TL;DR
As the United Arab Emirates observes the first anniversary of Union Pledge Day on July 18, the nation pauses to honour a historic turning level, when, precisely 54 years in the past, the founding fathers got here collectively to signal the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution. This monumental act set the stage for the nation’s unification and the emergence of the UAE as a contemporary and visionary state.Union Pledge Day was formally designated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a nationwide event to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland, honour the legacy of the founding fathers, and have a good time the UAE’s ongoing improvement. The day serves as a second of reflection, reminding residents and residents alike of the sacrifices and foresight which have formed the nation’s id, values, and path. The occasion not solely celebrates the delivery of a rustic, but additionally highlights its rise as a regional and world chief, constructed on a basis of unity, imaginative and prescient, and resilience.
The journey to the UAE’s unification culminated in a decisive second on 18 July, 1971, when the rulers of the Emirates signed the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution. This pivotal act laid the authorized and structural groundwork for a unified nation, and set in movement the formation of the Arab world’s first federal state, formally established on 2 December that very same yr. This day stays the nation’s National Day, whereas Union Pledge Day now commemorates the crucial second when the concept of the union grew to become a dedicated actuality. At the coronary heart of this achievement was the visionary management of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose unwavering perception in unity, consensus, and shared goal introduced the Emirates collectively. Alongside the founding rulers, Sheikh Zayed championed a daring mannequin for nationwide improvement, rooted in heritage, guided by tolerance, and targeted on constructing a affluent future for generations to come. Today, Union Pledge Day honours not solely the second the Union was pledged, however the values, sacrifices, and foresight that proceed to form the UAE’s id and path.
Following Sheikh Zayed’s passing, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan assumed management and ushered in a brand new chapter in the UAE’s progress, referred to as the “empowerment phase.” His presidency from 2004 to 2022 noticed the strengthening of establishments, promotion of schooling, and development of civic participation. During this era, the UAE achieved landmark successes in a number of sectors:
One of the most symbolic achievements of this period was the UAE turning into the first Arab and Muslim nation to attain Mars, by the profitable launch and orbit of the Hope Probe. Sheikh Khalifa’s administration additionally laid out crucial strategic frameworks which have formed nationwide improvement:
These initiatives targeted on future-readiness, sustainability, innovation, and inclusive progress.
Since assuming the presidency in 2022, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led the UAE into a brand new period of consolidation and growth, with continued progress throughout financial, social, and political fronts. In his first tackle to the nation, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the founding fathers’ imaginative and prescient. As reported by WAM, the Emirates News Agency, he acknowledged:“Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally, as well as being one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we thank God for this blessing. We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership. Our history, identity, and cultural heritage will form an essential part of our plans for the future.” This dedication has translated into sturdy financial diversification and rising world competitiveness. Key developments beneath Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s management embrace:
Over the previous 5 a long time, the UAE has undergone certainly one of the most exceptional financial transformations in the area. From its early years to its present world stature, the numbers communicate volumes:
This progress has not solely elevated dwelling requirements inside the nation but additionally positioned the UAE as a key participant in the world financial system.
In January, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed declared 2025 as the “Year of Community,” with the objective of strengthening intergenerational ties and reinforcing social cohesion. To assist these efforts, the UAE authorities allotted AED27.9 billion to social improvement, representing 39 p.c of the 2025 federal funds. This allocation underscores the nation’s enduring dedication to citizen welfare, cultural preservation, and inclusive societal progress.
Beyond its borders, the UAE continues to play a significant function in humanitarian help, peacebuilding, and worldwide cooperation. These efforts are deeply rooted in the nation’s founding values of tolerance, coexistence, and justice. Since its institution, the UAE has supplied an estimated AED368 billion in overseas help, reaching a couple of billion folks worldwide throughout numerous humanitarian and improvement sectors. This ongoing worldwide engagement displays the UAE’s dedication to world stability and its id as a accountable and compassionate world actor.
Q. What is Union Pledge Day?Union Pledge Day marks the 1971 signing of the declaration that led to the UAE’s unification.Q. When is Union Pledge Day celebrated?It is noticed yearly on July 18.Q. How is Union Pledge Day totally different from National Day?Union Pledge Day commemorates the resolution to unite, whereas National Day (December 2) marks the formal institution of the UAE.Q. Why is Union Pledge Day vital?It honours the founding leaders’ imaginative and prescient and displays on the UAE’s journey of progress and improvement.