UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad)
Next: December 2, 2026
Seven emirates, one union.
The story
Where it comes from
Eid Al Etihad, 'Celebration of the Union', is the national day of the United Arab Emirates. It marks 2 December 1971, when six emirates joined to form the UAE under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, whom the other rulers elected as the first President. Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972, completing the union of seven. Sheikh Zayed is remembered as the Father of the Nation. In English many people still call it UAE National Day.
How it's celebrated
Under a cabinet resolution, the public and private sectors get two days off, on 2 and 3 December. Across the seven emirates there is an official ceremony, along with cultural performances, heritage displays and fireworks. The celebrations are meant for everyone who calls the UAE home, Emirati and expatriate alike.
Did you know
- Etihad is Arabic for 'union', the idea at the heart of the day's name.
- Sheikh Zayed was President from the founding of the UAE in 1971 until his death in 2004, and ruled Abu Dhabi from 1966.
- The official ceremony is streamed to public celebration zones across the emirates, and even to cinemas.
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