Before the 1970s, the seven emirates under the UAE were separate states in the Persian Gulf, who fought against each other. Some traded spices, pearls and perfumes while the others smuggled them.
By the 1820s, the British became a major trading power in this region. To avoid competition, they made the emirs sign a truce. They stopped warfare among themselves in return for the protection offered by the British.
In 1971 the emirs of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain joined under the banner of the United Arab Emirates and gained independence. Ras Al Khaimah later joined the emirates in 1972.
Picture Credit : Google