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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a testament to the power of unity and vision. Established on December 2, 1971, the UAE emerged from the fusion of seven emirates, each with its unique history and traditions. Firstly, this article delves into the historical context surrounding the formation of the UAE. Secondly, exploring the pre-union era, the visionary leaders who shaped its destiny, the challenges faced during the union formation, and the subsequent celebration of National Day of UAE. So, join us on a journey through time as we unravel the fascinating narrative of the UAE’s genesis and especially the National Day of UAE.
Historical Context – National Day of UAE
On December 2, 1971 (National Day of UAE), the seven emirates united to form the United Arab Emirates. This marked a significant turning point in the region’s history. The historical context of the UAE’s formation is divided into two main periods: the pre-union era and the post-union era. In this section, we will firstly discuss the pre-union era.
Pre-Union Era
Firstly, the pre-union era refers to the period before the formation of the UAE. During this time, the emirates were part of the Trucial States. Notably, a British protectorate established through truce treaties in 1820, 1853, and 1896. Moreover, the Trucial States were a collection of sheikhdoms that were located in the southern Persian Gulf and were under British influence.
Trucial States
Overall, the Trucial States consisted of seven sheikhdoms: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. All in all, Al Nahyan and Al Maktoum family members were the sheikhs in charge of these sheikhdoms.
British Influence
Altogether, the British had a significant influence on the Trucial States. Markedly, in 1968, the British government announced its plan to pull back its military presence from the region east of the Suez, encompassing its forces stationed in the Trucial States. The British and Americans, according to leaked diplomatic cables, encouraged some type of union between the emirates. Observers saw these emirates as weak and surrounded by regional powers in Iran and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, both Iran and Saudi Arabia have territorial disputes with some of the emirates. Initially, the rulers of Qatar and Bahrain actively pursued the proposed union, but those efforts were eventually abandoned. Subsequently, Bahrain declared independence in August 1971, and likewise, Qatar did so in September 1971.
The Visionaries
Undoubtedly, The visionaries refer to the leaders who played a crucial role in the formation of the UAE. Among the visionaries, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum were particularly prominent.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the first president of the UAE. He was instrumental in the formation of the UAE and is regarded as the country’s founding father. Firstly, Sheikh Zayed was known for his vision, leadership, and generosity. Secondly, he was committed to improving the lives of his people while transforming the UAE into a modern and prosperous nation.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum was the ruler of Dubai and played a crucial role in the formation of the UAE. Altogether, He was known for his progressive policies and his commitment to modernizing Dubai. Especially, Sheikh Rashid was instrumental in the development of Dubai’s infrastructure, including the construction of the Dubai International Airport and the Jebel Ali Port.
The Union Formation – National Day of UAE
The Path to Unity
Unquestionably, the path to unity was a long and challenging one. It involved negotiations, diplomacy, and concurrently overcoming several obstacles. Just as the UAE symbolizes unity, World Freedom Day represents a global stand for liberty and rights, highlighting the universal values shared across nations.
Negotiations and Diplomacy
Initially, The negotiations for the formation of the UAE began in the late 1960s. Eventually, the British government, which had a significant influence on the Trucial States, encouraged the emirates to form a union. At the same time, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, played a crucial role in the negotiations. Moreover, he was committed to the idea of a unified UAE and worked tirelessly to bring the emirates together concurrently.
Challenges Faced
The negotiations for the formation of the UAE were not without challenges. One of the biggest challenges was the lack of consensus among the emirates. On one hand, some emirates were hesitant to join the union, while on the other hand others had reservations about the union’s proposed structure. Furthermore, there were concerns about the distribution of power and resources among the emirates.
Signing of the Union Agreement – National Day of UAE
On December 2, 1971 (National Day of UAE), the leaders of six emirates signed the Union Agreement, marking the formation of the UAE. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the union in early 1972. The signing of the Union Agreement was a historic moment for the UAE and marked the beginning of a new era.
Importance of December 2, 1971 – National Day of UAE
December 2, 1971 (National Day of UAE), is a significant date in the history of the UAE. Notably, it marks the National Day of UAE when the emirates came together to form a unified nation. As a result, the National Day of UAE is celebrated every year on December 2 to commemorate this historic event.
Unification of Emirates – National Day of UAE
The unification of the emirates was a remarkable achievement. It brought together seven emirates with different cultures, traditions, and histories to form a single nation. Firstly, The UAE has since emerged as a global leader in various fields, including business, tourism, and technology. Moreover, in the spirit of international cooperation, much like the UAE’s foundation, the Winter Olympics 2023 in Beijing also aims to bring the world together through sports.
UAE Independence Day Celebrations
Traditions and Customs – National Day of UAE
The National Day of UAE is marked by a range of festivities and events that take place across the country.
Festivities and Events on National Day of UAE
The celebrations for the National Day of UAE are a grand affair. Furthermore, the festivities include parades, fireworks, concerts, and cultural events. The streets and buildings are decorated with the colors of the UAE flag, and people dress up in traditional Emirati attire. The celebrations are a reflection of the country’s rich culture and heritage.
National Symbols – National Day of UAE
The UAE has several national symbols that are an integral part of the country’s identity. These symbols include the UAE flag, the falcon, and the Arabian oryx.
The UAE flag is a symbol of the country’s unity and strength. It consists of four colors: red, green, white, and black. Notably, the red color represents the sacrifices of the country’s martyrs, while the green color represents growth and prosperity. The white color represents peace and purity, and the black color represents the oil wealth of the country. It depicts everything about the National Day of UAE.
The falcon, representing courage and strength, holds the esteemed title of the national bird in the UAE. Falconry is an important part of Emirati culture, and the bird is highly valued for its hunting skills.
The Arabian oryx is the national animal of the UAE and is a symbol of elegance and grace. Previously, the animal was once on the brink of extinction, however, conservation efforts have helped to increase its population.
Revisiting Achievements and Growth on National Day of UAE
Diversification of Economy
The UAE has made notable strides in diversifying its economy over time. The strategy of economic diversification has resulted in impressive advancements across key sectors, including tourism, air transport, trade, financial services, manufacturing, and alternative energy. In 2015, 70% of the UAE’s GDP came from non-oil sectors, including media, telecom, tourism, manufacturing, and commercial aviation.
Infrastructure Projects
The UAE boasts a substantial pipeline of transportation and road infrastructure projects. Firstly, there’s the $11 billion Etihad rail project. Moreover, there’s the proposed $5.9 billion hyperloop project connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, there’s the $2.7 billion Sheikh Zayed double-deck road project, and several others in progress.
Social Progress
Education and Healthcare
The UAE has made significant progress in education and healthcare. The country has a high literacy rate, with a literacy rate of 93.8%. Additionally, the UAE also has a well-developed healthcare system, with world-class hospitals and medical facilities.
Cultural Integration
The UAE is known for its cultural diversity and tolerance. The country has a rich cultural heritage and is home to people from different nationalities and ethnicities. The UAE has made significant efforts to promote cultural integration and understanding among its people. The National Day of UAE represents the culture of emirates.
Challenges Overcome
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Relations
The UAE is part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a political and economic alliance comprising six Middle Eastern nations: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Formed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May 1981, the GCC oversees collaborative efforts in various sectors. Moreover, the Ministry of Economy actively engages in GCC initiatives, participating in committees such as the GCC Summit, the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee, and ministerial and technical committees at different levels.
Diplomatic Challenges
The UAE has faced several diplomatic challenges over the years. These challenges range from differing political systems to tactical divides over managing the threat from Iran and the lack of progress on Palestinian issues. Firstly, the UAE has also undergone massive shifts in its foreign policy in the past two years. Moreover, these shifts have led to de-escalation and normalization of relations with four major and competing states in the region: Iran, Israel, Turkey, and Qatar. Additionally, the UAE has also improved relations with Syria.
Looking Ahead
Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/growth-strategies/uae-vision-2021-goals-the-new-rules-of-engagement/252691
Vision 2030
The UAE has set ambitious goals for the future through its Vision 2030 initiative. The initiative aims to position the UAE as a world leader in various fields and make its economy more sustainable and environment-friendly. Some of the key goals of Vision 2030 include:
Future Goals and Ambitions
- Increase the UAE’s GDP by 4 to 5 percent.
- Increase exports by about AED 24 to 25 billion.
- Reduction in the country’s emissions to less than 100 kilowatt-hours.
- Develop a 100 percent Emirati-made lunar rover and send it to the moon by 2024.
- Launch an interplanetary mission in 2028 to explore the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Sustainability Initiatives
The UAE has launched several sustainability initiatives to promote a greener and more sustainable future. These initiatives include:
- The UAE Green Agenda 2030: A long-term plan to achieve the goals of sustainable development in the UAE and make it’s economy more environment-friendly.
- The UAE Energy Strategy 2050: A comprehensive strategy to ensure a sustainable, efficient, and diversified energy sector in the UAE.
- The Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050: A strategy to provide 75 percent of Dubai’s total power output from clean energy sources by 2050.
- The Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy: A plan to shift 25 percent of Dubai’s entire transportation to autonomous mode by the year 2030.
Conclusion – National Day of UAE
As we reflect on the rich tapestry of the UAE’s history, it becomes evident that its journey from a collection of Trucial States to a thriving and dynamic nation is a story of resilience, vision, and collaboration. The visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum paved the way for the union of emirates, overcoming challenges and forging a shared destiny.
In addition, the celebration of the National Day of UAE serves not only as a commemoration of the historic union but also as a reminder of the country’s achievements and growth. From economic diversification and remarkable infrastructure projects to advancements in education, healthcare, and cultural integration, the UAE has set an inspiring example.
Looking ahead, the UAE’s Vision 2030 initiative outlines ambitious goals, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. With a focus on a greener future, the UAE is poised to continue its legacy as a global leader. As we stand on the precipice of a new era, the story of the UAE’s founding inspires us to envision a world where unity, progress, and sustainability shape our collective destiny.
