Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The UAE marks Union Pledge Day on July 18, celebrating a national occasion that honours the past, inspires future generations, and reaffirms the shared values that have shaped the country since its founding.
Union Pledge Day commemorates the pivotal meeting held on July 18, 1971, when the Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, signed the declaration of the Union and announced the official name of the UAE. This historic moment laid the foundation for the formation of the United Arab Emirates later that year on December 2.
The occasion was introduced last year by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s values of unity, ambition, and determination.
“On this day in 1971, the Founding Father and his brothers the Rulers signed the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution while announcing the name of our country: the United Arab Emirates. In preparation for the nation’s establishment on 2 December, it was a historic day on which they laid the foundations of the Union. Today, we declare 18 July as Union Pledge Day, a national occasion to celebrate the history of our country and the blessed journey towards establishing the Union,” His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote, announcing the occasion last year.
Union Pledge Day is now officially the first major celebration on the UAE’s annual calendar of national events.
It is followed by Flag Day (November 3), Commemoration Day (November 30), and Eid Al Etihad, or National Day (December 2).
While not yet a public holiday, Union Pledge Day is designed to be a reflective and educational occasion, inviting citizens, residents, and visitors to pause and honour the country’s journey.
It aims to deepen awareness, particularly among the youth, about the UAE’s formation and the dedication of its leaders and its people to achieve unity.
The observance also reinforces national values laid down by Sheikh Zayed, which continue to guide the UAE’s path toward progress and prosperity.
