Argoub Al Sedirah

Argoub Al Sedirah is a hill located on the Seih Al Sedirah plain near the town of Semeih, right where the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi meets in the United Arab Emirates. This special place holds great importance in the country's history.

On January 18, 1968, a very 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, came together to discuss and agree on forming a union. At that time, the area was known as the Trucial States. Their meeting was a key step toward creating the United Arab Emirates as we know it today.

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

Background

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

The Trucial States were a group of areas in Southeastern Arabia that became protected by the United Kingdom after some sea fights. They signed agreements in 1820, 1853, and 1892, which let Britain defend them in exchange for special rights.

Later, some areas joined or left this group. In 1952, Fujairah became part of the group, and Kalba joined Sharjah.

In 1952, a council was created, but it only managed development money from Britain.

In 1967, Britain decided to leave the area and pull its soldiers out. This worried the leaders of the Trucial States 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 set up on Argoub Al Sedira. They talked about many issues between their areas, which had not always been friendly to each other. 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.