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The Trucial States

The Trucial States was the name the British government gave to a group of tribal confederations in south eastern Arabia which had been known as the 'Pirate Coast". The name derived from the territories whose principal sheikhs had signed protective treaties (truces) with the British government from 1820 until 1892. The Trucial States Council was a forum for the leaders of the emirates to meet, presided over by the British. The first meetings took place in 1952, one in the spring and one in autumn, and this set a pattern for meetings in future years. The Council was purely consultative and had no written constitution and no policy making powers, it provided more than anything a forum for the Rulers to exchange views and agree common approaches. By 1958, committees were set up to advise on public health, agriculture and education, but the Council had no funding until 1965, when the chairmanship moved from the British to one of the Rulers, the first chairman being Shaikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah. This allowed the setting up of the Development fund to support the ideas.Activate: The Trucial States Established in 1951 the Trucial Scouts had British and other officers from Arab countries and consisted of fewer than 100 men. Its main base was at Sharjah Airport. It was formed by the British government to serve the local rulers along with the newly formed local police force. Its role was to preserve the law and protect the country from attack. The local recruits received the benefits of a regular salary, basic training and education. Many went on to become high-ranking officers over the years. By 1955, they had 500 soldiers organized into 3 Rifle Squadrons. By 1964 had 1324 soldiers organised into 5 Rifle Squadrons, I Group [equipped with machine guns and Mortars] a I Signals Squadron, a Motor Transport Squadron, a Medical Centre, a Workshop, a Boys Squadron, a Boys School and Training Depot. They were equipped with armoured cars, British weapons, Landover's and Bedford trucks. On formation of United Arab Emirates [ U.A.E.] in 1971 there were 2500 regular military personnel. Ad by 1975 had 3250 regular military personnel organised in 6 Mobile Squadrons an Air Detachment with 7 helicopters, and they were also equipped with Scorpion Light Tanks and Ferret Armored Cars The United Arab Emirates Armed Forces now has over 100000 military personnel.