Why December 2 is celebrated as UAE National Day: The full story of the country’s formation and constitution

• 1820–1853: A series of treaties were signed between Britain and the ruling sheikhs, starting with the defeat of the Qawasim maritime force. These agreements aimed to curb maritime conflict, prohibit the construction of warships or coastal fortifications, and maintain peace at sea.
• 1853: The Perpetual Maritime Truce formalized an indefinite end to hostilities at sea. Britain limited its role to maritime security without interfering in the internal governance of the emirates.
• 1892: The Exclusive Agreements prohibited the Trucial States from engaging with foreign powers without British approval. In exchange, the UK pledged military protection against external threats.

• February 18, 1968: Sheikh Zayed met with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai at Al Samha. They agreed to unite their emirates and invite others to join, forming the first step toward regional federation — the Union Accord.
  • They agreed to collaborate on foreign affairs, defense, security, social services, and immigration policy.
  • Judicial and internal governance would remain under individual emirate control.
• February 25–27, 1968: Rulers from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Bahrain, and Qatar met in Dubai to draft a federal framework.
  • The proposed Federation of the Arab Emirates was based on 11 foundational principles including mutual respect for sovereignty, unified foreign policy, and joint developmental goals.
  • A Supreme Council was to be established to oversee federal legislation and policy, with decisions requiring unanimous consent.

• July 18, 1971: The six Rulers formally agreed to establish a federation.
• December 2, 1971: The United Arab Emirates was officially declared an independent, sovereign state.
  • A Provisional Constitution was adopted.
  • Abu Dhabi was designated as the temporary capital.
  • Sheikh Zayed was elected as the first President; Sheikh Rashid became Vice-President, both for a five-year term.
  • The Federal National Council (FNC) was established with 34 seats:
    • 8 each for Abu Dhabi and Dubai
    • 6 for Sharjah
    • 4 each for Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah
    • Ras Al Khaimah was allocated 6 seats should it choose to join later.

• Initially hesitant due to territorial disputes — especially Iran’s seizure of the Greater and Lesser Tunbs islands — Ras Al Khaimah received federal assurances that the UAE would continue to assert its claim over the islands.
• February 10, 1972: Ras Al Khaimah officially joined, completing the seven-emirate federation.

• The Provisional Constitution guided federal operations from 1971 until it was made permanent in July 1996.
• It consists of 152 articles, establishing the foundation of:
  • Governance
  • Distribution of federal and local powers
  • Citizens’ rights
  • National security, judiciary, and legislative structure

• Preserve the UAE’s independence and sovereignty
• Ensure security and stability
• Defend against any external aggression
• Protect citizens' rights and freedoms
• Promote economic prosperity, better standards of living, and unified national identity
• Uphold each emirate’s internal autonomy within the constitutional framework

• Common language and religion
• Shared customs, traditions, and topography
• Complementary economic resources
• Unified aspirations for development and stability

• December 2, 1971: Joined the Arab League as its 18th member
• December 9, 1971: Gained admission to the United Nations
• 1972: Became a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
• 1981: Co-founded the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

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