WEBVTT

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Before the United Arab Emirates existed, the Gulf region was made up of individual

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Emirates known as the Trutial States.

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Each had its own ruler, but depended on British protection for defense and foreign policy.

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In 1968, Britain announced it would withdraw from the region by 1971.

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This decision created urgency, the Emirates needed to unite to protect their independence.

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There were also fears of larger powers like Saudi Arabia or Iran stepping in.

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On December 2, 1971, six Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharja, Ajman, Um al-Kawain and

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Fujera, united to form the United Arab Emirates.

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Ras al-Kaimah joined shortly after, in 1972.

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This historic move was led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nayyan of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh

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Rashid bin Saeed Al-Maktum of Dubai.

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They believed unity was key to long-term stability.

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Shared fear of external threats.

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The need for internal peace and development, Abu Dhabi's oil wealth, which funded infrastructure

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and national growth, made the formation of UAE possible.

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The UAE developed a federal system, combining national leadership with local autonomy for

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each Emirate, though not democratic, the model created economic growth, a strong national

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identity and regional influence.

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Meanwhile, Bahrain took a different path, becoming an independent state with its own constitutional

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reforms.

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The United Arab Emirates Federation is a powerful example of how leadership, vision and unity

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can shape a nation.

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From a group of small Emirates, it grew into a modern, globally connected country in

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just a few decades.