History of the Nonagon Union

The End of Portuguese Influence

• The Al Qawasim tribe ended the Portuguese existence in the Arabian Gulf in 1766 AD.

Resistance Against External Powers

• The Al Qawasim and the Bani Yas tribes were known for forming resistance against external powers in the Emirates.

Britain's Presence in the Region

• The Persian Gulf Residency affair led to Britain calling for a series of agreements to reinforce its presence in the region.

Founding of the UAE

• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan played a crucial role in establishing the UAE as a sovereign nation.
• Britain announced its decision to end the treaty relationships with the seven Emirates in 1968.

Discussions on Union

• Sheikh Zayed met Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1968 to discuss the idea of the union at a meeting in Sheikh Zayed's home in Abu Dhabi.

Names of Emirates

• Sharjah is also known as Al Shariqa, which means 'orient' or 'east'.
• Dubai is famous for being the Capital of Islamic Finance.
• Abu Dhabi forms the largest percentage of the total area of the UAE and is significant due to its oil resources.
• Ras Al Khaimah was formerly known as Jalfar.
• Fujairah's name is derived from the Arabic word 'fujaireh', meaning 'tranquil'.

Historical Figures and Events

• Albuquerque and Afonso de Albuquerque were historical figures responsible for committing atrocities against Arabs and Muslims in the region.
• The Portuguese burned and destroyed many assets belonging to Arabs in the region during their presence.
• The main reason for Europeans to look to the Portuguese for alternate trade routes was the abolition of land routes linking Europe to India by the Ottoman Empire.

Cultural Heritage

• Ajman is recognized for its cultural heritage and real estate projects.
• Umm al-Quwain is named after the Arabic word 'um al-qawain', meaning 'mother of two powers'.

Traditional Emirati Attire

• The 'abaya' is a traditional Emirati attire specifically designed to cover a woman's figure.

Emirati Culture

• A 'majlis' in Emirati culture serves as a gathering place for social events and meetings.

Industry and Economy

• Ajman is known for having one of the biggest medicine factories in the Arab region.

Formation of the UAE

• Some Arab countries were against the union of the Emirates due to fears of loss of independence.
• The reason for the failure of the Nonagon Union was the inability of its members to agree on a unified government.
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the first President of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
• Sheikh Rashid bin Said al Maktoum assumed the role of Vice-President in 1971.
• Ras Al Khaimah was the last emirate to join the United Arab Emirates.
• The government type of the United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven Emirates.