UAE to celebrate Union Pledge Day on July 18

Union Pledge Day is the fourth national occasion celebrated in the UAE

Last updated: July 17, 2025 | 17:09

2 MIN READ

Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan - in the presence of Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Khalid Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the then Ruler of Sharjah, Shaikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the then Ruler of Ajman, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Ahmad Al Sharqi, the then Ruler of Fujairah, and other dignitaries and officials - listens to British diplomat Sir Geoffrey Arthur as he reads out the contents of the document during the proclamation of the Union and the declaration of independence in 1971. - WAM

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in the presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the then ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the then ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Mohammad bin Ahmad Al Sharqi, the then ruler of Fujairah, and other dignitaries and officials - listens to British diplomat Sir Geoffrey Arthur as he reads out the contents of the document during the proclamation of the Union and the declaration of independence in 1971.

WAM

Union Pledge Day is a national occasion celebrated on July 18 in commemoration of the day on which the founding father and the rulers pledged to unite as one country, signing the declaration of the Union and the UAE’s Constitution, announcing the name of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, leading to the union on December 2, 1971.

The day signifies the beginning of the UAE's journey towards unity and is a time for celebrating the nation's history and achievements.

UAE President declares July 18 as Union Pledge Day

National occasions

Union Pledge Day is the fourth national occasion celebrated in the UAE along with the following:

Union Day: It falls on December 2 and was declared in 1971 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Flag Day: It falls on November 3 and was declared in 2012 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Commemoration Day: It falls on November 30 and was declared in 2015 by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Promoting values and principles

On this day, UAE citizens and residents work to promote the values and principles that have guided the journey of unity, and strive to achieve a brighter and more prosperous future for the country.

Historical awareness

The occasion aims to commemorate the historic meeting on July 18 and recall the pivotal moments that shaped the history of the nation, by delving into the past and celebrating the achievements that began with the union document, continued with the Constitution, and culminated in the Declaration of the Union that announced the name of our country.

These historical moments are not just events of the past; they are the foundations on which the UAE built its national identity and shared strength.

Fostering national identity

The occasion serves as a reminder of the shared identity and the unity that binds the people together. On this historic day, the UAE took a significant step towards building a unified national identity that enhances belonging and solidarity. By drawing on the deep-rooted values and principles, the UAE’s people will continue to work diligently to achieve their common vision for a bright and sustainable future.

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