People lived on the southeastern coast of the Persian Gulf and northwestern Ottoman Gulf more than 125 thousand years ago In 1820, the territory of what is now the United Arab Emirates, with its warring Aboriginal tribes, became a British colony At the beginning of the twentieth century The indigenous population began to fight for independence with representatives of the metropolis In 1968, the British colonialists left the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, which served as a signal for the formation of a federation consisting of six monarchies It included Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm al-Qwain and Sharjah These six Arab emirates united in 1971, forming a state ruled by the first president of the Al Nahyan family, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Abu Dhabi became the capital of the country The state that issued the Declaration of Independence had its own constitution, flag and anthem This landmark event for the indigenous Arab population became the reason for the establishment of a national holiday UAE Independence Day is celebrated annually on December 2 Ras al-Khaimah, the seventh emirate, was incorporated into the federation in February 1972, completing its formation Today, the UAE is the largest oil exporter and a global financial center, a state with a diversified economy, developed tourism and trade The per capita GDP in this richest country is $766 thousand UAE citizens receive land as a gift from the state at birth, do not pay personal income tax, as well as water and electricity, and have access to free medical care, secondary and higher education The philosopher Plato said: “Hard times give birth to strong people” The history of the UAE today is a period of prosperity of the state and the wealth of its citizens, which was the result of the work of their ancestors Residents of the country are proud of the common past of the seven emirates, which was marked by a fierce struggle for independence, and value social guarantees and a high standard of living Therefore, UAE National Day is the most important holiday for every UAE citizen In honor of the celebration, the streets of cities and villages, houses and cars are decorated with state flags and garlands of its four colors The owner of the most unusually decorated car receives a prize in the form of a large cash reward According to tradition, a performance is organized at the capital's Zayed Sports City stadium on Independence Day Concerts, air shows, regattas and car races are held throughout the country The main event of the holiday, which lasts two days, is the ceremonial raising of the national flag On December 2 and 3, the evening sky of Dubai and other emirates is illuminated with colorful fireworks The launch of fireworks concludes the events, which demonstrate the strength of unity among the citizens of the seven emirates, who have lived in peace and harmony for 50 years