HISTORIC TIMELINE
1500Portuguese Arrival
The Portuguese arrive in the region, establishing bases during their conflicts with the Persians.
19th centuryBritish Intervention
Piracy leads to British intervention, forming the Trucial States as a protectorate.
1971Independence
The United Arab Emirates gains full independence from British influence.
1971First President
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan becomes the first president of the UAE.
2004End of Zayed's Presidency
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passes away after a long presidency from 1971 to 2004.