Middle East and North Africa

United Arab Emirates
Last revised: 12 January 2009

Country information

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HISTORY

Recent History

The UAE Federation was formed on 2 December 1971 as a fully independent state when the so called 'Trucial States' ended their individual treaty relationships with Britain. Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the first President of the UAE until his death on 2 November 2004. His son Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected President on 4 November. Sheikh Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai following the death of his brother, Sheikh Maktoum in 2006.

Longer Historical Perspective

The earliest significant settlements in the area which now makes up the UAE date from the Bronze Age. During the Middle Ages they formed part of the Kingdom of Hormuz. European influence began with the Portuguese in the 16th century followed by the British in the 18th century. In 1892 the British signed a number of agreements with the ruling shaikhs in the region which led to the formation of the 'Trucial States'.

BBC News Country Timeline: United Arab Emirates