The First Day: Birth of a nation
Summary
TLDRIn the late 1960s, as the British announced their withdrawal from the Arabian Gulf, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned a united federation to secure the future of the seven Emirates. Despite initial skepticism due to the Emirates' sparse populations and lack of infrastructure, Abu Dhabi and Dubai's oil wealth facilitated the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. The signing of the Union proclamation, electing Sheikh Zayed as the first president and Sheikh Rashid as the first prime minister, marked the birth of a nation. The script also highlights cultural events, such as a performance by Um Kulthum, and the international response to territorial disputes, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of the newly formed UAE.
Takeaways
- đŹđ§ In the late 1960s, the British announced their departure from the Arabian Gulf, ending treaties that had lasted over a century.
- đïž The British had provided military protection and diplomatic guidance to the Arab people of the Southern Gulf.
- đ€ Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned a Federation of Emirates as early as before the British decided to withdraw, seeing it as a necessity for survival.
- đ The Gulf Emirates were sparsely populated and lacked basic infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, and healthcare.
- đ Oil exports from Abu Dhabi and Dubai provided a foundation for the economic development necessary to build a nation.
- đ€ A deal was struck between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, leading to the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
- đž Photographer Bruno Bar documented the events leading up to the Federation, including the fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's succession.
- đ€ Umm Kulthum, the lady of Arabic song, performed in Abu Dhabi, marking a cultural highlight before the unification.
- đ The invasion of the Greater and Lesser Tunb Islands by Iran highlighted the need for unity and a collective defense among the Emirates.
- đïž On December 2, 1971, the six rulers signed the proclamation of Union, electing Sheikh Zayed as the first president and Sheikh Rashid as the first prime minister.
- đ The new nation was celebrated with a 21-gun salute and the raising of the national flag, symbolizing the realization of Sheikh Zayed's dream.
Q & A
What was the significance of the British departure from the Arabian Gulf in the late 1960s?
-The British departure marked the end of treaties that had kept the Gulf Emirates secure and under British influence for over a century, forcing the Emirates to stand alone in an increasingly complex world.
Who envisioned the idea of a Federation of Emirates, and why was it important?
-Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned the Federation long before the British left, seeing it as essential for the survival and unification of the Emirates in a volatile region.
What challenges did the Emirates face prior to the formation of the UAE?
-Before the formation of the UAE, the Emirates were sparsely populated, lacked proper infrastructure like roads, clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education, and relied heavily on oil exports from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
When was the UAE officially formed, and which Emirates initially joined the Federation?
-The UAE was officially formed on December 2, 1971. The six Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah were the founding members.
What event was celebrated in Abu Dhabi just before the formation of the Federation?
-Before the formation of the Federation, Abu Dhabi celebrated the fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's succession with banquets, parades, fireworks, and camel races.
Who was Umm Kulthum, and what role did she play during the celebrations in Abu Dhabi?
-Umm Kulthum, known as the 'Lady of Arabic Song,' was a famous Egyptian singer who gave two highly anticipated performances in Abu Dhabi during the celebrations, attracting thousands of fans.
What gift did Sheikh Zayed present to Umm Kulthum after her performances?
-Sheikh Zayed presented Umm Kulthum with a fabulous pearl necklace as a thank-you gift for her performances.
Why did Ras Al Khaimah initially hesitate to join the UAE Federation?
-Ras Al Khaimah hesitated to join the Federation due to tensions with Iran, which had used military force to invade the Greater and Lesser Tunb Islands, expelling the local population.
How was Sheikh Zayed elected as the first president of the UAE?
-After signing the proclamation of the Union on December 2, 1971, the six rulers elected Sheikh Zayed as the first president of the UAE.
What emotions did Sheikh Zayed's private secretary observe in him during the raising of the UAE flag for the first time?
-Sheikh Zayed's private secretary, Alhaj Al, observed that Sheikh Zayed was calm and natural, showing a sense of accomplishment and reflection as he watched the UAE flag being raised for the first time, realizing that his dream of unity had become a reality.
Outlines
đïž Formation of the United Arab Emirates
In the late 1960s, the British announced their withdrawal from the Arabian Gulf, ending a century of treaties and leaving the Arab people of the Southern Gulf to secure themselves. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned a Federation of Emirates to unite the seven Emirates. Despite initial doubts due to the sparse population and poor infrastructure, the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi and Dubai provided a foundation for the nation-building. A deal was struck, and on December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was formed, with Sheikh Zayed as the first president. The paragraph also describes the cultural events leading up to the federation, including a performance by Um Kulthum, the 'lady of Arabic song,' and the international response to Iran's invasion of the Tunb Islands.
đ Realization of a Dream: Sheikh Zayed's Emotions
This paragraph delves into the emotional aspect of the federation's formation, focusing on Sheikh Zayed's reaction to the realization of his dream. It describes the moment when Sheikh Zayed saw the flag of the newly formed United Arab Emirates, reflecting his deep satisfaction and the fulfillment of his vision. The paragraph captures the essence of his leadership and the significance of the event, as witnessed by his private secretary, Alhaj Al. The narrative conveys a sense of pride and accomplishment, marking the transition from a dream to a tangible reality for the nation.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄArabian Gulf
đĄBritish departure
đĄSheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
đĄFederation of Emirates
đĄUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)
đĄSelf-reliance
đĄOil Exports
đĄInfrastructure Development
đĄCultural Celebrations
đĄInternational Relations
đĄFlag Raising
Highlights
The British announced their departure from the Arabian Gulf in the late 1960s, ending a century-long presence.
British military power had previously secured the Arab people of the Southern Gulf from threats.
The British diplomats had significant influence over the foreign affairs of the region.
Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan envisioned a Federation of Emirates to ensure survival post-British departure.
The idea of a federation was conceived before the British decided to leave, but their departure accelerated the process.
Doubts about the feasibility of a federation due to the Emirates' sparse population and poverty.
Infrastructure was rudimentary, with most roads being desert tracks and basic services like clean water and electricity being recent developments.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai were the only Emirates with significant oil exports at the time.
Sheik Zayed recognized the need for a nation-building effort, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading the cause.
A deal was struck that would lead to the creation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2nd, 1971.
Abu Dhabi celebrated the fifth anniversary of Sheik Zayed's succession with grand festivities.
Bruno Bar, a photographer, documented the events leading up to the federation, including a grand parade and fireworks.
Um Kulthum, the lady of Arabic song, performed in Abu Dhabi, marking a cultural highlight before the federation.
Iran's invasion of the Greater and Lesser Tunb Islands prompted international protests and demonstrated the need for unity.
The United Arab Emirates was officially formed on December 2nd, 1971, with the signing of the Union proclamation.
Sheik Zayed was elected as the first president, and Sheik Rashid as the first prime minister of the UAE.
The nation's flag was raised for the first time, symbolizing unity and independence.
Alhaj Al, Sheik Zayed's private secretary, recalled the emotional moment when the dream of a federation became reality.
Transcripts
in the late 1960s the British announced
they would soon be leaving the Arabian
Gulf for good ending treaties that had
bound them to the region for more than a
century British military power had kept
the Arab people of the Southern Gulf
secure from enemy threats British
diplomats had dictated their Foreign
Affairs now the seven Emirates and their
rulers would have to stand alone in an
increasingly complicated and dangerous
world one man saw that to survive the
seven must become one shik Zed bin
Sultan Al nahyan's vision of a
Federation of Emirates was born long
before the British decided to go home
but their departure was an opportunity
to make the dream a
reality some doubted it could be
achieved at the time the gulf Emirates
were sparsely populated and poor most
roads were desert tracks many
communities little more than coral and
palm front
[Music]
houses
clean water electricity proper health
care and a basic education had only
recently become commonplace Abu Dhabi
was exporting oil which had also been
found in commercial quantities in
Dubai shik Zed knew that building a
nation would be a formidable task with
Abu Dhabi and Dubai both committed to
the cause a federation a deal was struck
that would bring the United Arab
Emirates into existence on December the
2nd
1971 in the days before Federation Abu
Dhabi took time off to celebrate the
fifth anniversary of the succession of
Sheik Zed watching the festivities was
the photographer Bruno bar whose images
have left us a unique record of those
moments Banquets were
held a grand parade marched down the
Cornish followed by fireworks and camel
[Music]
races Bruno bar also shot the most
anticipated event of all a performance
by um
kulum the lady of Arabic song um kulum
arrived to a rapturous reception at Abu
Dhabi airport accompanied by her
Orchestra and
Entourage she met with she Khalifa The
Crown Prince then gave two performances
for the shakes and thousands of fans in
Abu Dhabi at a new concert hall
specially built for the
[Music]
occasion
[Music]
before leaving um Kum was given a
fabulous pearl necklace as a thank you
gift from Sheikh Zed the necklace
remained in the family after her death
in
1973 but was sold at auction two years
ago and has since returned to Abu
Dhabi
on the eve of federation rasal Kaa had
not yet decided to join the union of
Arab Emirates when Iran Used military
force to invade the greater and lesser
tomb Islands the local population were
expelled and one of the Defenders killed
prompting International protests and
demonstrations on the
streets the United Arab Emirates was
born on the morning of December 2nd
1971 the six rulers of Abu Dhabi Dubai
Shara aan um K and fua gathered at the
majus of Sheik Rashid Ina watched by the
world's press and television after
signing the proclamation of Union the
six rulers elected Sheik Zed as the
nation's first president and Sheik
Rashid the first prime
[Music]
minister
outside cannons blazed a 21 gun salute
and the audience watched as the nation's
flag was raised for the first time among
them was Sheik Zed's private secretary
alhaj Al who still recalls the emotions
on the president's face at the moment
when his dream became reality if you see
him here like
he's see his face you know he's he's
looked the
flag but something you see in his
eyes that he's thinking now okay no I I
we win now as a union we are independent
now you know when when you have a dream
and you wake up there a dream but this
is real real dream if you see
them look his eye to the flag you see
see his face it is not
angry and he is not face of pral no it
is natural you can see like it's natural
say
it is done some my dream this is the
flag so they ask they they are looking
to them why he's not
pushed the the the the the line to but
he went to see the
flood that's you see the his
face he's a
father he's he's a
master
[Music]
[Music]
la
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