On this day December 2, the Emirates legend has started. It was announced by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the federation's first president, in 1971. At first, the rulers of six emirates; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, Sharjah and Ajman agreed to establish the union and formed an interim constitution that defined the state's regulations and objectives. On February 10, 1972, Ras Al-Khaimah emirate joined the federation forming the current modern country. The seven Emirates with their full potential integrated gradually, making leaps of development over years reflected on its political, security and social stability as well as a sophisticated infrastructure achieved by the economic and financial strategies pursued by their leaders. Every year the government of Dubai organizes a wide range of activities for the entire family, celebrating the great occasion. The formation of the Union Until the 1960s, there was no such thing as the United Arab Emirates, but merely random tribes occupied by Britain. In 1968, the British Foreign Minister announced that his country would not withdraw from its bases in the seven emirates, but six months later, the same minister announced a sudden withdrawal from the British military bases of the UAE territory. At that time, Sheikh Zayed was the ruler of Abu Dhabi emirate. He led a major development revolution in the emirate, employing the oil revenues to establish the state institutions and modern educational system for the first time in the region. He built new roads and launched social housing projects, in addition to other achievements that have changed the features of Abu Dhabi. In parallel, Zayed called for the unification under the United Arab Emirates, and launched a world tour that included USA, France, China and Sweden to help him in building the state. In 1971, the flag of the UAE was raised for the first time marking the country's formal nationalization, and Zayed was elected as the first president. Egypt was one of the first countries that recognized the new union. During the 1973 Egypt-Israel War, Zayed adopted a notable position, when he initiated the "first oil price shock" as an effective method of pressure on UN resolutions concerning the conflict. "Arab blood is more precious than Arab oil," said Zayed, a phrase that summarized his strong stand and appreciation for the region. Zayed supported Egypt during the Camp David Accord. He said once "We cannot be an Arab nation without the presence of Egypt, and Egypt cannot dispense the Arab nation." After the October war, he helped in the reconstruction of the Suez Canal cities which were destroyed by Israel in 1967 War. Dozens of cities in Egypt were named after Zayed, marking his vital role in the region.
