Argoub Al Sedirah

Argoub Al Sedirah is a hill on the Seih Al Sedirah plain near the town of Semeih. It is right where the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi meets in the United Arab Emirates.

On January 18, 1968, an important meeting happened there. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the leader of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai, met to discuss forming a union. At that time, the area was called the Trucial States. Their meeting helped create the United Arab Emirates.

Argoub Al Sedirah is one of three important places remembered for helping form the nation. The other two are Union House and Al Khawaneej Farm. These places are celebrated for their role in building the United Arab Emirates.

Background

See also: Trucial States and Foundation of the United Arab Emirates

The Trucial States were areas in Southeastern Arabia protected by the United Kingdom. They signed agreements in 1820, 1853, and 1892. These agreements let Britain defend them in return for special rights.

Some areas joined or left the group over time. In 1952, Fujairah became part of the group, and Kalba joined Sharjah.

In 1952, a council was created to manage development money from Britain.

In 1967, Britain decided to leave the area. This worried the leaders because they had found oil and feared attacks from nearby countries. They asked Britain to stay, but Britain refused.

Meeting

On 18 February 1968, important leaders from Abu Dhabi and Dubai met at a tent on Argoub Al Sedira. They talked about issues between their areas. After long discussions, they agreed on the border between their lands and decided to form a group together. They invited other nearby areas to join as well.

Later meetings included all the leaders of the area, and finally, the United Arab Emirates was founded on 2 December 1972. Some important talks happened at a farm in Dubai before this.