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 One of the world's most admired young countries, the United Arab Emirates is an example of how dreams of modernity and advancement can translate into reality.
In just 34 years, the UAE, a federation of seven emirates, has transformed itself from a barren desert to a green garden of unparalleled prosperity.
1820
Treaty signed
General Treaty of peace between the British Government and the Sheikhs of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi is signed. The treaty is aimed at suppressing piracy along the Gulf Coast. From this, the area becomes known as the Trucial Coast.
1892
Agreements reached
Britain signs exclusive agreements with the Gulf States that give Britain control over their foreign affairs and each emirate control over its internal affairs.
1948
Ruler
His Highness Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi becomes the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
1952
Council
A Trucial Council is formed between the seven emirates to promote increased cooperation among themselves.
1955
Buraimi dispute
With the approval of Britain and the help of the Trucial Oman Levies, forces of the Sultan of Muscat and Oman and those of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi move into the Buraimi area. The dispute involved the demarcation of the border between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.
1966
Ruler
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan becomes Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The year also witnesses the establishment of a number of new administrative departments headed by members of the Al Nahyan Ruling Family and some prominent citizens.
1968
British withdrawal
In a speech to the House of Commons, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, announces the plan for the complete withdrawal of all British forces from the Gulf by the end of 1971. The withdrawal would mean all Gulf states have to carry out their external relations by themselves. Discussions begin on formation of a federation of the emirates.
1970
Case of the three islands
Iran lays claim to the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa. The following year, Iran occupies the three islands. Since then, the UAE has been repeatedly calling for a peaceful resolution or the use of international arbitration to resolve the issue.
1971
Iran occupation
Iran occupies the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa.
British evacuation
Sheikh Zayed, representing the UAE, and Sir Geoffrey Arthur, the last British Political Agent in the Gulf, sign a treaty of friendship between Britain and the UAE.
Formation of the UAE
The newly-formed federation including the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah takes shape under the able leadership of Sheikh Zayed. The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah joins a year later. Each emirate is represented in the national assembly and the Ruler of each emirate is entitled to vote in the Supreme Council of Rulers. They also agree that the Federation's Constitution would be provisional for five years, after which it would be replaced by a permanent one
Elected President
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is elected President and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice-President. The UAE is established as a federation based on achieving four main objectives: building an educated society; solving regional issues by peaceful means; strengthening ties between Arab countries ? politically, economically and culturally ? and finally, actively participating in international forums and organizations.
Arab League
UAE joins the Arab League. The Abu Dhabi National Consultative Council and the Cabinet are formed. Sheikh Zayed inaugurates the 50-member assembly's first meeting.
1972
Ruler
His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi becomes Ruler of Sharjah.
1973
Council created
The Executive Council replaces the Abu Dhabi Cabinet. The Council comprises the Emirates' government departments.
Merger of oil departments
The UAE Cabinet approves the merger of the oil departments of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah into a single UAE Petroleum Ministry.
1974
Ruler
His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Bin Hamad Al Sharqi becomes Ruler of Fujairah
Foreign aid
Sheikh Zayed allocates 28 per cent of Abu Dhabi's income towards assisting Arab, Islamic and developing countries.
1981
Rulers
His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla becomes Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain. His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi becomes Ruler of Ajman
GCC formed
The Gulf Cooperation Council, a union among the states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is formed with the purpose of establishing joint projects in various fields. The Council's first meeting is held in Abu Dhabi.
Delma oil project
The foundation is laid for a $700-million project to develop one of the largest oil fields.
1983
Women's role in society
Upon the inauguration of the new headquarters of the Abu Dhabi Women's Association, Sheikh Zayed states that, according to Islamic and traditional values, a woman's role is the raising of children, but she should not be confined solely to that role.
1985
14th National Day celebrations
Sheikh Zayed confirms his belief that the citizen is the main asset of the country and that the federation's main aim is to serve its citizens .
1989
Normalisation of relations with the Soviet Union
Sheikh Zayed declares that such an act would benefit the UAE.
1990
Dubai mourns
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum dies and is succeeded by his son His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Supports Kuwait
The UAE condemns the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Sheikh Zayed refuses to compromise with Saddam, declaring it was not "our duty to save his face".
1991
Foreign bases not welcome
Sheikh Zayed rejects the setting up of permanent foreign bases in the UAE, stating that help from friends was acceptable but bases in the UAE were neither acceptable nor welcome.
1995
Call for an end to Iraqi embargo
Sheikh Zayed stresses the fact that 18 million Iraqis were unjustly paying the price on Saddam Hussain's behalf and calls for an immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed on the country after the 1991 Gulf War.
1996
UAE's Silver Jubilee
The UAE celebrates its 25th National Day and Sheikh Zayed's 30th anniversary as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Federation's capital
The Supreme Council agrees to make the UAE's temporary constitution permanent and names Abu Dhabi as the federal capital. Sheikh Zayed stresses the importance of running the federation through hard work, which he says is the responsibility of the younger generation.
1997
Boycott
Boycotts the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) economic summit being held in Qatar, due to the deadlock in the peace process and the rejection of the event by Arab leaders.
1998
UAE-Iraqi relations
UAE restores diplomatic relations with Iraq.
1999
Accord signed with Oman
Sheikh Zayed and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos sign an agreement defining the borders between the two countries. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sheikh Zayed, the agreement resolves border differences between the two countries.
Row with Saudi Arabia
The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran triggers criticism from the UAE. Sheikh Zayed states the UAE was treated in a cold and alienating manner. The issue is resolved following Qatar's mediation.
UAE Forces in Kosovo
Under Sheikh Zayed's instructions, UAE Forces participate with a contingency with KFOR, the Nato-led international force, established under a UN mandate to bring about security and peace in Kosovo. The UAE is the only Arab country to have participated in the peacekeeping mission.
2001
Support for intifada
The UAE's position was clear, says Sheikh Zayed. "We also affirm the continuation of our firm and principled position in support of the Palestinian intifada and the balanced resolutions of the Palestinian National Authority in rejection of such aggressive Israeli policy."
Celebration of stability
In a message to the UAE people on the UAE Federation's 30th National Day, Sheikh Zayed states patience, perseverance and continued hard work are the reason behind the security and stability of the country.
2004
Cabinet reshuffled
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi appointed first woman minister.
Sheikh Zayed passes away
He is succeeded by his eldest son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Appointed
General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
2005
Armed forces
General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is appointed Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
2006
Dubai mourns
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum dies, and is succeeded by his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
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