History of the Country and Establishment of the Union

Archeological excavations and antiques found in many areas of the country have proved that a great civilization used to be prosperous in the area known today as the United Arab Emirates. The civilization is dated back to 4000 BC , and was interrelated with the neighboring civilizations .

H. H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the Union

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born in 1918 . In 1946 , he was elected ruler of Al Ain and in 1966 , he became ruler of Abu Dhabi. In 1968 , Britain declared its withdrawal from the area . Immediately Sheikh Zayed took the lead in calling for a federation of the emirates . The rulers of the other emirates moved quickly and on the 2nd of December 1971 the United Arab Emirates formally emerged onto the international stage .

On November 2nd 2004 , Sheikh Zayed passed away , after a long journey of giving and achievements . The nation keeps going on his vision under the leadership of H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , President of United Arab Emirates and his brothers , the members of the Supreme Council and Rulers , and their crown princes .