[5] Prior to the formation of the UAE, the emirates were part of the Trucial States, a British protectorate established through truce treaties in 1820, 1853 and 1896.

[6] The UAE declared independence the day after the expiry of the treaties on 2 December, albeit without the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which had sided with Saudi Arabia in some of its disputes with the other emirates, and had grievances with the union for establishing relations with Iran despite its occupation of Abu Musa and the Lesser and Greater Tunbs.

[8] Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the federation's first president and is regarded as the country's founding father.

[10] People will usually dress up in UAE national flag colors and decorate their homes, workplaces, cars and streets to celebrate the day.

Downtown Dubai is often lit with fireworks while the Burj Khalifa displays the UAE flag.