Ministers emphasized that “Union Day” is a time to celebrate decades of nurturing individuals based on knowledge, thought, and genuine values. It serves as a cherished national occasion where we honor the principles of unity established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, and his fellow founding leaders.
This day strengthens the spirit of belonging and loyalty among generations, renewing national cohesion around our wise leadership, and embodies pride in the sacrifices and efforts devoted to building a strong union that meets the aspirations of its people.
A Glorious Day
His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, stated, “Union Day is a glorious event in the history of our beloved nation, a special occasion for all citizens.
The commemorative moment is firmly ingrained in our hearts as we reflect on the sincere efforts of the founding fathers in establishing the United Arab Emirates and drafting a constitution, inspiring us to unite under a common purpose.
With a shared national goal, Union Day teaches us that the solidarity among citizens preserves our beloved homeland, that dedication in our work drives its progress and prosperity, and that loyalty to our wise leadership is fundamental to the foundation of the union.
On this remarkable day in our nation’s thriving history, we reaffirm our pledge of loyalty to our wise leadership, committing ourselves to continue the journey of development and sustainable growth, guided by the spirit of the union, while upholding its core values instilled by our founding fathers, so that our cherished nation remains an exemplar of unity, solidarity, compassion, and community cohesion.
Moreover, we pledge our unwavering commitment to remain loyal to the foundations laid by the benevolent Zayed and his brothers, may they rest in peace, and to instill the noble values and principles they upheld in our children, ensuring they cherish their identity, take pride in their homeland, and honor its history, asking Allah to grant our nation continued goodness, security, and prosperity, and to guide our wise leadership in serving the nation and achieving the aspirations of its citizens.
Future Visions
His Excellency Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, remarked, “Union Day represents a national occasion and a pivotal point in the history of our nation, marking the beginning of a success story for a country that inspires the world with its qualitative achievements across various domains.”
He added, “On this day, we recall the futuristic visions established by the founding fathers, the original principles upon which our nation was built, prioritizing unity, noble values, and focusing on human development as a cornerstone of cultural progress.
This commitment to investing in human capabilities and skills has, in turn, positively impacted society as a whole. This occasion also inspires us to solidify the UAE’s status as a model of progress, love, and openness to other cultures and peoples.”
He continued, “We renew our pledge to our wise leadership to continue working towards investing in national capabilities, enhancing the empowerment of qualified individuals, and equipping them with knowledge and skills, fostering engagement in creating a brighter future.”
He pointed out that “Union Day” is not merely a historical commemoration, but it serves as an opportunity to instill national values in the hearts of future generations, strengthen their sense of belonging and loyalty, and pride in a nation founded on a charter of honor and responsibility that will remain resilient under the banner of unity with our wise leadership.
Steadfast Will
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, stated that “Union Day” marks a foundational milestone in the UAE’s journey, representing a steadfast political will that paved the way for the ambitious federal project and confirms the values upon which the union is built, including unity, solidarity, and a vision for the future.
He stated: “The anniversary of the signing of the Union Document and the adoption of the state’s constitution represents a legal and historical foundation for establishing a modern state capable of adapting to transformations and meeting expectations. Commemorating this day reflects our profound awareness of our national responsibility to instill these principles in the consciousness of future generations and ensuring their continuity within the state’s developmental framework.”
He added: “At the Ministry of Culture, we regard “Union Day” as an inspiring framework for enhancing the collective national identity through initiatives and cultural programs that focus on integrating the country’s cultural components and showcasing the contributions of the Emirati community from all walks of life in the national development journey, solidifying its regional and international stature.”
In closing, he affirmed that the UAE’s experiment in union stands as a unique model in building modern states based on pluralism and social harmony, reinforcing culture as a soft power contributing to the UAE’s civilizational position globally.
Values of the Union
Additionally, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Mari, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that “Union Day”, declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, last year, represents a cherished national occasion where we celebrate the values of unity established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding rulers.
He noted that this day enhances the spirit of belonging and loyalty in the hearts of future generations, renewing national solidarity around our wise leadership, and showcasing pride in the sacrifices made and efforts exerted to build a strong union that meets and fulfills the aspirations of its people.
He added: “We remember this day as a pivotal moment in UAE history when the Union Document and the state constitution were signed, marking the beginning of an extraordinary phase of development and prosperity. Today, the state continues its journey with an ambitious vision looking toward the future, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most competitive economies.”
He pointed out that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism is working, in line with this vision and empowered by the support and guidance of wise leadership and the values of the union, to continue the path of economic development, ensuring sustainable growth and positioning the country as a global hub for the new economy and the most prosperous society internationally, in accordance with the specifics of the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision.
He also renewed the vow to intensify efforts and sincere work to achieve accomplishments that will enhance the country’s ranking among the world’s best states.
Renewing the Covenant
Her Excellency Suna’a bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Community Development, stated, “Union Day tells the story of the gathering that laid the foundation for the life of every Emirati family today, the meeting where the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow founding fathers signed the Union Document, established the Constitution of the UAE, and announced the declaration of the Union and the official name of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.”
She continued, “With pride, we add this day to the list of significant historical events that shaped the foundation of our state, celebrating decades of fostering knowledge, thought, and noble values.
Therefore, this day is a cherished national occasion for all citizens of the UAE, a call to renew the covenant and loyalty to the homeland and leadership, and to persistently work diligently with sincerity and dedication to achieve the desired aspirations.”
She added: “We believe that the family is the heartbeat of this nation; it is the first home, the first school, and the fundamental building block of our strong community. It is where we instill noble national values such as sincere loyalty, deep belonging, and boundless giving.
We all take pride in the role we play at the Ministry of Community Development, where we passionately work to empower every Emirati family, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to raise informed generations who recognize their responsibilities toward the homeland.
These generations embody the morals and values of our founding fathers. This is also reflected in our programs and initiatives specifically designed to enhance our national identity, deepen our understanding of UAE’s glorious history and achievements that illuminate our paths, and encourage active community participation. Our ultimate goal is to build a conscious and responsible generation, capable of carrying the banner of progress and prosperity, a generation that creates the future as our founders shaped the past.”
A Pivotal Moment
His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, stated, “July 18, ‘Union Day’, represents a pivotal national hallmark that invites reflection on that historic moment when our beloved nation was founded and an opportunity to renew the bond that links leadership and people based on unity and development.
On this day in 1971, the founding fathers, led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, laid the foundations of a nation that trusts in the abilities of its people, choosing comprehensive development as the cornerstone of its progress, with youth being the foundation of its future.
He added: “The Union Document at that time represented more than just a political agreement; it was an announcement of an integrated civilized vision, stemming from a deep belief that investing in humans is the essence of the national project, which reflects in the exceptional achievements the UAE has accomplished across various fronts today.
This day reminds our nation’s youth that the safety, progress, and stability they enjoy are the results of an inspiring journey crafted by faithful hands, visionary minds, and hearts devoted to serving the nation.”
He continued: “The youth of the UAE today are the natural extension of the founders’ generation, the true supporters of the Union, and the pillar upon which the state relies for its aspirations towards a centenary. We are confident that this generation, with its awareness and intellect, will continue the journey with the same spirit of unity that sparked the UAE’s rise and with the same ambition that knows no bounds.