Mohamed bin Zayed declares 7 January “Zayed the Founder Day”, a new annual national occasion

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 7 January of each year “Zayed the Founder Day”, a national occasion to celebrate the legacy of the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

His Highness said Sheikh Zayed will forever remain in the hearts of the people of the UAE. He led the efforts to establish the Union, laid its foundations and nurtured its development, and his life and legacy were defined by vision, generosity and service to humanity.

The President said the new annual occasion is dedicated to celebrating that enduring legacy, turning wisdom into action and ensuring these values continue to inspire the nation on its path towards the future.

Sheikh Zayed was the first President of the UAE from the founding of the federation on 2 December 1971 until his death in 2004, and his name is closely tied in the national memory to the creation of the Union, the building of state institutions and the country's humanitarian outlook.

The new day joins the UAE's calendar of national occasions, which includes Union (National) Day, Flag Day and Commemoration Day.