President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday led tributes to the country, its citizens and residents on National Day, officially known as Eid Al Etihad.
“To the people of the UAE,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. “On the occasion of Eid Al Etihad, we take pride in the UAE and its people, both citizens and residents.
“Thank you for your determination. Thank you for your efforts. Thank you for all that you do for this nation.”
Eid Al Etihad marks the anniversary of the UAE's foundation.
The national holiday is celebrated annually on December 2, commemorating the UAE's formation in 1971. It marks the day that six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah – united to form the country, with Ras Al Khaimah joining as the seventh emirate a few months later.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also shared his best wishes.
“On the occasion of our glorious Union Day,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X. “We thank God for the blessings of this dear country, we remember the founders, we celebrate the achievements of the march, we congratulate the people of the Union.
“We renew our loyalty to the President of the Union and the pledge to preserve the gains of the Union, and we motivate the sons to sacrifice their lives to preserve the future of this Union. Every year, may the people of the Emirates be well. Every year, may our people be well. Every year, may our people be in security, safety, prosperity and stability. May God protect the United Arab Emirates.”
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, said: “On this day each year, as we celebrate this most cherished national anniversary, we proudly remember those who were resolute in their determination to pursue the path of integrated unity."
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, described it as a "day on which we express our pride in the comprehensive renaissance achieved by the UAE, its honourable leaders, and its dear people, who have transformed it into a unique model of unity and a strong pillar".
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, also issued a message. “Over the years, the unity of the people has been the key to the UAE's strength, with each generation building on the legacy of the one before,” Sheikh Hamad said.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, said the occasion "reminds us of the historic efforts of our founding fathers, whose unity of will and hearts, along with their aspirations for this land and its people, laid the groundwork for a strong and united nation".
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, said: “The anniversary of Eid Al Etihad fills us with pride for a forward-looking nation that has outpaced many others in its progress and development."
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, also issued a message for the occasion, which he said marked "53 years of union, glory, development and progress, in which we witnessed the renaissance of a nation and the story of an immortal union, 53 years that immortalised the biography of our founding fathers and are led today by a wise leadership with a penetrating vision, to shape the future of a persevering and ambitious people".
"We thank God for the blessing of the Emirates and the blessing of the Union, and we congratulate the nation, leadership and people, on the anniversary of the 53rd National Day. May God bring it back to us with goodness, and may the glory of the Emirates last."
The occasion is being marked in the UAE and around the world. On Monday, a number of buildings across Abu Dhabi were illuminated in the colours in the national flag, "reflecting the nation’s spirit of unity and cohesion and the commitment to continue the journey towards a more prosperous future under the banner of the union", according to the emirate's media office.
Hamad Al Neyadi, head of the UAE Relief Mission in Gaza, welcomed participants of the Eid Al Etihad celebrations, while national landmarks in Bahrain were adorned in UAE colours.
