The First Day: Birth of a nation

Summary

In 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

• 🇬🇧 In the late 1960s, the British announced their departure from the Arabian Gulf, ending treaties that had lasted over a century.
• 🏖️ The British had provided military protection and diplomatic guidance to the Arab people of the Southern Gulf.
• 🤔 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.
• 🏠 The Gulf Emirates were sparsely populated and lacked basic infrastructure like roads, water, electricity, and healthcare.
• 🛑 Oil exports from Abu Dhabi and Dubai provided a foundation for the economic development necessary to build a nation.
• 🤝 A deal was struck between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, leading to the formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971.
• 📸 Photographer Bruno Bar documented the events leading up to the Federation, including the fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's succession.
• 🎤 Umm Kulthum, the lady of Arabic song, performed in Abu Dhabi, marking a cultural highlight before the unification.
• 🔍 The invasion of the Greater and Lesser Tunb Islands by Iran highlighted the need for unity and a collective defense among the Emirates.
• 🏛️ 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.
• 🎉 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.