<P> Further political issues surfaced as a result of Bahrain attempting to impose a leading role in the nine - state union, as well as the emergence of a number of differences between the rulers of the Trucial Coast, Bahrain and Qatar, the latter two being in a long - running dispute over the Hawar Islands . While Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Rashid, had a strong connection to the Qatari ruling family, including the royal intermarriage of his daughter with the son of the Qatari emir, the relationship between Abu Dhabi and Dubai (also cemented by intermarriage, Rashid's wife was a member of Abu Dhabi's ruling family) was to endure the break - up of the talks with both Bahrain and Qatar . Overall, there were only four meetings between the nine rulers . The last such meeting, which took place in Abu Dhabi, saw Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan elected as the first president of the federation . There were stalemates on numerous issues during the meeting, including the position of vice-president, the defence of the federation, and whether a constitution was required . </P> <P> Shortly after the meeting, the Political Agent in Abu Dhabi revealed the British government's interests in the outcome of the session, prompting Qatar to withdraw from the federation apparently over what it perceived as foreign interference in internal affairs . The nine - emirate federation was consequently disbanded despite efforts by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Britain to reinvigorate discussions . Bahrain became independent in August 1971, and Qatar in September 1971 . </P> <P> When the British - Trucial Sheikhdoms treaty expired on December 1, 1971, the Trucial States became fully independent sheikhdoms . Four more of the Trucial states (Ajman, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah), had decided to join Abu Dhabi and Dubai in signing the UAE's founding treaty, with a draft constitution in place drafted in record time to meet the December 2, 1971 deadline . On that date, at the Dubai Guesthouse (now known as Union House), the emirates agreed to enter into a union to be called the United Arab Emirates . Ras al - Khaimah joined later, following Iran's swift annexation of the Tunbs islands, in early 1972 . </P> <P> The move to form a union took place at a time of unprecedented instability in the region, with a border dispute killing 22 in Kalba and a coup in Sharjah in January 1972 . The then emir of Qatar was deposed by his cousin in February 1972 . </P>

Where was the first meeting to discuss the formation of the uae held