The Powers That Be and the UAE 101

The formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 2, 1971, was a defining moment in Middle Eastern history. While the official narrative often emphasizes local leadership and cooperation, a deeper look reveals the crucial role of British and Western influence in shaping this federation. This article explores the historical events that led to the creation of the UAE, the motivations of Western powers, and the geopolitical consequences that followed..

The Trucial States and British Control

Before the UAE's formation, the emirates were known as the Trucial States, a group of sheikhdoms that had signed treaties with Britain in the 19th century. These agreements aimed to protect British maritime trade routes from piracy while preventing European rivals from gaining influence in the Persian Gulf. In return, the sheikhdoms received British military protection and political oversight.

The British Withdrawal Announcement (1968)

In January 1968, Britain, struggling with financial strain and shifting global priorities, announced its decision to withdraw from its Gulf protectorates by 1971. This sudden move created a power vacuum in the region, raising concerns about political stability and control over vast oil reserves. Western nations, particularly Britain and the United States, saw an opportunity to influence the formation of a new political entity that would serve their strategic interests.

The Role of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

One of the most instrumental figures in the creation of the UAE was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi. As a pro-Western leader with a vision for unity, Sheikh Zayed worked alongside Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai to persuade other rulers to join a federation. Britain supported Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, seeing him as a reliable partner in maintaining regional stability and securing oil agreements.

Key Events Leading to the Federation

• The Failed Attempt to Form an Arab Gulf Federation (1968-1971)

• In response to Britain's withdrawal, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid proposed a federation of nine Gulf emirates, including Bahrain and Qatar. However, internal disputes and external pressures led Bahrain and Qatar to declare independence in 1971, leaving the remaining seven emirates to form the UAE.

• The Treaty of Friendship with Britain (December 1, 1971)

• A day before the UAE's official formation, Britain signed a Treaty of Friendship, ensuring continued cooperation in military and economic affairs. This treaty allowed Britain to maintain a presence in the region while formally relinquishing control over the Trucial States.

• The Invasion of Abu Musa and the Tunb Islands (November 30, 1971)

• Just two days before independence, Iran seized the islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs from the emirate of Sharjah. Despite protests, Britain and the UAE did not intervene, revealing the delicate power balance in the region and Western reluctance to challenge Iran at the time.

• Formation of the UAE and U.S. Recognition (December 2, 1971)

• On this day, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah signed the union agreement, officially forming the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined shortly after on February 10, 1972. The United States quickly recognized the new nation, securing future military and economic partnerships.

Western Motivations: Why the UAE Was Supported

The backing of the UAE's formation by Western powers was driven by multiple strategic interests:

• Control Over Oil Resources

• The Persian Gulf contains some of the world’s largest oil reserves. Ensuring that these resources remained under the control of friendly governments was crucial for Britain and the U.S., especially after the loss of influence in countries like Iraq and Libya.

• Countering Soviet and Arab Nationalist Influence

• During the Cold War, the Soviet Union sought alliances in the Middle East. The West supported the UAE to prevent the spread of socialist and nationalist movements (e.g., Nasserism in Egypt), which threatened Western oil interests.

• Maintaining Military Presence in the Gulf

• The UAE allowed the West to maintain military bases and naval access, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This presence helped secure oil shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supply.

• Preventing Regional Conflicts

• With neighboring Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq vying for dominance, Britain and the U.S. saw the UAE as a buffer state that could help prevent larger conflicts over Gulf resources and influence.

Geopolitical Consequences of the UAE's Formation

The UAE’s creation had lasting regional and global impacts:

• Rise of Abu Dhabi as an Oil Powerhouse: With Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, Abu Dhabi quickly became one of the wealthiest emirates, using oil revenue to modernize infrastructure and expand diplomatic influence.

• Western Military Expansion: The UAE became a key ally of the U.S. and NATO, hosting military bases and cooperating in Gulf security matters.

• Economic and Political Stability: Unlike many post-colonial states that struggled with instability, the UAE thrived due to its authoritarian yet development-focused leadership, benefiting Western corporate and military interests.

• Continued British and American Influence: While technically independent, the UAE remained closely aligned with Western interests in energy, trade, and security.

Conclusion

The formation of the UAE in 1971 was not merely a product of local unity but a carefully orchestrated event backed by British and Western interests. While the federation provided stability and economic prosperity to its people, it also ensured that Western powers retained strategic control over oil resources and military operations in the Gulf. Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, coupled with British and American support, created a nation that remains one of the most influential economic and political players in the Middle East today.