NATIONAL DAY 2015
Happy 44th National Day UAE!
Photo: Ramesh Shukla
Source: National Archives, UAE
UAE Historical Fact File
All the emirates were originally known as
Trucial States of the Persian Gulf, which
is a name derived from the many ‘truces’
(treaties) that they had with each other.
The history of the UAE, however, goes
much further back. We will touch briefly on
some of the important milestones prior to
the formation of the federation of the UAE.
The Occupations: The Portuguese, Dutch
and British Eras
O
and Prime Minister of the UAE
and Ruler of Dubai, “May God
protect him”, HH General Sheikh
Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and
Deputy Supreme Commander
of the Armed Forces, “May God
protect him”, and their brothers,
rulers of the emirates of Sharjah,
Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al
Quwain and Ajman, Highnesses
and the people of the United Arab
Emirates on the occasion of the
UAE’s 44th anniversary.
n December 2, 1971, the
federation of the United
Arab Emirates became a
reality for Emiratis. Under
the guidance of HH Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah
bestow mercy upon him) and the
other esteemed Rulers from the
various Emirates, Emiratis are able
to celebrate a nation rich in culture,
industry and keen on continued
growth and progress.
As expatriates, many of us
have witnessed first hand the
exponential growth and numerous
achievements that the UAE has
had over the years. We join with
our Emirati colleagues, business
partners, friends and associates in
celebrating the 44th National Day.
To commemorate this milestone,
Teach UAE Magazine is sharing with
you a few highlights that exemplify
the pride of this great nation. This
special feature includes short
profiles and quotes on education
from the leaders, snapshots of
the emirates, commentaries from
citizens and among other great
offerings.
Our sincere congratulations to HH
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of the UAE and Ruler
of Abu Dhabi, “May God protect
him”, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President
، لديك44تهنئة بمناسبة الذكرى ال
!اإلمارات العربية المتحدة
36 | Nov - Dec 2015 |
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National Day Feature
The Portuguese era started in the late 15th
century with the Lusitanian crown’s desire to
control the extremely lucrative commerce
of the Indian Ocean, particularly the spice
trade, by wresting it from the Muslim
merchants who controlled it. Portuguese
expansion in the Indian Ocean started with
their campaigns in Africa’s western littoral
south of the Sahara, for procuring goods
and slaves. The voyage of Bartolomeu Dias
around Africa’s southern tip in 1487-1488
represented the penultimate act in a chain
of chronological events.
Portuguese Penetration in the region is
characterised by three stages:
• Stage 1: 1500 to the end of Affonso de
Albuquerque’s governorship in 1515, they
wrestled their way into the Indian Ocean
and the Gulf of Oman and established
themselves by force of arms.
• Stage 2: 1515 to about 1560, the
viceroyalty of Goa reached the height of its
seapower and was able to enforce a semimonopoly in the pepper and spice trade.
• Stage 3: This stage saw a decline of
Portuguese power as a result of indigenous
and external power from other European
powers.
Descriptions and old drawings of
several Portuguese fortresses that were
established at Dibba, Bidiya, Khor Fakkan
and Kalba, which are today parts of the
UAE, still exist.