United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi > Abu Zaby, United Arab Emirates

Untitled Petroleum is discovered in 1958 at the submarine field of Umm ash-Shayf, about 75 miles (125 km) offshore at a depth of almost 9,000 feet (2,750 m), in territorial waters belonging to Abu Dhabi, which begins to export offshore oil in 1962. In 1961, the British had set up a separate agency in Abu Dhabi town for Abu Dhabi affairs only. In 1966, Sheikh Shakhbut ibn Sultan, ruler of Abu Dhabi since 1928, is deposed in favor of his younger brother Zayd ibn Sultan, former governor of the Abu Dhabi-controlled portion of al-Buraymi oasis. By 1967, the UAE has joined OPEC.

by Jeff Moran