1.1972: Ras Al Khaimah acceded to the new federation
Ras Al Khaimah became the seventh and final emirate to join the United Arab Emirates, following a brief period outside the federation after its establishment on December 2, 1971. In light of regional political and security developments, the emirate chose to accede to the new Union, officially joining on February 10, 1972. Its accession completed the seven-emirate federation and further strengthened the UAE’s unity and national framework.
2. 1972: The Federal National Council (FNC) meets for the first time
The Federal National Council (FNC) held its first session on February 13, 1972, marking a key milestone in building the young nation’s legislative framework. The meeting symbolised the start of organised parliamentary life in the UAE, bringing together representatives from all emirates. During this inaugural session, Thani bin Abdullah served as the first Speaker of the FNC, standing at the forefront as he guided the Council’s early proceedings. The event laid the foundation for the consultative and participatory governance model the UAE continues to uphold today.
3. 1973: Dirham was introduced 534 days after the formation of the UAE
The UAE introduced its national currency, the UAE Dirham, marking an important step in consolidating the country’s economic identity. The Dirham was issued 534 days after the formation of the Union, replacing the Qatar–Dubai Riyal and laying the groundwork for a unified monetary system. Its introduction strengthened financial stability and supported the young nation’s economic development and sovereignty.
4. 1981: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) formally launched in Abu Dhabi
The heads of state of the six Gulf littoral nations formally launched the Gulf Cooperation Council in the glittering hall of the InterContinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi. As they began a two-day summit, the Gulf leaders pledged to make the new regional organisation a foundation for deeper cooperation and a potential nucleus for greater unity among Arab nations.
5. 1982: Sheikh Zayed inaugurated multi-million-dollar petroleum industrial complex in Ruwais
Sheikh Zayed inaugurated the multi-million-dollar petroleum industrial complex in Ruwais, marking a major milestone in the UAE’s energy and industrial expansion. This strategic project strengthened the nation’s downstream capabilities and supported broader economic diversification. It also transformed what was once a remote desert area and small fishing headland into a major industrial hub vital to the national economy.
6. 1984: Dubai’s first onshore oil field inaugurate
Dubai’s first onshore Margham oil field was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s energy sector. The project expanded Dubai’s oil production capabilities beyond its offshore fields and strengthened its economic resources. The inauguration also underscored Dubai’s emerging role in the region’s petroleum industry during that period.
7. 1990: UAE football team plays its first FIFA World Cup in Italy
The UAE national football team made its debut at the FIFA World Cup in Italy, marking the country’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage. This historic participation highlighted the UAE’s growing presence in international sports and inspired a new generation of players and fans.
8. 1996: Permanent Constitution for the UAE
The UAE adopted its permanent constitution, replacing the provisional one in place since the formation of the union. The Constitution formalised the structure of the federal government, clarified the powers of the President, Supreme Council, and Federal National Council, and enshrined citizens’ rights and responsibilities. Its adoption marked a significant step in strengthening the legal and political foundations of the nation.
9. 2004: Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum wins UAE’s first Gold medal at the Olympics
Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum made history as the first Emirati to win an Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the individual double trap shooting event at the Athens Olympics. His achievement put the UAE on the global sports map and inspired a new era of athletic ambition in the country. This landmark victory remains a proud milestone in the nation’s sporting history.
10. 2006: Country’s first Federal National Council (FNC) elections held
The UAE held its first-ever Federal National Council (FNC) elections, marking a historic step in the nation’s political development. Citizens participated in selecting half of the Council’s members, enhancing public engagement in governance. This landmark event strengthened the UAE’s consultative system and underscored the country’s commitment to participatory governance.
11. 2009: DubaiSat-1 is the first UAE made satellite
DubaiSat-1 became the first satellite made by the UAE, marking a landmark achievement in the nation’s space program. Designed for Earth observation, it captured high-resolution images for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. Among its earliest transmissions was a view of Palm, one of the first publicly released images that confirmed the satellite’s successful operation.
12. 2009: Dubai Metro, the first public mass-transit system in the region launched
The Dubai Metro, the first public mass-transit system in the region, was launched, marking a transformative moment for urban transportation in the UAE. The fully automated, driverless network connected key areas across the city, easing traffic congestion and providing a modern, efficient alternative for commuters. Its inauguration highlighted Dubai’s commitment to smart infrastructure and sustainable urban development.
13. 2010: Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper inaugurated
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper, was officially inaugurated, symbolising Dubai’s emergence as a global city and hub for innovation. Standing at 828 metres, it set new records in engineering and architecture, attracting worldwide attention. The inauguration highlighted the UAE’s ambition, economic progress, and vision for modern urban development, becoming an iconic landmark and a major driver for tourism and investment in the region.
14. 2014: Major Mariam Al Mansouri becomes the first female fighter pilot
Major Mariam Al Mansouri made history as the first female fighter pilot from the UAE, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her achievement highlighted the growing role of Emirati women in the military and other sectors, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, and defence. Major Al Mansouri’s pioneering success became a symbol of progress, empowerment, and gender equality in the UAE.
15. 2019: Emirati Space dream takes off, Hazza in Orbit
UAE’s space ambitions reached a historic milestone when astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansouri became the first Emirati to travel to space. Launched aboard a Soyuz spacecraft, he spent eight days aboard the International Space Station, conducting scientific experiments and representing the UAE on a global stage. His journey symbolised the nation’s growing achievements in space exploration and inspired a new generation of Emiratis to pursue careers in science, technology, and space research.
16. 2021: UAE rockets into elite Mars club: Hope Probe’s historic arrival in Mars’ Orbit
The UAE made history by becoming the first Arab nation to reach Mars with the successful arrival of the Hope Probe in the planet’s orbit. The mission, a landmark achievement for the UAE Space Program, provided valuable scientific data about Mars’ atmosphere and demonstrated the nation’s growing capabilities in advanced space exploration. Its success cemented the UAE’s role as a pioneering force in regional and global space research.
17. 2021: The World Comes Home: Dubai Expo 2020 inaugurated
Dubai Expo 2020 was officially inaugurated, marking a historic moment as the world gathered in the UAE to celebrate innovation, culture, and collaboration. Despite being postponed due to global challenges, the event successfully showcased Dubai’s ability to host a global mega-event, attracting millions of visitors and participants from around the world. The Expo highlighted the UAE’s vision, infrastructure excellence, and role as a hub for international cooperation and creativity.
18. 2022: Growing wheat in the desert: Sharjah Ruler sows seeds at a massive wheat farm in Mleiha
The Ruler of Sharjah inaugurated a groundbreaking initiative in Mleiha, which later stretched across 1,900 hectares, transforming arid desert into fertile farmland. Surrounded by rugged mountains, what was once a vast expanse of barren land has become lush green fields, forming huge circular patterns. This project not only defied earlier predictions that wheat could not grow in the desert, but also showcased innovative agricultural practices and the UAE’s commitment to food security, proving that even harsh desert environments can be made productive through vision and technology.
19. 2023: UAE realises Arab Dream: Sultan AlNeyadi blast off into space in historic six-month mission at the ISS
The UAE realised a historic milestone in its Arab space ambitions as astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi blasted off on a six-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). During this mission, he became the first Arab to perform a spacewalk, marking a landmark achievement in the region’s space history. AlNeyadi’s mission demonstrated the UAE’s advanced scientific and technological capabilities and inspired a new generation of Emiratis to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
20. 2025: A symbol for Dirham: UAE unveils new dirham symbol inspired by national flag
The UAE unveiled a new symbol for the dirham, inspired by the colours and design of the national flag. The symbol represents the nation’s economic identity and modern financial vision, making the dirham instantly recognisable globally. Its introduction reinforces the UAE’s commitment to innovation and national pride in its currency and financial system.
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