Before 1971, the area that now comprises the United Arab Emirates was known as the Trucial Sheikdoms and was under a British protectorate.
The Trucial Sheikdoms Under British Protection
Prior to gaining independence and forming the United Arab Emirates in 1971, the seven emirates were individual territories often referred to collectively as the Trucial Sheikdoms. These territories had signed various treaties, known as "truces," with the British government starting in the 19th century, which primarily aimed to suppress piracy and the slave trade along the coast.
As the provided reference from the Office of the Historian states:
Prior to 1971, the Trucial Sheikdoms of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharja, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaimah were under a British protectorate.
This status as a British protectorate meant that Britain handled the sheikdoms' foreign affairs and defense, while local rulers retained autonomy over internal matters. The reference also notes that, as a result of this protectorate status, "the United States had a very limited relationship with the sheikdoms."
The Territories
The Trucial Sheikdoms consisted of the same seven territories that would later form the UAE:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Sharjah (listed as Sharja in the reference)
- Ajman
- Umm al-Qaiwain
- Fujairah
- Ras al-Khaimah
These sheikdoms were distinct entities with their own ruling families and local governance, but their external relations and overall security were overseen by Britain until 1971 when the protectorate status ended.
Transition to the UAE
The decision by Britain to withdraw from the region in the late 1960s prompted the rulers of the sheikdoms to explore forming a union. Originally, Bahrain and Qatar were also involved in discussions, but they ultimately chose independence as separate states. The seven Trucial Sheikdoms then came together to form the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971 (with Ras al-Khaimah joining in early 1972).
| Period | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1971 | Trucial Sheikdoms | British Protectorate |
| After 1971 | United Arab Emirates | Independent Federal State |
This historical context is crucial for understanding the political evolution of the region and the formation of the modern UAE.
You can find more information on the history of the United Arab Emirates on the Office of the Historian website.
