Timeline
The history of the United Arab Emirates, from the earliest settlements to the present day.
All figures in this encyclopedia carry the year or period they describe and their source.
Timeline
- 1971
The Union is founded
Six emirates form the United Arab Emirates on 2 December; Ras Al Khaimah joins in February 1972.
- 1998
Sharjah becomes UNESCO Cultural Capital
UNESCO designates Sharjah the Cultural Capital of the Arab World, recognising its museums and heritage programme.
- 2014
Al Ain inscribed as a World Heritage Site
UNESCO inscribes the cultural sites of Al Ain — Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and the oases — on the World Heritage List.
- 2021
The Emirates Mars Mission reaches Mars
The Hope probe enters Mars orbit in February 2021, the first Arab mission to do so.
- 3000 BCE
Bronze Age settlement at Hili and Umm an-Nar
Monumental tombs and settlements appear in the Al Ain region.
- 1958
Oil discovered in commercial quantities in Abu Dhabi
First exports follow in 1962, transforming the emirate’s finances.
- 1971
The federation is founded
Six emirates unite on 2 December; Ras Al Khaimah joins in February 1972.
- 2004
Death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
The founding President is succeeded by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
- 3200 BCE
Umm an-Nar culture flourishes
Circular communal tombs and copper trade with Mesopotamia.
- 1300 BCE
Iron Age metalworking at Saruq Al Hadid
Large-scale copper and iron production in what is now Dubai.
- 1930s
Collapse of the pearl market
Cultured pearls from Japan end the region’s main export trade.
- 1962
First oil exports from Abu Dhabi
Revenues begin to fund modern infrastructure.
- 1761
Freshwater found on the island
A watchtower at Qasr al-Hosn is built to guard the settlement.
- 1958
Oil discovered in commercial quantities
Exports begin in 1962.
- 2017
Louvre Abu Dhabi opens
The Saadiyat Island museum opens under a France–UAE agreement.
- 2004
Construction begins
Work starts on the tower in Downtown Dubai.
- 2010
Burj Khalifa opens
It becomes the tallest building in the world at 828 metres.
- 2007
France–UAE agreement signed
The intergovernmental agreement provides for the museum.
- 2017
Louvre Abu Dhabi opens
The first completed institution of the Saadiyat Cultural District.
- 2010
Falconry inscribed by UNESCO
Listed as intangible cultural heritage in a multinational nomination.
- 1833
The Al Maktoum family settle at Dubai
Dubai establishes itself as a pearl and trade port on the creek.
- 1979
Jebel Ali port opens
The world’s largest man-made harbour at the time, with a free zone beside it.
- 2010
Burj Khalifa opens
At 828 metres it becomes the tallest building in the world.
- 1998
Sharjah named Cultural Capital of the Arab World
Recognition of the emirate’s cultural programme.
- 2016
Sharjah named Capital of Islamic Culture
The emirate expands its museums and heritage restoration programme.
- 1819
British expedition against Ras Al Khaimah
Followed by the maritime truces that shaped the coast’s colonial-era name.
- 1972
Ras Al Khaimah joins the federation
The seventh emirate joins the United Arab Emirates in February.
- 1952
Fujairah recognised as independent
The last of the seven emirates to gain recognition before the federation.
- 3000 BCE
Hili and the Hafit tombs
Bronze Age settlement and monumental tombs in the Al Ain region.
- 2011
UNESCO World Heritage inscription
The cultural sites of Al Ain become the first World Heritage property in the UAE.
- 1946
Appointed ruler’s representative in Al Ain
Begins repairing and extending the falaj channels of the oases.
- 1966
Becomes ruler of Abu Dhabi
Succeeds his brother Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan.
- 1971
Becomes the first President of the UAE
Holds the office until his death on 2 November 2004.
- 1959
Dubai Creek dredged
Larger vessels can now enter the port that built the emirate’s trade.
- 1972
Port Rashid opens
The first modern deep-water port in Dubai.
- 1971
Jordan recognises the United Arab Emirates
Diplomatic relations begin in the federation’s founding year.
- 1974
Development lending to Jordan begins
Jordan becomes a recipient country of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
- 1974
Treaty of Jeddah settles the border
The frontier between the two states is defined.
- 1981
Gulf Cooperation Council founded
The Emirates and Saudi Arabia are among the six founding members.
- 1971
Jordan recognises the new federation
Diplomatic relations established in the Emirates’ founding year.
- 1974
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development begins lending
Jordan becomes one of the fund’s recipient countries.
- 2021
Net Zero 2050 initiative announced
The first Gulf state commitment to a 2050 net-zero target.
- 2023
COP28 held in Dubai
The conference produces the first global stocktake referencing a transition away from fossil fuels.
- 2012
Construction of unit 1 begins
The first nuclear plant in the Arab world starts building.
- 2021
Unit 1 enters commercial operation
Barakah begins supplying the national grid.
- 1979
Jebel Ali port opens
Among the largest man-made harbours in the world at the time.
- 1985
Jebel Ali Free Zone established
The model for the region’s free zones.
- 2012
Khalifa Port opens
It replaces Zayed Port as Abu Dhabi’s principal commercial port.
- 2009
Dubai Metro opens
The first urban rail system in the Emirates begins service.
- 1976
The university is founded
The first national university in the Emirates opens in Al Ain.