1972: Ras Al Khaimah joins the United Arab Emirates, now making up seven emirates.

1972: Ras Al Khaimah joins the United Arab Emirates, now making up seven emirates.

The history of Ras Al Khaimah's accession to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1972 is a critical event in the formation of the nation as we know it today. This moment marked the final step in the unification of the seven emirates that now form the UAE, a process that began in the 1960s. Ras Al Khaimah’s entry into the UAE was a significant milestone that helped shape the modern political, economic, and cultural landscape of the region.

Pre-1971 Context: The Trucial States

To understand Ras Al Khaimah’s accession, it is important to examine the political and historical context leading up to the formation of the UAE. Prior to the 1970s, the area that now constitutes the UAE was known as the Trucial States, a group of sheikhdoms along the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. These territories were under British protection from the 19th century onwards, formalized through a series of treaties called the "Trucial States" agreements. The British acted as protectors of these coastal sheikhdoms, managing foreign relations and providing security in exchange for their political loyalty.

In the mid-20th century, as the British Empire began to retract its colonial presence in the Middle East, these sheikhdoms sought to forge their own political identities. A new regional initiative began to take shape, aimed at creating a political and economic union that could secure the interests of the region. The idea was to establish a unified federation of emirates, which would have greater international leverage and stronger economic prospects.

The Formation of the UAE: 1971

The initial stages of unification began in the early 1960s. After the British decision to withdraw from the Gulf in 1968 was officially announced, the rulers of several emirates began exploring the idea of a federation. The first breakthrough came in 1971, when six emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah—came together to form the United Arab Emirates. This union was formalized on December 2, 1971, which became the UAE's National Day.

However, Ras Al Khaimah, located on the northernmost part of the UAE, was not initially part of the union. Despite the other six emirates forming the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, led by its ruler Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, chose not to join the federation at first. The reasons for Ras Al Khaimah’s reluctance were based on a variety of political, economic, and historical factors.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Initial Reluctance

Ras Al Khaimah's decision not to join the UAE in 1971 stemmed from several concerns. One of the primary reasons was related to the power dynamics within the proposed union. The rulers of Ras Al Khaimah, particularly Sheikh Saqr, were wary of the influence that the larger and wealthier emirates, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai, would wield in the new federal structure. Ras Al Khaimah had a history of political independence and wanted to retain a significant degree of sovereignty.

Additionally, Ras Al Khaimah was also concerned about the future of its political and economic identity. The emirate had its own well-established traditions, and its ruler, Sheikh Saqr, feared that joining the UAE would diminish his authority and the local autonomy of Ras Al Khaimah. Economic considerations also played a role in the decision. While Ras Al Khaimah had potential for growth, it was not as wealthy as some of the other emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi, which had massive oil reserves. Sheikh Saqr was cautious about the economic dependence that might arise from joining a larger, oil-rich federation.

Despite these concerns, Ras Al Khaimah’s leadership did not completely close the door to the possibility of joining the union. There were diplomatic discussions, and over time, the benefits of becoming part of a larger political and economic entity became more apparent.

The Key Role of Sheikh Zayed

In the early 1970s, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi and the first president of the UAE, played a pivotal role in encouraging Ras Al Khaimah to join the union. As the leader of the UAE’s most powerful emirate, Sheikh Zayed had a strong desire for national unity and sought to include Ras Al Khaimah as part of the UAE. He was a skilled diplomat and understood the importance of convincing the rulers of Ras Al Khaimah that the union would benefit their emirate both politically and economically.

Sheikh Zayed’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring that Ras Al Khaimah did not remain outside the union for too long. His personal diplomacy and ability to build consensus among the various emirates was crucial to the success of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed was also highly regarded for his inclusive approach to governance, and he worked to make Ras Al Khaimah feel welcome in the UAE without undermining its unique identity.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Accession to the UAE: February 10, 1972

The final breakthrough came in February 1972, when Ras Al Khaimah officially joined the UAE. This decision was largely driven by the realization that the benefits of joining a united federation outweighed the potential risks. Ras Al Khaimah would still retain its sovereignty in many domestic matters, but it would benefit from the collective strength of the union in foreign relations, security, and economic development.

The accession of Ras Al Khaimah marked the completion of the UAE’s unification. With its inclusion, the UAE became a fully united federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. This unification not only brought political stability to the region but also set the stage for rapid economic development.

Post-Accession Developments

Following its accession to the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has benefited from the union in various ways. While it is the smallest of the emirates in terms of population and economy, Ras Al Khaimah has played an important role in the UAE’s overall development. The emirate is known for its industrial base, particularly cement manufacturing, ceramics, and construction materials, which has contributed to the UAE’s diversification away from oil dependence.

Ras Al Khaimah’s strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz also provides it with significant geopolitical importance, contributing to the UAE’s role in regional and global affairs. The emirate’s leadership, particularly under Sheikh Saqr, continued to play a central role in shaping the UAE’s domestic and foreign policy.

Conclusion

The decision of Ras Al Khaimah to join the UAE in 1972 was a defining moment in the history of the Emirates. The unification of the seven emirates created a powerful, stable, and prosperous nation that continues to be a leading economic and political force in the Middle East. While the initial reluctance of Ras Al Khaimah was based on concerns about political autonomy and economic independence, the eventual decision to join the UAE proved to be a wise one. The emirate’s accession not only completed the union but also helped to solidify the UAE’s position as a unified nation capable of navigating the challenges of the modern world. Ras Al Khaimah’s story is a testament to the importance of diplomacy, leadership, and vision in the creation of a successful political union.

Photo from iStock

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