1760 – The Baniyas Tribe finds fresh water in Abu Dhabi and settles on the island

1761 – A watchtower was built to protect the Abu Dhabi fresh water.

1793 – The watchtower later expanded to a small fort called “Old Fort” (also known as the Al Hosn Palace / White Fort), then developed as the residence of ruling family.

1835 – Maritime Truce signed between the Trucial States and Britain

1897 – Abu Dhabi falls under the protection of Britain

1958 – Oil is found and production begins on Das Island

1961 – Abu Dhabi’s first paved road is constructed

1962 – Abu Dhabi begins exporting oil

1966 – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan becomes ruler of Abu Dhabi

1971 – Britain withdraws from the Arabian Gulf. The United Arab Emirates is born, with HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the leader. The UAE joins the Arab League.

1973 – The UAE launches a single currency, the UAE dirham

1981 – The GCC is formed, with the UAE as a founding member

1986 – Abu Dhabi Duty Free opens at Abu Dhabi International Airport

2003 – Etihad, Abu Dhabi’s official airline, is launched

2004 – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan dies and is succeeded as ruler of the UAE by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

2005 – Emirates Palace Hotel construction completes and the hotel opens to the public

2005 – Abu Dhabi announces that it will open a licensed branch of the Louvre on Saadiyat Island

2006 – Announcement of Abu Dhabi Metro Project  to be completed by 2015.

2007 – Abu Dhabi announces its own F1 Grand Prix, to be held for the first time in 2009

2007 – Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque (Grand Mosque) opens

2008 – Metered taxi operation regulated, by phasing out old gold colour taxis with silver colour taxis.

2008 – Department of Transport introduces public bus transport service in Abu Dhabi.

2009 – Yas Marina Circuit, hosts Abu Dhabi’s first Formula 1 race on Yas Island

2010 – Ferrari World opened on Yas Island

2013 – Yas Waterworld opened on Yas Island