The “Union Accord Day,” observed on July 18, marks a pivotal moment in the history of the United Arab Emirates. On this date in 1971, the founding fathers signed the document of union, which laid the groundwork for the establishment of the nation on December 2 of the same year, influencing a comprehensive civic project.
This report captures reflections from various intellectuals, researchers, and cultural figures about the cultural and intellectual impact of Union Accord Day and its role in inspiring creativity and enhancing national identity.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, the executive director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge, states: “Union Accord Day represents a historical foundation that reshaped the contours of the Emirati intellectual identity. This day paved the way for the formation of the UAE as a unified entity, giving rise to a comprehensive knowledge vision that has become the foundation for an unprecedented developmental and renaissance project.”
He emphasizes that the historical gathering among the founding fathers was a defining moment irreducible to its political context. The intellectual impact of the union manifested in the emergence of a unifying national literary and intellectual identity, reflected in the Emirati creative works, poems, and novels that chronicled the unity of the seven emirates. Terms like “union,” “loyalty,” and “heritage” became illuminated markers in creative texts, carrying meanings deeper than mere linguistic expressions.
He continued: “The effects of this foundational moment were not confined to the political realm; they represented a launchpad for creators to explore distinctive horizons. Emirati artists now possess a clear identity and draw from the narrative of union creative symbols across visual arts, theater, and literature.”
Additionally, the knowledge and development institutions established post-union have fostered an intellectual movement, establishing the UAE as a beacon of intellectual illumination. Today, as we commemorate the anniversary of this lasting covenant, we recognize that the spirit of union remains alive in every literary, creative, and intellectual endeavor; it is not merely a memory but a continuous source of inspiration highlighting that knowledge and creativity are the strongest pillars of civilizational construction.
Media Outlets
Ali Obaid Al-Hamli, Vice Chairman of the Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai, affirmed that the glorious “Union Accord Day” reflects the cultural and literary impact of the historical meeting that led to the formation of the UAE.
The events leading up to this day inspired creativity among scholars and writers in the UAE, with their ideas and writings paving the way for this towering unified entity.
This influence is evident in poems crafted by the poets of that time and articles penned by its writers and intellectuals in newspapers and magazines that were published during those days. The impact of this day extended beyond the declaration of the union on December 2, 1971.
Al-Hamli elaborated: The symbolism of this historical moment lies in the formation of a national identity rooted in the vision of the state’s founders and leaders, who have continued this journey for over five decades.
This identity is a federal Arab Islamic human identity, drawing upon values and ethics reflective of the traits embodied by the founders of the union and the Emirati people—values centered on tolerance, coexistence, and the rejection of all forms of racism, enmity, violence, and discrimination based on religion, race, sect, and other disparities among humans.
He added: On “Union Accord Day,” the writers, authors, and intellectuals of the UAE renew their commitment to remain faithful to the values and ideas instilled in them by the UAE’s leaders, ensuring that our unity remains intact and our flag continues to flutter in the skies of glory.
Meetings
Historical researcher Dr. Saif bin Aboud Al-Badwawi, specializing in Gulf history, noted that all meetings planning the glorious union were held in Dubai, hosted by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Particularly, the nine-member meeting from February 25-27, 1968, and the July 18, 1971 meeting represented devotion to the union agreement.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid maintained constant communication, both personally and through representatives, to achieve this noble national objective—may Allah have mercy on them and all the founding fathers.
Al-Badwawi added: The late Sheikh Zayed took the initiative and worked with strength and determination, adopting several pivotal steps towards the establishment of a cohesive and powerful union of the UAE.
The initial step was in May 1971 when a delegation led by His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Najm Al-Din Hamoudi, and Adnan Bajaji visited the rulers of the emirates to discuss the necessity of establishing the union following the withdrawal of British forces at the end of 1971.
Al-Badwawi continued: The second element involved negotiations with Britain, especially during meetings with then British Prime Minister Edward Heath and Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas-Home.
The third essential point was the ongoing delegations to Abu Dhabi expressing their desire for unity with Abu Dhabi.
He stressed that the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated to everyone that Abu Dhabi was determined to pursue the union and would employ all efforts and resources for this goal. He simultaneously initiated several important measures, including:
1. Establishing a Cabinet headed by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, who became the first Prime Minister and Minister of Defense and Finance for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
2. Sending delegations to visit some Arab nations and the Arab League to prepare the groundwork for recognition of the new state.
3. Dispatching delegations to the emirates to invite them to the critical meeting to discuss the establishment of the union.
These efforts culminated in the “Union Accord,” whereby the rulers convened in Dubai from July 10 to 18, 1971, resulting in the proposal for a six-member union, as Ras Al Khaimah did not join at that time due to specific circumstances.
The Federal Experience
Dr. Abdullah Ali Al-Tabour explained the significance of this day: “The union symbolizes the unity of people and geography within a cooperative, loving, and fraternal framework. Thus, the spirit invoked by the federal experience in the UAE is rooted in a longstanding culture shaped by social conditions and the specifics of life.”
This legacy has created a cultural and heritage inheritance that aligns with the spirit of unity, which has been deeply embedded in the roots of relationships, enriching the traits, values, and interests of this community, which melds within a geographical environment that has shaped its identity and unique characteristics, cultural heritage, and history.
The values have been passed down through generations over the centuries. The geographical context shapes and defines the social life experienced by the Emirati people in the past.
He continued: “Therefore, the union or unity in the UAE has long-standing roots. The signs of establishing a state by the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan mark a transformation of the collective heritage and culture fostered by the authentic Emirati social life into a united entity resulting in the United Arab Emirates, which, in terms of time and historical context, is a manifestation of cultural movement and a far-sighted vision contributing to the establishment of the national identity of the state and reinforcing the value of unity as a historical legacy that inspired the realization of this dream we now see—a dream that has made the UAE a unique, leading global entity.”
Notably, the Emirati people were instrumental in assisting the leadership in forming this union, yielding cultural achievements that symbolize the value of human relationships and the spirit of integration, with foundations of love, openness, solidarity, and construction materializing beautifully, which has also inspired creativity, resulting in distinguished works that continue to emerge with significant value and content.