UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced on October 28, 2026, that January 7 will be observed each year as Zayed the Founder Day, according to a statement distributed by the Emirates News Agency. The decree establishes the annual national occasion to honour the contributions of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who led the formation of the federation and served as its first president. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed described the founding father as remaining forever in the hearts of the UAE people for his vision, generosity and service to humanity. The president added that the day will focus on celebrating this enduring legacy and transforming its wisdom into continued national progress.
In the announcement posted on X, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated, “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, and service to humanity. Today, we declare 7 January as Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion dedicated to celebrating his enduring legacy, transforming wisdom into action, and ensuring these values continue to inspire our nation on its steadfast path of progress towards the future.” A Khaleej Times report on the decree noted that the occasion is dedicated to celebrating his enduring legacy and ensuring these values inspire the nation. Gulf News reported that the UAE will observe January 7 as the day starting in 2027.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan acceded as Ruler of Abu Dhabi on August 6, 1966, an event that a Khaleej Times assessment on its 60th anniversary described as marking the beginning of the nation’s comprehensive development journey. Five years later, he played the central role in establishing the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971, when the Supreme Council elected him president and he raised the national flag for the first time amid a 21-gun salute. An article in The National detailed how Sheikh Zayed drove from Abu Dhabi to Dubai the night before the union agreement was signed and camped in the desert prior to the formal events.
The new national day builds upon other commemorations of Sheikh Zayed’s achievements, including the annual celebration of his accession that UAE leaders marked with tributes to his success in achieving unity and stability among the emirates. Under his leadership, the country directed oil revenues toward infrastructure, education and health care, laying the foundations for the modern state that has since expanded its global influence. A report from Gulf News on the announcement highlighted how the day will keep his principles of wisdom and generosity at the centre of national life.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s decree directs that the occasion will serve to recall the founding father’s rich heritage and instil its principles in future generations, as outlined in the official statement. Relevant government bodies are expected to develop programmes for schools and public institutions to mark the day with activities focused on his life and teachings. The first observance is scheduled for January 7, 2027.
