Lead:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared January 7 of every year as "Founder Day" to commemorate the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's founding father. The announcement honours the late leader's role in establishing the federation and enshrining core values of unity, integrity and vision that continue to guide the country's development and future generations.
Details:
In his statement on social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed emphasised that Sheikh Zayed remains "present in the conscience of the people of the UAE." He noted that the founder "led the efforts to establish the union, laid the foundations of the nation on unity and loyalty, and sowed in the hearts of his sons authentic values we are proud of, leaving behind an enduring legacy of wisdom, insight and foresight."
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Chairman of the Presidential Court, affirmed that the announcement "renews our pride in the legacy of the Founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the values on which our state was founded." He added that honouring Zayed's approach ensures it remains "present in our conscience and rooted in the souls of our sons."
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, characterised the founder's vision as one that made "unity the basis of strength" and elevated "wisdom, insight and ambition" as the path to building the future. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, similarly noted that the commemoration celebrates both "the unity of the UAE and its federation" and the "builder of renaissance and inspiration of generations" whose legacy will endure as successive generations "live his impact, inhabit his homeland, think with his mentality and love people with his mercy and compassion."
Watch For:
Whether the government designates January 7 as a public holiday and how citizens and institutions across the UAE mark the inaugural Founder Day in 2026. The announcement may shape narratives around national identity and institutional continuity in a period of leadership transitions across Gulf monarchies. Official ceremonies and educational initiatives are expected in coming months.