British Influence in the Southern Arabian Gulf

Established in the 1830s by Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti, this emirate grew in prominence under Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher al Maktoum.

This state was founded in the 18th century by Sheikh Rahma bin Matar al-Qasimi.

In 1866, upon the death of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr al-Qasimi, the ruler of the Qawasim state, his territory was divided into these two emirates.

The Qawasim were forced to relinquish parts of Iran, retaining these islands.

This system of communication via the Arabian Gulf and India helped expand the economy.

Dubai gained importance as a key port along this route connecting Britain to India.

Dalma, an island, was known for its production and trade of pearls, attracting merchants from India.

These treaties, signed between the British and the rulers of the region starting in the 1830s, influenced the political landscape and regional dynamics.

The British sought to establish their dominance in the Southern Arabian Gulf by controlling trade and shipping routes, perceiving the Qawasim's growing influence and economic power as a threat to their aspirations.

The Qawasim's powerful navy, comprising over 60 vessels and 15,000 sailors, posed a significant challenge to British naval power in the region. The British attributed this challenge to 'piracy,' which was later revealed to be a fabricated justification for their control over trade.

The Bani Yas and Qawasim, two powerful tribes, consolidated their influence across the UAE during the 19th century, forging alliances with the British Empire who aimed to extend their control in the region.

A series of treaties signed between the British and the UAE during the 1830s onwards, culminating in the Perpetual Maritime Truce in 1853 and the Exclusive Treaty in 1892, established a period of peace at sea and restricted influence of other European powers in the region. These agreements led to the UAE being recognized as the 'Trucial States'.

Signifying the end of conflicts at sea, the Perpetual Maritime Truce (1853) ensured peace and stability in the region, paving the way for further collaborations between the Trucial States and the British.

Sheikh Shakbout bin Dhiyab and his sons held dominion over Abu Dhabi from 1795 to 1845. His grandson, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa al-Nahyan, ruled from 1855 to 1909, making him the longest-reigning ruler in Abu Dhabi's history.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa al-Nahyan's grandson, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, later became the founding father of the UAE, emphasizing the lineage and significant role of the Al Nahyan family in the region.

By the late 19th century, Abu Dhabi emerged as a dominant power in southeastern Arabia. Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa al-Nahyan established Qasr al-Hosn as his center of power, where he conducted traditional council meetings (majlis) with tribal leaders and resolved disputes, showcasing his leadership and governance of the Emirate.