Historically, Sharjah wis ane o the walthiest touns in this region wi a settlement in existence for ower 5000 years. In the early 18t century Al Qasimi clan established itsel in Sharjah, c. 1727 declarin Sharjah independent. On 8 Januar 1820, Sheikh Sultan I signed the General Maritime Treaty wi Breetain, acceptin a protectorate tae keep the Ottoman Turks oot. Like fower o its neighbours, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, an Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route tae Indie made it important enough tae be recognizit as a salute state. On 2 December 1971, Sheikh Khalid III joined the Unitit Arab Emirates.