Lead:
President Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that January 7 will be observed annually as Founder Day, a national occasion to celebrate the legacy, values and vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's founding father. The declaration, shared on social media, positions the date as a formal remembrance of the founding leader's role in establishing the UAE federation and laying its foundations on unity, sincerity and dedication.
Details:
Vice President Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that Founder Day honours both the unity of the Emirates and Zayed's role as the architect of national renaissance and inspiration to generations. In remarks, Sheikh Muhammad bin Rashid stated: "Celebrating Founder Day on January 7 each year is a celebration of our unity and federation... and a celebration of the builder of renaissance and inspiration to generations, may God have mercy on him."
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers, emphasized that the announcement renews pride in the founding leader's legacy and the values upon which the UAE was established. He noted on social media: "The announcement renews our pride in the legacy of the founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and the values on which our state was founded. The best way to honor Zayed is for his approach to remain present in our conscience and his values rooted in the hearts of our sons."
The declaration reflects official recognition of Zayed's historical role in unifying the seven emirates and initiating the nation's development across multiple sectors. Government statements underscore continuity between the founding leader's principles and contemporary state policy.
Watch For:
— Implementation of commemorative events and programmes scheduled for January 7 across federal and local institutions.
— Further statements from UAE leadership on how the Founder Day framework will shape national narratives and educational curricula going forward.
— Regional and international responses to the UAE's formal institutionalization of founding-leader commemoration.