U.S. Embassy and Consulate in the United Arab Emirates

**U.S. Recognition of the United Arab Emirates’ Independence, 1971.** The UAE declared its independence on December 2, 1971, following the completion of treaties with Great Britain. The United States recognized the United Arab Emirates the next day on December 3. **Diplomatic Relations****Establishment of Diplomatic Relations, 1972.** Diplomatic relations were established on March 20, 1972, when American Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary William A. Stoltzfus, Jr. presented his credentials to the government of the United Arab Emirates. Stoltzfus was also accredited to a number of other Persian Gulf states and he resided in Kuwait. **Establishment of the American Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, 1974.** The United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi was established on June 24, 1974, when the first American Ambassador in residence, Michael Edmund Sterner, presented his credentials to United Arab Emirates’ officials.