UAE timeline: A chronology of key events
Published: Fri 2 Dec 2016, 1:12 PM
130,000 BC
Early man crosses the Red Sea from Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
5500-3000 BC
Evidence of extensive human occupation by skilled groups of herders in eastern Arabia. Beginning of maritime trade.
3000-2000 BC
Emergence of Bronze Age culture, with oasis towns and wide-ranging trade relations
2000-1300 BC
Number of towns declines due to a more arid climate and desertification
1300-300 BC
Explosion of new Iron Age settlements as Falaj irrigation technology is introduced; first use of writing
300 BC-650 AD
Extensive trade network along the Gulf linking up the Mediterranean, Syria and Mesopotamia with India. Christian monastery established on Sir Bani Yas island off western Abu Dhabi coast.
630 AD
Arrival of envoys from the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and conversion to Islam.
632 AD
Death of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH; a widespread rebellion against the teachings of Islam is defeated.
637 AD
Julfar (Ras Al Khaimah) used as staging post for Islamic invasion of Iran.
1095
Earliest mention of Dubai, by Andalusian geographer Abu Abdullah Al Bakri.
1498-1557
Portuguese circumnavigate the Cape of Good Hope, prompting Portuguese Ottoman rivalry in the Gulf.
1700s
Growth of British trade interests in the Gulf. Emergence of local naval power Qawasim.
1790s
Leader of Bani Yas tribal confederation moves to Abu Dhabi, a major port and pearling centre. The confederation is led by the Al Nahyan family
1800-1819
Conflict between the Qawasim navy and the British over trade routes to India.
1820s
Britain signs peace treaty with sheikhs of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ajman, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
1833
Al Maktoum family, part of the Bani Yas, establish control in Dubai.
1853
Signature of Perpetual Treaty of Maritime Truce with Britain; area becomes known as the 'Trucial States'.
1966
Shaikh Zayed becomes Ruler of Abu Dhabi.1968
Britain announces its intention to withdraw from the Gulf region.
1969
First export of oil from Dubai. 1971 Rulers of the emirates create the United Arab Emirates; Shaikh Zayed is chosen as the first UAE President.
1971
Rulers of the emirates create the United Arab Emirates; Shaikh Zayed is chosen as the first UAE President.
2004
Shaikh Khalifa Al Nahyan is elected as new President of the UAE on the death of Shaikh Zayed.
2006
Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is chosen as Vice President and Prime Minister of the Federation following the death of his brother, Shaikh Maktoum.
UAE: 12 years of vision, progress, achievement