892

A new treaty established the Trucial States as a protectorate, making the region part of the British colonial empire.

1939-1945

During the Second World War, the region saw an increase in military activity due to its strategic position.

1958-1959

The discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi, followed by the discovery of significant oil reserves in other emirates, radically changed the economy and fortunes of the region.

1962

Commercial oil production begins in Abu Dhabi, ushering in an era of oil prosperity in the region.

1966

Commercial oil exploitation is increasing significantly across several emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. This is leading to rapid economic growth and increased oil revenues.

6 August 1966

Sheick Zayed, nicknamed the wise man of the Arabs, becomes Emir of Abu Dhabi. He will be the undisputed leader of the Emirates. He will launch the federation of the various Emirates.

1968

The leaders of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman are beginning to discuss the possibility of forming a union.

February 1969

The leaders of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman reach an agreement in principle to form a union. This agreement is a major milestone towards the creation of the United Arab Emirates.

15 July 1971

The UK announces its intention to withdraw from the Persian Gulf region, including its protection agreements with the Emirates. This decision has a significant impact on the ongoing unification process.

18 July 1971

The Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman sign a preliminary constitutional agreement in Dubai, laying the foundations for the formation of the United Arab Emirates. This document sets out the basic principles of the union, including the division of powers between the emirates and the governmental structure. They also officially announced their intention to form the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971.

SINCE 1971

2 December 1971

Formation of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) with Abu Dhabi as its federal capital. The original six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman) unite to form a single independent country. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan becomes the UAE's first president.

1971-1972

The country adopts a common currency, the Emirates dirham (AED).

1972

Ras Al Khaimah joins the union, bringing the total number of UAE emirates to seven.

1973

The country's first international airport, Dubai, is inaugurated.

1973-1974

The UAE takes part in the Arab oil embargo in response to Western support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

1976

The port of Jebel Ali in Dubai opens, becoming one of the largest ports in the world.

1977

The UAE launches its own airline, Emirates.

1990-1991

Participation of the U.A.E. in the international coalition during the Gulf War in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait.

2000

Launch of the Palm Jumeirah development in Dubai, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree.

2004

Work begins on the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper.

December 2007

Inauguration of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It is considered to be the largest mosque in the Emirates and can accommodate 40,000 visitors.

January 2010

Inauguration of the Burj Khalifa after 6 years of construction. It holds several records: the tallest tower in the world, the highest number of floors, the highest and fastest lift.

2012

The emirate of Dubai is inaugurating the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in the world.

2012

Inauguration of the largest solar power plant in the Middle East in Abu Dhabi.

2013

The UAE sends the first Emirati astronaut, Hazzaa AlMansoori, into space.

2014

The U.A.E. is taking part in air strikes against the Islamic State in Syria.

2015

The United Arab Emirates are involved in the war in Yemen. It was part of the Saudi-led coalition that intervened in the Yemeni conflict to support the internationally recognised Yemeni government against Houthi forces.

2017

The UAE, along with other Gulf nations, broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism.

2017

Inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. It aims to be a universal museum.

May 2019

The Emirate of Dubai announces the "Dubai 2040" strategy to shape the city's future.

2020

In July, the UAE launched the Mars Hope Probe mission, making it the first Arab country to send an interplanetary mission.

September 2020

The U.A.E. signs a historic agreement to normalise relations with Israel, known as the Abraham Accords.

2022

Dubai hosts the World Expo. Originally scheduled for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai took place between October 2021 and March 2022. This major event attracted more than 25 million visitors from all over the world and was an opportunity for the UAE to showcase its technological innovations and vision for the future. Expo 2020 Dubai, although named "2020", was held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 after being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023

Sultan Al Neyadi flies to the ISS. He will spend 186 days in the International Space Station before returning on 4 September 2023.

December 2023

COP 28 will take place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai.

THE AL MAKTOUM DYNASTY

EMIRATE OF DUBAI

CHEIKH SAEED BIN MAKTOUM BIN HASHER AL MAKTOUM

1878 - 1958

Sovereign of Dubai from 1912.
He promoted the development of maritime trade and fishing in Dubai and continued to encourage economic activities. His reign was marked by relative political stability, allowing commerce to flourish and the population to live in security.

CHEIKH RASHID BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM

1912 - 1990

Sovereign of Dubai from 1958.
He is the father of the current ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Rashid is often credited with laying the foundations for Dubai's economic development and modernisation, which were subsequently continued by his successors. He oversaw the construction of roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and other facilities that helped modernise the city and improve the quality of life for its residents, and his two most significant achievements were the creation of the Jebel Ali port and the construction of Dubai International Airport. He diversified Dubai's economy by developing sectors such as oil, tourism and commerce. He also modernised Dubai's governmental administration, enabling better management of the emirate's affairs, and paid particular attention to education, promoting the creation of modern schools and encouraging access to education for all Dubai residents.

CHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

1943 - 2006

Sovereign of Dubai from 1990.
He is the brother of Sheikh Rashid and son of Sheikh Saeed.
Sheikh Maktoum's reign has been characterised by the continued modernisation and economic development of Dubai, and many of the initiatives launched during his reign have contributed to making Dubai what it is today.He placed particular emphasis on diversifying the economy. This included the development of the tourism, finance and real estate sectors. He supported education by encouraging the creation of high quality educational institutions, including universities and international schools. It has promoted tourism by developing tourism infrastructure, including the construction of many renowned hotels and tourist attractions.

CHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

NE EN 1949

Sovereign of Dubai since 2006.
He is the son of Sheikh Rashid.
Sheikh Mohammed is also a key figure in the development and modernisation of Dubai. He launched Vision 2021, a strategic plan to transform the UAE into a knowledge-based economy and innovative society. Under his leadership, Dubai won the right to host the 2020 World Expo. This event was a catalyst for the development of infrastructure, tourism and the economy in general. He oversaw the construction of many iconic infrastructures, including the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Metro. He has encouraged the development of higher education and scientific research through the creation of internationally renowned educational institutions and research centres. It has supported social and cultural initiatives aimed at promoting art, culture and tolerance in Emirati society. He has set up initiatives to promote environmental sustainability, including projects related to solar energy and the preservation of Dubai's natural environment. He has played an active role on the international stage, promoting international cooperation, particularly in the humanitarian and development fields. Sheikh Mohammed's leadership is marked by a bold vision for the future of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, as well as a constant pursuit of excellence and innovation in all fields.

LA DYNASTIE AL MAKTOUM

EMIRAT DE DUBAI

CHEIKH SAEED BIN MAKTOUM BIN HASHER AL MAKTOUM

1878 - 1958

Souverain de Dubaï à partir de 1912.
Il a favorisé le développement du commerce maritime et de la pêche à Dubaï et a continué à encourager les activités économiques. Son règne a été marqué par une relative stabilité politique, ce qui a permis au commerce de prospérer et à la population de vivre en sécurité.

CHEIKH RASHID BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM

1912 - 1990

Souverain de Dubaï à partir de 1958.
Il est le père de l'actuel souverain de Dubai.
Cheikh Rashid est souvent salué pour avoir posé les bases du développement économique et de la modernisation de Dubaï, qui ont ensuite été poursuivis par ses successeurs. Il a supervisé la construction de routes, de ponts, d'écoles, d'hôpitaux et d'autres installations qui ont contribué à moderniser la ville et à améliorer la qualité de vie de ses habitants.Ses deux réalisations les plus significatives: la création du port de Jebel Ali, et la construction de l'aéroport international de Dubaî. Il a diversifié l'économie de Dubaï en développant des secteurs tels que le pétrole, le tourisme, et le commerce. Il a également modernisé l'administration gouvernementale de Dubaï, ce qui a permis une meilleure gestion des affaires de l'émirat.Il a accordé une attention particulière à l'éducation, en favorisant la création d'écoles modernes et en encourageant l'accès à l'éducation pour tous les habitants de Dubaï.

CHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

1943 - 2006

Souverain de Dubaï à partir de 1990.
Il est le frère de Cheikh Rashid et fils de Cheikh Saeed.
Le règne de Cheikh Maktoum a été caractérisé par une poursuite de la modernisation et du développement économique de Dubaï, et de nombreuses initiatives lancées pendant son règne ont contribué à faire de Dubaï ce qu'elle est aujourd'hui.Il a mis un accent particulier sur la diversification de l'économie. Cela a inclus le développement des secteurs du tourisme, de la finance et de l'immobilier. Il a soutenu l'éducation en encourageant la création d'institutions éducatives de haute qualité, notamment des universités et des écoles internationales. Il a promu le tourisme en développant des infrastructures touristiques, y compris la construction de nombreux hôtels de renom et d'attractions touristiques.

CHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

NE EN 1949

Souverain de Dubaï à partir de 2006.
Il est le fils de Cheikh Rashid.
Cheikh Mohammed est également une figure clé dans le développement et la modernisation de Dubaï. Il a lancé la Vision 2021, un plan stratégique visant à transformer les Émirats arabes unis en une économie de la connaissance et une société innovante. Sous son leadership, Dubaï a remporté le droit d'accueillir l'Exposition universelle 2020. Cet événement a été un catalyseur pour le développement de l'infrastructure, du tourisme et de l'économie en général. Il a supervisé la construction de nombreuses infrastructures emblématiques, dont la Burj Khalifa et le métro de Dubaï. Il a encouragé le développement de l'éducation supérieure et de la recherche scientifique à travers la création d'institutions éducatives et de centres de recherche de renommée internationale. Il a soutenu des initiatives sociales et culturelles visant à promouvoir l'art, la culture et la tolérance dans la société émiratie. Il a mis en place des initiatives visant à promouvoir la durabilité environnementale, notamment des projets liés à l'énergie solaire et à la préservation de l'environnement naturel de Dubaï. Il a joué un rôle actif sur la scène internationale, en promouvant la coopération internationale, en particulier dans les domaines de l'humanitaire et du développement. Le leadership de Cheikh Mohammed est marqué par une vision audacieuse pour l'avenir de Dubaï et des Émirats arabes unis, ainsi que par une recherche constante de l'excellence et de l'innovation dans tous les domaines.

THE AL NAHYAN DYNASTY

EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI

CHEIKH SHAKHBUT BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN

1905 - 1989

Sovereign of Abu Dhabi from 1928.
Sheikh Shakhbut was ruler of Abu Dhabi during an important period in the emirate's history. He was responsible for the initial oil exploration in Abu Dhabi and the signing of the first oil contracts with foreign oil companies. During his reign, Abu Dhabi saw basic improvements such as the construction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure, which helped modernise the emirate. His reign was marked by an economy based mainly on agriculture, fishing and pearl farming, which were the main sources of income before the discovery of oil. He sought to preserve the traditional Bedouin lifestyle of the people of Abu Dhabi. It is important to note that Sheikh Shakhbut ruled Abu Dhabi during a period when the emirate was mainly a desert with an economy based on traditional activities.

CHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN

1948 - 2022

Sovereign of Abu Dhabi from 1966.
Sheikh Zayed, one of the most revered leaders in the history of the UAE, left a significant legacy through a remarkable transformation of the UAE from a traditional tribal nation to a modern and prosperous one. His legacy is celebrated in the country and beyond for his achievements and wisdom. He played a crucial role in uniting the scattered emirates to form the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971. He is widely regarded as the founding father of the nation. He placed particular emphasis on education and health. He advocated prudent management of oil revenues to ensure long-term economic stability. Sheikh Zayed was a visionary leader who shaped the future of the United Arab Emirates by promoting progress, sustainable development and stability.

CHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

1943 - 2022

Sovereign of Abu Dhabi from 2004.
Sheikh Khalifa has continued the work of his predecessor, Sheikh Zayed, in advancing the economic, social and cultural development of the UAE, with a focus on diversifying the economy to reduce dependence on oil. He has played an active role in regional and international diplomacy, promoting stability and cooperation with other nations. He has continued to promote inter-religious dialogue and religious tolerance in a region characterised by cultural and religious diversity. His actions have helped to make his country one of the most dynamic and modern economies in the region.

CHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

NE EN 1961

Officially sovereign of Abu Dhabi since 2022, in reality since 2014.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also known as MBZ, holds a key role as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He has exerted significant influence over the UAE's domestic and foreign policies. He has continued to modernise and develop the UAE economy, diversifying economic sectors to reduce dependence on oil. He has been active in the diplomatic arena, seeking to strengthen relations with other countries and to play an active role in promoting peace, stability and development in the Gulf region and beyond. He has promoted religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence between the different religious and cultural communities in the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed's leadership has been characterised by his commitment to modernisation, sustainable development, diplomacy and the promotion of the welfare of the Emirati people. He has contributed to strengthening the UAE's position on the world stage and making it an influential player in the Middle East region.

LA DYNASTIE AL NAHYAN

EMIRAT D'ABU DHABI

CHEIKH SHAKHBUT BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN

1905 - 1989

Souverain d'Abu Dhabi à partir de 1928.
Cheikh Shakhbut a été souverain d'Abou Dhabi pendant une période importante de l'histoire de l'émirat. Il a été responsable de l'exploration pétrolière initiale à Abou Dhabi et de la signature des premiers contrats pétroliers avec des compagnies pétrolières étrangères. Pendant son règne, Abou Dhabi a vu des améliorations de base telles que la construction de routes, de ponts, et d'autres infrastructures, ce qui a contribué à moderniser l'émirat. Son règne a été marqué par une économie principalement basée sur l'agriculture, la pêche et la perliculture, qui étaient les principales sources de revenus avant la découverte du pétrole. Il a cherché à préserver le mode de vie traditionnel bédouin de la population d'Abou Dhabi. Il est important de noter que Cheikh Shakhbut a dirigé Abou Dhabi pendant une époque où l'émirat était principalement un désert avec une économie basée sur des activités traditionnelles.

CHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN

1948 - 2022

Souverain d'Abu Dhabi à partir de 1966.
Cheikh Zayed, l'un des dirigeants les plus vénérés de l'histoire des Émirats arabes unis, a laissé un héritage significatif par une transformation remarquable des Émirats arabes unis, passant d'une nation tribale traditionnelle à une nation moderne et prospère. Son héritage est célébré dans le pays et au-delà pour ses réalisations et sa sagesse. Il a joué un rôle crucial dans l'unification des émirats dispersés pour former les Émirats arabes unis le 2 décembre 1971. Il est largement considéré comme le père fondateur de la nation. Il a accordé une importance particulière à l'éducation et à la santé. Il a prôné une gestion prudente des revenus pétroliers pour garantir la stabilité économique à long terme. Cheikh Zayed était un leader visionnaire qui a façonné l'avenir des Émirats arabes unis en promouvant le progrès, le développement durable et la stabilité.

CHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

1943 - 2022

Souverain d'ABu Dhabi à partir de 2004.
Cheikh Khalifa a continué le travail de son prédécesseur, Cheikh Zayed, en faisant progresser le développement économique, social et culturel des Émirats arabes unis, en mettant l'accent sur la diversification de l'économie pour réduire la dépendance au pétrole. Il a encouragé la durabilité environnementale, soutenant des projets liés à l'énergie propre et à la conservation de la faune.Il a joué un rôle actif sur la scène diplomatique régionale et internationale, promouvant la stabilité et la coopération avec d'autres nations. Il a continué à promouvoir le dialogue interreligieux et la tolérance religieuse dans une région caractérisée par sa diversité culturelle et religieuse. Ses actions ont contribué à faire de son pays l'une des économies les plus dynamiques et modernes de la région.

CHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

NE EN 1961

Officiellement souverain d'Abu Dhabi depuis 2022, en réalité depuis 2014.
Cheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, également connu sous le nom de MBZ, occupe un rôle clé en tant que prince héritier d'Abou Dhabi et commandant suprême adjoint des forces armées des Émirats arabes unis. Il a exercé une influence significative sur les politiques intérieures et étrangères des Émirats arabes unis. Il a continué à moderniser et à développer l'économie des Émirats arabes unis, en diversifiant les secteurs économiques pour réduire la dépendance au pétrole. Il a été actif sur la scène diplomatique, cherchant à renforcer les relations avec d'autres pays et à jouer un rôle actif dans la promotion de la paix, de la stabilité et du développement dans la région du Golfe et au-delà. Il a promu la tolérance religieuse et la coexistence pacifique entre les différentes communautés religieuses et culturelles des Émirats arabes unis. Le leadership de Cheikh Mohammed a été caractérisé par son engagement envers la modernisation, le développement durable, la diplomatie et la promotion du bien-être de la population émiratie. Il a contribué à renforcer la position des Émirats arabes unis sur la scène mondiale et à en faire un acteur influent dans la région du Moyen-Orient.