The largest of the Gulf Emirates lying between Oman to the east, and Qatar in the west. Abu Dhabi entered into a Protectorate status with Great Britain in 1892, and when this ended in 1971, the Emirate joined with most of its neighbors to form the United Arab Emirates; the Emir retains considerable autonomy within his own demesne. The city of Abu Dhabi currently serves as the capital of the Federation.