UAE declares January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day

The UAE will observe January 7 each year as Zayed the Founder Day, starting next year, Gulf News reported. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the national occasion on X. It honors the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and aims to turn his wisdom into action.

What is Zayed the Founder Day?

Zayed the Founder Day is a new annual national occasion in the UAE, observed on January 7. It celebrates the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country's Founding Father. The day aims to help future generations experience his legacy as part of UAE history and keep his values alive.

Why was Zayed the Founder Day declared?

Sheikh Mohamed said Sheikh Zayed remains in the hearts of the people of the UAE. He led efforts to establish the Union, laid its foundations and nurtured its growth. His life was defined by vision, generosity and service to humanity, the President said.

The day will give younger people a chance to understand the choices, principles and values that shaped the UAE. They will also be encouraged to consider how to apply those values in their own lives. The aim is for them to contribute to the country's future.

Who can take part in Zayed the Founder Day?

The occasion will be open to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. This reflects Sheikh Zayed's belief that respect, dignity, understanding and cooperation are the foundations of a strong and prosperous society. He also saw them as the foundations of a stable and peaceful world.

Each year, the day will be a focal point for projects and initiatives in education, culture, research, content, community participation, events and public engagement. Activities will continue beyond January 7 and run throughout the year. The day will bring together institutions, communities, schools, families and individuals.

It will also offer an annual moment to launch and showcase initiatives that preserve and activate his values.

Why is Zayed the Founder Day on January 7?

The timing at the start of the year is intentional. Schools, workplaces and institutions begin a new year around this date. January 7 gives people in the UAE a national moment to reconnect with Sheikh Zayed's values.

It is also a chance to renew their commitment to those principles. People are encouraged to carry them forward through the year.

Who is behind Zayed the Founder Day?

Zayed the Founder Day is an initiative of The Founder's Office. The office is mandated to lead, guide and enable initiatives that preserve and enrich understanding of Sheikh Zayed's life, legacy and values. It also drives engagement with them.

Through the day and its year-round initiatives, the office aims to keep his legacy a living source of inspiration and guidance across generations.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, welcomed the announcement in a post on X. He said it renews national pride in the Founding Father's legacy and the values on which the country was built.

"The greatest tribute we can pay to Sheikh Zayed is to ensure that his approach remains alive in our hearts and minds," he said. He added that those values must remain firmly instilled in the nation's children.