First, there was sand...

THEN... UAE!!

Pre 19th Century
Early UAE
Several nomadic tribes occupy the area. Trading forts are created around areas of importance such as the well on Abu Dhabi island with Qasr Al Hosn
1820
Trucial States are formed
A treaty was signed between the British Government and the Sheikhs of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah. This area of the Gulf Coast became known as the Trucial Coast
1966
Sheikh Zayed becomes the ruler of Abu Dhabi
1968

British PM orders the beginning of the withdrawal of British forces

1971
United Arab Emirates is formed
On 2 December 1971, the UAE was founded as a federation. Six of the seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah) were unified on the first national day. The seventh, Ras al Khaimah, joined the federation on 10 February 1972.
1986
Sheikh Zayed Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan is re-elected as UAE president - his fourth term
1996
The UAE celebrates its 25th National Day and Sheikh Zayed's 30th anniversary as Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
1999
Burj Al Arab Opens.
2007
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens.
2010
The Burj Khalifa opens as the tallest building in the world.
2017
The Louvre opens in Abu Dhabi.
2021
The UAE celebrates its 50th National Day