# UAE federation (1971): a new system that brought prosperity

> UAE federation (1971) built a system with no predecessor and became prosperous by riding a wave the world already backed.

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Last checked: 2026-11-12
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- **The wave:** the Gulf oil boom, plus Britain's decision to leave.
- **What was new:** seven sheikhdoms in one federation under a council of rulers; whatever isn't federal stays with each emirate.
- **How it united people:** Abu Dhabi and Dubai agreed first, then the others joined, each keeping its own powers.
- **Result:** the most diversified economy in the Gulf.

- [Wikipedia: United Arab Emirates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Arab_Emirates)


## How it stood up government on day one

Seven separate sheikhdoms, each with its own ruler, joined as one federation in under four years. Each kept control of its own land and resources. [History of the UAE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates)

**Why it matters:** separate territories, each with its own ruler, united in under four years and kept control of their own resources.

- **16 Jan 1968.** **Step:** Britain announces it will end its treaties with the Gulf sheikhdoms
- **18 Feb 1968.** **Step:** Rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai agree in principle to a union
- **27 Feb 1968.** **Step:** Nine-member federation announced, including Bahrain and Qatar
- **Oct 1969.** **Step:** Sheikh Zayed elected first president. Qatar withdraws and the nine-member plan ends
- **2 Dec 1971.** **Step:** Six emirates declare the UAE
- **10 Feb 1972.** **Step:** Ras Al Khaimah joins, making seven
- **Feb 1972.** **Step:** First federal budget, for housing, electricity, roads and communications

- **Federal design:** a provisional constitution set up five federal bodies: a Supreme Council of the rulers, a president, a cabinet, a Federal National Council and federal courts.
- **What stayed local:** each emirate kept sovereignty over its own territory and waters outside federal powers. Oil income stayed with each emirate. Abu Dhabi's oil money paid for schools, housing, hospitals and roads.
- **Qatar:** joined the 1968 to 1969 talks, then went on alone as its own state.

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