UAE President declares January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared January 7 as the new annual national occasion, Zayed the Founder Day, dedicated to celebrating the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's "enduring legacy" and carrying his values forward.

In a post on social media platform X, His Highness said the annual occasion will also remember his "transforming of wisdom into action", and ensure these values continue to inspire the nation's progress towards the future. 

The date reflects Sheikh Zayed’s defining national vision: seven emirates united as one nation. It also represents 1971, the year the Union was established.

Sheikh Mohamed noted that the late Sheikh Zayed "led efforts to establish the Union, laid its foundations, and nurtured its development, his life and legacy were defined by his vision, generosity, and service to humanity". 

He added that he "forever remains in the hearts of the people of the UAE". 

The UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, forever remains in the hearts of the people of the UAE. As he led efforts to establish the Union, laid its foundations, and nurtured its development, his life and legacy were defined by his vision, generosity,…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 28, 2026

The occasion will provide a platform for institutions, communities, schools, families, and individuals to engage with the Founder’s legacy through initiatives, experiences, and programmes that extend throughout the year. 

It will also deepen awareness and understanding of Sheikh Zayed and his enduring influence among audiences worldwide, inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds within the UAE and internationally.

"Sheikh Zayed’s values are not only a legacy we preserve but a source of guidance that inspires us to continue building our nation and contributing to a better future for all," said the UAE President. 

The timing of the national day at the start of the year is intentional, as schools, workplaces, and institutions will get the chance to reconnect with Sheikh Zayed’s values, renew our commitment to the principles that he embodied throughout his life, and carry them forward through the year.