How to change tabs programmatically in jquery-ui 1.9?

Question

How do you change tabs programmatically with jquery-ui 1.9?

NOTE: Posting the answer because it took me more than 4 searches to find the right answe

Answer 1

If you add an id to the tab list elements, you can simulate a click using jQuery click() method.

For example the following will activate tab2 when clicking the button outside of the tabs:

  

    
Tab 1
    
Tab 2
    
Tab 3
  

  
Container 1
  
Container 2
  
Container 3

Click to activate Tab 2