In a recent statement, members of the Executive Council of Dubai emphasized that the Union Covenant Day, celebrated annually on July 18, embodies the vision of the founding fathers who established a modern state based on unity and prosperity. They noted that the accomplishments realized in the UAE since the declaration of the union are the results of significant sacrifices and exceptional foresight.
They highlighted that the United Arab Emirates today serves as a unique model of development and leadership, thanks to the approach laid down by the founders and continued by the wise leadership. They affirmed that the “Union Covenant” will remain a source of pride and inspiration for future generations, guiding the path of sustainable development across various fields.
His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Busti, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai, remarked that the story of the UAE’s union exemplifies a unique collective experience that stands alone as a global model of achievements, beginning with the vision of the founding fathers.
The union was formed by leaders who, with their wisdom and strategic vision, foresaw the essential features of the future, documenting their promises and goals in a historic charter that raised the country’s name high among nations.
He continued, “As we celebrate Union Covenant Day, we proudly remember all that was achieved by the late Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and their fellow rulers of the Emirates back in 1971, which laid the foundation for the union.”
This day is now a national occasion that every individual in the UAE community should take pride in, as it has fostered the bonds of unity among us as one people and reinforced a strong national identity while promoting values of shared vision and purpose.
He added, “We pledge to our leaders, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, to uphold this covenant with more dedication and hard work, always looking forward to ensuring that the UAE continues its trajectory towards excellence in all fields.”
For his part, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai’s Finance Department, stated that celebrating “Union Covenant Day” epitomizes the highest meanings of loyalty and commitment to this homeland and its wise leadership. It enhances the spirit of union that has been passed down through generations for over 54 years, with a steadfast vision looking toward the UAE Centennial in 2071.
Al Saleh noted that this national initiative deepens the community’s connection to the enduring values of the union that were established by the founding fathers, particularly the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow rulers, who embodied the finest examples of solidarity and national unity.
He stated, “The Dubai government has always committed to translating the principles of union into tangible achievements, deriving from the vision established by the founders, to ensure the nation remains a haven of stability and prosperity, as well as a regional and global model.”
Its resilient citizens have fulfilled this trust with sincerity, overcoming challenges and achieving what some thought impossible, transforming our nation into a beacon of leadership and a source of inspiration for people worldwide, gaining respect and a prominent presence fitting to its aspirations and stature.
Al Saleh clarified that the Dubai Finance Department embodies the spirit of the “Union Covenant” through its support for sustainable development projects and enhancing financial efficiency.
Additionally, Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, General Commander of Dubai Police, emphasized that “Union Covenant Day” marks a historic moment in the country’s establishment. It is not merely a date added to the national memory but an occasion to renew our oath to the wise leadership to continue on the path of union, confirming our sincere loyalty to a nation that united us under one banner, enabling us towards development, security, and prosperity.
He affirmed that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the other founders were committed to building a federal nation, dedicating their intentions, steadfastly pursuing their mission, so that we could all live in a secure and stable homeland.
Moreover, he stated, “On this occasion, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protect the homeland, preserve its achievements, and maintain its security and stability.”
In addition, His Excellency Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, expressed that Union Covenant Day is a national occasion where we honor, with pride, the blessed journey of the union laid down by the founding fathers, particularly the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It embodies the spirit of unity and cohesion upon which the United Arab Emirates was founded, reaffirming our commitment to the principles of the union and working together to build a bright future for our next generations.
He continued, “On this day, we renew our oath of loyalty and commitment to the wise leadership, to continue working sincerely to enhance development and prosperity.” Al Tayer described Union Covenant Day as a significant milestone in the UAE’s history, showcasing the foresight and sacrifices of the founding fathers in creating a robust and prosperous state taking a prominent place among nations.
This day marked the foundational step to uniting the seven emirates under one banner, as the leaders of the Emirates recognized the importance of union as a fundamental pillar for building a modern and strong state that has witnessed significant development across various fields since its establishment, thanks to the insightful vision of the founding leaders and the wisdom of our guiding leadership.
He added, “Union Covenant Day reminds us that the future is built today, and every achievement realized is the groundwork for our journey towards new horizons. At the Roads and Transport Authority, we draw inspiration from the spirit of union to embody the values of hard work, innovation, and excellence, striving to achieve our leaders’ vision for building smart and sustainable cities and a developed infrastructure in transportation and transit sectors, facilitating the movement of residents and visitors.”
Furthermore, Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, stated, “On July 18, 1971, our beloved country witnessed an important historical moment with the signing of the document of union and the Constitution of the United Arab Emirates, which marked a real launch towards unifying as one and building a solid state.”
It was His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who announced this day as “Union Covenant Day,” honoring that blessed step, which was the beginning of a journey towards prosperity and development.
Bin Sulayem added, “At the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, we regard this day as a cherished national occasion where we renew our commitment to sincere work and draw upon the spirit of unity and solidarity cultivated by the founding fathers to build a prosperous future, enhancing the welfare of the Emirati people and reinforcing the leadership of our state across various domains.”
He expressed pride in the occasion that manifests the strength of the union and reiterated loyalty to the wise leadership, affirming the commitment to move forward in the spirit of giving.
Vision for the Future
His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, stated, “On Union Covenant Day, which commemorates the signing of the union document and the Constitution of the UAE in 1971, we reflect with pride upon the founding fathers and their visionary foresight, which established a state that knows no boundaries to ambition and not only anticipates the future but also shapes it with determination and capability.”
“Thanks to this vision, the UAE has achieved unprecedented accomplishments within a short time, establishing itself as a model for countries aspiring to ensure the happiness and welfare of their citizens.”
Additionally, Al Tayer said, “On this important national occasion, we express our gratitude to Allah for the blessing of wise leadership, which has transformed our beloved nation into a haven of security and prosperity. We renew our commitment to remain loyal to the legacy of the founding fathers and to give back to the nation through relentless work and boundless giving.”
Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in Dubai, remarked that the directive from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to declare July 18 as “Union Covenant Day” represents a renewed pledge and reinforces a story that began in that historic meeting in 1971, when the Emirates took its first steps towards institutional and human glory, raising the banner of union as a symbol of our identity and source of our pride.
Al Marri emphasized that celebrating Union Covenant Day is not just a commemoration; it is a continuous promise to fulfill this historic message with sincerity, to proactively develop, and to build a service system that values humanity as its core and recognizes identity as the bridge to the future. This aligns with Dubai’s vision, which prioritizes quality of life in all its practices, with a team that believes that the best honor for the union is to act faithfully in thought, behavior, and institutions.
Engineer Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated, “Union Covenant Day instills the national values and principles that formed the strong foundation of the United Arab Emirates.”
It also confirms the strength and spirit of unity that were established by the founding fathers, such as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, along with their fellow rulers, to create an exemplary civilization in unity, strong belonging, steadfast adherence to national identity, and collaboration between the leadership and the people, working in accordance with wise vision and firm determination to achieve further advancement and prosperity, raising the UAE’s flag high.
Moreover, Dr. Alawi Al Sheikh Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, expressed that “Union Covenant Day” is one of the most important cherished national occasions that will remain ingrained in the memories of the nation and in the hearts of every citizen.
Patriotic Values
In her turn, Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, highlighted that “Union Covenant Day” represents a historical milestone reflecting deep loyalty and dedication to our leadership and our nation.
She confirmed that Union Covenant Day symbolizes a pivotal moment in our beloved country’s history, a national occasion where we solemnly remember that historic moment when the leaders of the Emirates united around a shared vision and collective destiny, culminating in the loyalty of the people to the late founding fathers, who were the builders of the union and the modern state.
Moreover, she stated that the UAE’s celebration of this significant anniversary for the first time showcases our leadership’s commitment to instilling national values in future generations and enhancing awareness of our glorious history, where there can be no future without deep roots and no progress without adherence to our commitments.
The Director General of the Media Office of the Government of Dubai mentioned that Union Covenant Day is not just an occasion for celebration but a call to reflect on the journey of a nation that started with a confident step towards unity and transformed into a global success story thanks to wise leadership and the solidarity of its people.
Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Director General of Digital Dubai, noted that this July 18 marks yet another milestone in a journey filled with construction, progress, and excellence, a journey from which we draw the finest lessons for the present and convey them to future generations as sustenance for their efforts to create a future worthy of our beloved nation and what it has achieved on a global stage across all fields.
Abdullah Al Busti:
The story of the UAE’s union exemplifies a unique collective experience that stands alone as a model.
Abdul Rahman Al Saleh:
The “Union Covenant” embodies the highest meanings of loyalty.
Abdullah Al Marri:
A historic moment in the nation’s establishment.
Matar Al Tayer:
A national occasion where we proudly reflect on the blessed journey of the union.
Sultan bin Sulayem:
We renew our pledge of sincere work.
Saeed Al Tayer:
The UAE is a model for other nations to follow to achieve happiness and well-being for their citizens.
Mohammed Al Marri:
A renewal of commitment and a reinforcement of a story that began in that historic 1971 meeting.
Marwan Bin Ghalita:
Union Covenant Day instills the values and principles that formed the sturdy foundation of the UAE.
Alawi Al Sheikh:
An event that will remain deeply embedded in the nation’s memory and the hearts of its citizens.
Monah Al Marri:
A historical landmark reflecting profound loyalty and dedication to the nation.
Hamad Al Mansouri:
An additional milestone in a path filled with construction, progress, and resilience.