Ministers have affirmed that “Union Day” serves as an occasion to celebrate decades of human development centered on knowledge, intellect, and authentic values. It is a cherished national event through which we honor the principles of unity established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his founding brothers.
This day enhances the spirit of belonging and loyalty among generations, renewing national unity around our wise leadership, and embodies pride in the sacrifices and efforts made to establish a strong federation that meets the aspirations of its people.
A Glorious Day
His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Community Protection and Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, stated: “Union Day represents a glorious moment in the history of our beloved nation, a treasured occasion for all citizens.
It is a cherished memory that echoes the dedicated efforts of the founding fathers in establishing the United Arab Emirates and formulating its constitution, reminding us of the importance of coming together on shared principles.
With one heart and unified national goals, Union Day teaches us that solidarity among citizens is what protects our beloved homeland, that dedication in our work is the path to its advancement and prosperity, and that loyalty to our wise leadership is a fundamental aspect of the nation’s foundation.
On this illustrious day, we renew our loyalty to our wise leadership, reaffirming our commitment to the journey of sustainable development, guided by the spirit of unity and steadfast in its original values established by our founding fathers, ensuring that our nation remains an emblem of unity, solidarity, compassion, and community bonding.
We also commit unequivocally to remain loyal to the legacies of Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan and his founding brothers, may their souls rest in peace, instilling the noble values and principles they established in the hearts of our children, so they continue to embrace their identity, take pride in their homeland, and honor its history. We pray to God to perpetuate goodness, security, and prosperity for our nation, and to guide our wise leadership in serving the country and fulfilling the citizens’ aspirations.”
Future Visions
His Excellency Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awir, 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 moment in our country’s history, marking the beginning of a success story for a nation that has inspired the world with its achievements across various fields.”
He added: “This day allows us to recall the future visions laid down by the founding fathers, the original premise upon which our nation was built, based on the principles of unity and noble values, and focused on human development.
Investing in human capabilities and skills has positively reflected on society as a whole, and this occasion inspires us with the resolve to establish the UAE as a model for progress, love, and openness to other cultures and peoples.”
He continued: “We pledge to our wise leadership to remain committed to developing national capabilities, enhancing the empowerment of knowledgeable and skilled personnel, and fostering active participation in creating a brighter future.”
He pointed out that “Union Day” is not merely a historical commemoration but an opportunity to instill national values in the younger generations, deepening their sense of belonging, loyalty, and pride in a nation founded on principles of honor and responsibility, remaining steadfast under the flag of unity amidst the guidance of leadership.”
Firm Resolve
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, stated that “Union Day” represents a foundational point of immense significance in the UAE’s journey, as it symbolizes the steadfast political will that set the ambitious federal project in motion, reaffirming the values of unity, cohesion, and forward-looking visions.
He remarked: “The anniversary of the signing of the union document and the adoption of the state constitution represents a legal and historical foundation for building a modern state capable of keeping pace with transformations and achieving aspirations, and commemorating this day reflects our profound awareness of our national responsibility to instill these principles in the consciousness of future generations and ensure their continuity within the state’s development project.”
He added: “In the Ministry of Culture, we view ‘Union Day’ as an inspiring framework for enhancing a shared national identity through cultural initiatives and programs that focus on the integration of the nation’s cultural components and highlight the contributions of the Emirati community across various sectors in the process of national building, solidifying its regional and international stature.”
Concluding his statement, he affirmed that the UAE’s union experience stands as a unique model in building modern states based on plurality, social harmony, and leveraging culture as a soft power contributing to the UAE’s civilizational standing on the global stage.
Values of the Union
Additionally, His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that “Union Day,” announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, last year, is a cherished national occasion through which we celebrate the values of unity instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his founding brothers.
He emphasized that this day strengthens the spirit of belonging and loyalty within generations, renewing national unity around our wise leadership, and embodies pride in the sacrifices and efforts made to create a robust federation that meets and fulfills its citizens’ aspirations.
He added: “On this day, we remember a pivotal moment in the history of the UAE when the union document and the constitution were signed, marking the start of an exceptional phase of development and prosperity. Today, the nation continues its journey with an ambitious vision that looks to the future, solidifying its status as one of the most competitive economies in the world.”
He pointed that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism is operating within this vision, driven by the support and guidance from our wise leadership and the values of the Union, to continue the journey of economic development, enhancing sustainability and positioning the state as the global hub for the new economy and the most prosperous society worldwide, aligning with the “We Are the UAE 2031” vision.
He reiterated the pledge to intensify efforts and dedicated work to continue achieving accomplishments that would solidify the UAE’s status among the world’s top nations.
Renewing the Covenant
Her Excellency Sena’a bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Community Development, stated: “Union Day tells the story of the gathering that has granted every Emirati family what they enjoy today, the gathering when the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, along with his founding brothers, signed the union document, the UAE constitution, and announced the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.”
She continued: “With pride, we add this day to the list of historical milestones that formed the basis of our nation, celebrating decades of human development focused on knowledge, thought, and authentic values.
This day is a cherished national occasion for all the people of the UAE, and a call to renew our loyalty to the nation, to leadership, and to continue working diligently and earnestly to achieve our aspirations.”
She added: “We believe that the family is the heartbeat of this nation; it is the first home and the first school and is the cornerstone that builds our strong community. It is the place where we instill noble national values like genuine loyalty, deep belonging, and boundless giving.
We all take pride in our role in the Ministry of Community Development, where we work passionately to empower every Emirati family, providing them with the knowledge and resources needed to raise aware generations that recognize their responsibilities toward their homeland.
These generations carry the values and morals of our founding fathers. This is reflected in our programs and initiatives designed to strengthen our national identity, deepen our understanding of the UAE’s glorious history and achievements that light our paths, and encourage each individual to actively engage in community participation. Our ultimate goal is to build a conscious and responsible generation that is capable of carrying the banner of progress and prosperity, just as our ancestors 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 national milestone that warrants contemplation of that historic moment when our beloved country was founded, as well as an opportunity to reaffirm the covenant that links leadership with the people, grounded in unity and development.
On this day in 1971, the founding fathers led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan laid the foundations for a homeland that trusts in the capabilities of its people and chose comprehensive development as the cornerstone of its progress, with youth being the backbone of its future.”
He added: “The union document at that time represented more than just a political agreement; it was a declaration of a comprehensive civilizational vision, grounded in the firm belief that investing in human capital is the essence of the national project, which is now reflected in the exceptional achievements of the UAE across various levels.”
This day serves as a reminder for the nation’s youth that the security, advancement, and stability they enjoy are the fruits of an inspiring journey woven by faithful hands, visionary minds, and hearts devoted to serving the nation.
He concluded: “Today’s Emirati youth are the natural extension of the founding generation, the true supporters of the Union’s covenant, and the cornerstone upon which the state will lean in its aspirations towards the centennial. We are confident that this generation, armed with awareness and intellect, will continue the journey in the same federal spirit that launched the UAE and with the same ambition that knows no bounds.”
Abdul Rahman Al Owais:
A glorious day in the history of our beloved nation
Abdul Rahman Al Awir:
The beginning of a success story for a nation that has inspired the world with its achievements
Salem Al Qasimi:
A confirmation of the values of unity and foresight for the future
Abdullah bin Touq:
Strengthening the spirit of belonging and loyalty within generations
Sena’a Suhail:
A call to renew loyalty to the nation and leadership
Sultan Al Neyadi:
The union document is a declaration of a comprehensive civilizational vision