Dubai History and Culture

HISTORY

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), 'Al Emarat Al Arabiyah Al Mutahidah' in Arabic, was established on 2 December 1971 and is a federation of the seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Fujairah.

From the 1850s until the union of the emirates in 1977, the British colonial administration maintained influence in the region, and each emirate entered into separate treaties with the British. The emirates were then collectively known as the Trucial States or Sheikhdomes.

The states were each led by a Sheikh who belonged to a particular tribe which was usually the most influential tribe in the area. The tribe often branched into several smaller tribes, and each also had its own leaders who would work closely with the Sheikh in both political and other matters.

The growth of Dubai began in the early part of the nineteenth century when members of the Bani Yas tribe led by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti left Abu Dhabi and migrated north to found an independent Sheikhdom in the area now known as Dubai. When a maritime agreement was later signed with the British, the area became known as the Trucial Coast.

By the early part of the 20th century, Dubai came to be known as the principal port on the Trucial Coast and established itself as the main center for trade. Dubai attracted traders from India, Europe and neighbouring Arab countries, and the city was quickly established as a leading center for trade in gold and pearls. The British remained in the area mainly to protect the merchant vessels until 1968.

Following the withdrawal of the British, steps were taken (led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, former Ruler of Dubai) to bring the individual Sheikhdoms together into a single federation. This resulted in the formation of the UAE in 1971.