As the UAE celebrates its Golden Jubilee, we look back at some of the key moments in The Emirates’ history, from then until now.
1971
The creation of the United Arab Emirates. His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum with rulers of Emirates came. Together to hoist the UAE flag which still stands today. The rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain proclaimed the creation of the new state.
The creation of the United Arab Emirates. His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum with rulers of Emirates came. Together to hoist the UAE flag which still stands today. The rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain proclaimed the creation of the new state.
1973
The UAE dirham is introduced as the currency of the United Arab Emirates.
1976
The UAE Armed Forces was formed, uniting each of the Emirates to create one army
1979
The UAE’s first tower Dubai Trade Centre is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
1985
Emirates Airline is launched. The first flight took off from Dubai and landed in Karachi, Pakistan.
1999
The Burj Al Arab hotel opens in Dubai, making it the world’s first 7 star hotel.
2004
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan becomes President of the UAE.
2006
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum becomes Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
2005
Emirates Palace Hotel opens in Abu Dhabi.
2007
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens in Abu Dhabi
2010
The Burj Khalifa opens in Dubai and becomes the world’s tallest building.
2013
Dubai wins its bid to host the World expo in 2020.
2017
Louvre Abu Dhabi opens as the region’s first international art gallery and the first time the Louvre has opened outside of Paris.
2019
Pope Francis visits the UAE for the first time in a historic meeting with the country’s leaders.
2019
The UAE makes history as astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori becomes the first Emirati astronaut to enter space.
