The history of postage stamps of Abu Dhabi is closely tied to the region’s colonial past, the development of its postal system, and its journey to becoming a nation-state. Here is an overview of the major phases in Abu Dhabi’s postage stamp history:

1. Pre-Abu Dhabi Postal System (Before 1963)

Before 1963, Abu Dhabi did not have its own postal system. The Trucial States, which included Abu Dhabi, relied on British-administered postal services. The British Postal Agency in Dubai, established in 1948, also served other parts of the region, including Abu Dhabi. Postage stamps used during this time were British stamps or those overprinted with “Trucial States.”

2. The First Stamps of Abu Dhabi (1963–1966)

Abu Dhabi issued its first postage stamps on March 30, 1964. These stamps were issued under the British Postal Administration, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s status as a British protectorate. The stamps featured simple designs, including images of Sheik Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan (the ruler of Abu Dhabi at the time) and local symbols, such as traditional dhow boats and desert landscapes.

  • Initial Design Themes:
    • Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
    • Traditional Arab dhows.
    • Camels and desert scenes.

The stamps were printed in the UK and were used for both domestic and international mail.

3. Independence and Local Control (1966–1972)

In 1966, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the ruler of Abu Dhabi. During this period, Abu Dhabi gradually took control of its own postal services from the British.

  • Abu Dhabi’s First Independent Stamp (1966): A series of stamps featuring Sheikh Zayed was issued in 1966 after he assumed power.
  • Further Issues: In the years leading up to the formation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1971, Abu Dhabi continued to release stamps with local themes, such as significant development projects, wildlife, and traditional culture.

4. Formation of the UAE and Transition to Federal Stamps (1971–1973)

On December 2, 1971, Abu Dhabi became part of the newly formed United Arab Emirates (UAE), along with six other emirates. The postal system was soon centralized under the UAE government, and Abu Dhabi stopped issuing its own stamps in favor of UAE stamps.

  • Last Abu Dhabi Issue (1971): The last postage stamps issued under the name of Abu Dhabi were released in 1971, before the official shift to the UAE federal postal system.
  • Transition Period: Abu Dhabi stamps continued to be used until January 1, 1973, when UAE stamps officially replaced local emirate stamps.

5. Significance of Abu Dhabi’s Stamps

Abu Dhabi’s stamps from 1963 to 1971 are of interest to collectors, both for their historical value and for the depiction of the region’s transformation during a critical period of its history. These stamps offer insights into the emirate’s culture, leadership, and transition from a British protectorate to a leading emirate within the UAE.

Summary of Key Milestones:

  • 1964: First stamps issued under British administration.
  • 1966: Sheikh Zayed became ruler, and more stamps reflecting the local identity were issued.
  • 1971: Last stamps issued in the name of Abu Dhabi before joining the UAE.
  • 1973: UAE stamps replaced those of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi’s stamps from this brief era are considered valuable in philately due to their connection to the early years of the modern emirate and the establishment of the UAE