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