National Day: Key milestones in UAE's history

Dubai/Abu Dhabi - Here are some key moments in the UAE's history since 1950

he United Arab Emirates commemorates its 45th National Day on 2nd December, a day which embodies the Spirit of the Union and celebrates 45 years of great achievements since the federation was established in 1971.

The day is a celebration of the high esteem in which we hold the founding President of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding fathers of the UAE Federation. The path they laid down is now followed by the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who continues to lead the nation's march to progress and prosperity.

UAE timeline: A chronology of key events

The incredible achievements of the UAE in recent years have been made possible due to the directives of the wise leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as His Highness Shaikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their fellow members of the Supreme Council the Rulers of the Emirates, who have consistently contributed to promoting and developing the country through knowledge and innovation.

The UAE ranks among the world's leading nations across several key indicators and has become a true role model for all countries around the world.

Here are some key moments in the UAE's history since 1950:

1950's

Abu Dhabi oil discovered, production began

1952

Seven emirates formed council to promote increased cooperation

1962

First oil is exported

1963

Maktoum Bridge became first bridge built across Dubai Creek

1964

Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurated the Dubai Creek

1966

Oil discovered off coast of Dubai

1967

Shindagha Tunnel was built

1971

UAE joined Arab League

Establishment of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

Inauguration of the New Dubai International Airport.

1972

Port RashidPort Rashid inaugurated.

Inauguration of Rashid Hospital in Dubai

1973

Introduction of the UAE Dirham

1975

Establishment of UAE's first cement factory in Ras Al Khaimah.

Inauguration of Sharjah International Airport.

1976

Establishment of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

Establishment of Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat).

Establishment of Sharjah Ports Authority.

Inauguration of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

1979

Dubai's popular Channel 33 TV station launched

Establishment of Dubai Aluminum Company.

1981

Gulf Cooperation Council formed, UAE was founding member

1982

Opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport.

1983

Inauguration of Dubai Hospital.

Establishment of the Red Crescent Authority.

1984

Establishment of International Petroleum Investment Company.

1985

Establishment of Jebel Ali Free Zone

Launch of Emirates Airlines.

1986

Establishment of International Petroleum Investment Company.

1987

Establishment of Fujairah Free Zone.

Inauguration of Fujairah International Airport.

1988

Establishment of Ajman and Um Al Quwain Free Zones.

1989

Inauguration of the Dubai Airshow.

1990

Establishment of National blood transfusion program.

1991

Establishment of Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah.

Inauguration of Emirates Aviation College.

1992

Establishment of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA).

1994

Inauguration of Al Ain International Airport.

1996

Establishment of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah Free Zones.

1998

Establishment of Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA).

1999

Burj Al Arab, tallest hotel in world, opened

Inauguration of operations of Ajman Port.

2000

Establishment of Dubai Financial Market

2001

Frst satellite in the Boeing GEM series, Thuraya 1 launched

2002

Freehold property market opened up to foreigners

2003

Establishment of Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

Establishment of Etihad Airways.

Air Arabia launches operations.