13 key moments in the UAE's history - in pictures

From the first performance of the National Anthem to the country's first astronaut, these images remind us of some pivotal events

Egyptian singer Najat Al Saghira performs in Abu Dhabi for the 1972 National Day celebrations, which saw the first performance of the UAE national anthem. Photo: Al Ittihad

The first Gulf Co-operation Council meeting at the InterContinental hotel in Abu Dhabi in 1981. Photo: Al Ittihad

Passengers board the inaugural Emirates flight in 1985. Photo: Emirates

Founding Father Sheikh Zayed flanked by Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip before a lunch at the Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi in February 1979. Getty Images

The UAE national football team during a training session at Imola in Italy before the World Cup first-round matches in May 1990. AFP

Jerry Bailey on Cigar celebrates after edging out Soul of the Matter to win the $4 million Dubai World Cup race in in March 1996. Horse of the Year Cigar claimed the $2.4 million first prize with its 14th consecutive victory. Allsport

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces at the time, joins Emirati officers during a training session in Canjuers, southern France, in July 1999, before their deployment in Kosovo. AFP

Leaders and officials at funeral prayers for Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, at Abu Dhabi's Sultan bin Zayed Mosque on November 3, 2004. AFP

Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family, returns to Dubai in August 2004 after winning a historic first gold medal during the Athens Olympics in the men's double trap shooting. AFP

Fans watch second practice round action from the main grandstand at Etihad Airways Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit, on October 30, 2009. Stephen Lock / The National

Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, lit by fireworks at the opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, officially opened the building, which is 828 metres tall. AFP

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a moment of silence at a Commemoration Day flag-raising ceremony at Wahat Al Karama, November 20, 2016. Photo: Crown Prince Court

Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri before boarding a Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station in September, 2019. EPA

We are less than 50 days away from December 2 – the date when we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of UAE's foundation.

As the country enters its sixth decade, we look back at just some of the many memorable moments in its history.

It is a story of achievement and progress, but it is one also marked by the sometimes-sobering responsibilities that come with life on the international stage.

So we celebrate winning gold at the Athens Olympics and reaching the finals of the 1990 World Cup, but mourn the 2004 passing of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father. At the Wahat Al Karama memorial we also reflect upon the sacrifices of those who served.

In these 50 years, the UAE has transformed from a country some would struggle to place on a map to an international destination of choice, thanks to landmarks like the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – and Emirates, one of the world’s favourite airlines.

With 50 days to go, here is a gallery of what has been, with the promise of much more to come.