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Before the UAE was formed in 1971, the seven emirates were separate sheikdoms. Each issued its own stamps, which were used for sending letters, though some were specifically created for collectors. Known as the Trucial States under British protection, the region initially used British Indian stamps for postal services. Later, British overprinted stamps featuring the names of individual emirates were used.

The decision to form the UAE was made on 18 July 1971, and the federation was officially founded on 1 August 1972. However, the first UAE postage stamps were not issued until 1 January 1973. Let’s explore these stamps and the seven sheikdoms that united to form the UAE!

The Seven Sheikdoms

The seven sheikdoms that make up the UAE, and the dates they started issuing stamps, are:

• Abu Dhabi (1964)
• Dubai (1963)
• Sharjah (1963)
• Ajman (1964)
• Umm Al-Quwain (1964)
• Fujairah (1964)
• Ras Al Khaimah (1964)

Each of these sheikdoms was ruled by a sheikh (a leader), and they each created their own stamps to send mail and, in some cases, to attract collectors. These stamps were mostly used for two reasons:

• Functional Stamps: These were used for sending mail and usually showed pictures of the ruling sheikhs and important symbols, like falcons and desert landscapes.
• Thematic and Wallpaper Stamps: Many of the sheikdoms, especially the smaller ones like Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain, produced stamps mainly for collectors rather than for use on mail. These stamps, often called "wallpaper stamps," featured fun themes like space exploration, animals, or famous people. They were mass-produced in large quantities. While these stamps were popular with collectors, they didn’t really reflect the culture or history of the sheikdoms. Though they helped the sheikdoms earn money, they weren’t always taken seriously by philatelists (stamp collectors) because they weren’t used for sending letters and lacked cultural significance.

Why Did This Unification Occur?

The unification of the UAE in 1971 was driven by the need for stronger security, economic stability, and better management of resources, particularly oil. With the British withdrawal from the region, the sheikdoms recognised the importance of combining forces to ensure greater stability and influence. Additionally, the creation of a unified postal system helped simplify communication and trade, which had been complicated by the separate postal services in each sheikdom. By uniting, the sheikdoms were able to strengthen their position both regionally and internationally.

Did You Know?

• An emirate is a place ruled by a leader called an “emir.” The word "emir" comes from Arabic and means “commander” or “prince.” So an emirate is like a kingdom or a state, but instead of a king or governor, it has an emir in charge.
• A 1982 UAE stamp (see below) shows the national emblem with a golden falcon, known as the Hawk of Quraish. The falcon holds the UAE flag in its talons—an uncommon detail not seen in the official emblem. On its chest is a red disk depicting a traditional Arab sailboat surrounded by a chain. The falcon’s seven tail feathers represent the seven Emirates that make up the federation. This earlier version of the emblem was used until it was redesigned in 2008.
• The two 1990 UAE stamps (see below) feature a Saker Falcon perched on a traditional falconry stand known as a wakir . This padded stand allows the falcon to rest comfortably between flights. The Saker Falcon is a powerful symbol of Emirati heritage, reflecting the long-standing tradition of falconry in the region.
• The name “United Arab Emirates” in Arabic is written as الإمارات العربية المتحدة, as shown on the 2009 stamp below:

  الإمارات means "The Emirates"

  العربية means "Arab" or "Arabic"

  المتحدة means "United"

  Arabic is read and written from right to left, so the text flows in the opposite direction compared to English.

Issued 1982: UAE National Coat of Arms Series - 125 fils. The national coat of arms with the flag of the UAE.

Issued 1990: Saker Falcon Definitive Series - 125 fils, Falco cherrug.

Issued 1990: Saker Falcon Definitive Series - 250 fils, Falco cherrug.

Issued 2009: Falcon Definitive Series - 2 AED (United Arab Emirates dirham).