• vThe first Zayed the Founder Day will take place on Thursday, 7 January 2027.

  • The annual occasion will honour the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

  • The Founder’s Office will lead initiatives continuing throughout the year.

The new annual occasion will honour Sheikh Zayed’s life, legacy and values on 7 January.

The UAE is adding a new date to its national calendar. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has announced Zayed the Founder Day, with the first celebration taking place on Thursday, 7 January 2027. Held annually, the occasion will honour the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his role in shaping the country.

The date carries a particular significance. Written as 7/1, it represents seven emirates united as one nation, reflecting Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the UAE. It also references 1971, the year the Union was established.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “The legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed is deeply rooted in the identity of the UAE and in the values that continue to guide our nation. Through Zayed the Founder Day, we celebrate his life and achievements by carrying forward the principles he embodied and ensuring that future generations understand their true meaning and continued relevance in a changing world. 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.”

Led by The Founder’s Office, the initiative will encourage schools, families, institutions and communities to explore Sheikh Zayed’s life and put his values into practice. Projects will span education, culture, research, content and public events, with activities continuing throughout the year.

UAE to Start Celebrating Zayed The Founder Day

Younger generations are a central focus, particularly those born after Sheikh Zayed’s lifetime. The occasion aims to help them understand the principles behind the decisions that shaped the UAE, and consider how those ideas can inform their own lives and contributions to the country.

Participation will be open to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Individuals and organisations can join public events or arrange their own activities, with a toolkit available from The Founder’s Office to help develop initiatives. The January date also provides an opportunity for schools and workplaces to begin the year by reconnecting with the Founder’s values.

A public holiday for Zayed the Founder Day has not been confirmed.

When: Thursday, 7 January 2027

Contact: https://u.ae/en

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