Which term refers to the historical area of the UAE known for its sheikhdoms?

The term that refers to the historical area of the UAE known for its sheikhdoms is "Trucial States." This name was used to describe the region during the period when the British established treaties with local rulers to maintain a degree of control and ensure maritime peace in the Gulf. The Trucial States consisted of several sheikhdoms, including those that now form the United Arab Emirates. The treaties were significant in shaping the political landscape of the region, resulting in coordinated relations among the sheikhs and with foreign powers.

In contrast, the Union of Emirates refers to the formation of the UAE as a federation in 1971, which came after the Trucial States period. Persian Territories does not specifically correlate with the UAE and instead refers to regions historically associated with Iran. Similarly, the Arabian Peninsula is a broader geographical term that encompasses many countries, including the entire region beyond the UAE, making it less specific than the Trucial States. Therefore, the correct term that directly addresses the historical context of the sheikhdoms in the UAE is indeed the Trucial States.