Every nation, regardless of the length of its history or the nature of its journey, can identify its defining moments in time. For the UAE, such a moment came at the Dubai Guesthouse Palace, 44 years ago. This was the location for the meeting at which the UAE was born under Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founding father.
The rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai first decided to form a union between their two emirates and invited the rulers of the other five emirates to join, following the expiration of the UK’s treaty. And, on December 2, 1971, four other emirates — Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman — agreed to join the federation, followed by Ras Al Khaimah the following year.
Since then, UAE National Day is commemorated on December 2 each year to mark the birth of a nation, as the seven emirates come alive with parades, live entertainment and fireworks among the festivities, and the country’s rulers and residents — UAE nationals and expatriates alike — are united in celebration. This year, under the theme Spirit of the Union, will be no exception.
Don’t miss it
For a list of UAE National Day events around the country, visit bit.ly/1TcgfV1
