Mohammed bin Rashid: Founder's Day celebrates our unity and the builder of our renaissance

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said marking Founder's Day on 7 January each year is a celebration of the UAE's unity and of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the builder of its renaissance and an inspiration to generations.

In heartfelt words addressed to the Founding Father, His Highness said generations will always know Zayed, every corner of the UAE will remember him, and his children and grandchildren will continue to live by his legacy, think with his mindset and love people with his heart and compassion. He prayed for mercy upon him.

The message came about an hour after UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 7 January of every year “Zayed the Founder Day”, a new annual national occasion.

Sheikh Zayed led, together with the Rulers of the emirates, the founding of the federation on 2 December 1971 and remained President until his death in 2004. He holds a special place in the national memory as the founder of the state and the architect of its development.