UAE President announces Zayed the Founder Day to be marked every 7 January
Mark 7 January 2027 in your calendars. The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced a new annual occasion called Zayed the Founder Day, dedicated to the life and legacy of High Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, our Founding Father.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the new occasion on Wednesday, 28 October. It will be marked every year on 7 January, with the first observance taking place in 2027.
For anyone who has made the UAE home, you’ll know Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is an important part of the country’s story. His vision helped bring the seven emirates together in 1971, and the values he stood for, including unity, generosity and care for future generations, continue to shape the nation's identity.
The date chosen for Zayed the Founder Day reflects that history, too. The numbers 7 and 1 represent the seven emirates united as one, while also recalling 1971, the year the UAE was formed.
How will Zayed the Founder Day be marked?
The occasion will include cultural activities, public events and community initiatives, giving people across the UAE more opportunities to learn about Sheikh Zayed's life and the values that helped shape the country.
The plans are not limited to 7 January. Activities and projects are intended to continue throughout the year, with a particular focus on helping younger generations understand Sheikh Zayed's leadership and how his principles remain relevant today.
The occasion will be open to people of all ages and nationalities, reflecting Sheikh Zayed's belief in respect, dignity and cooperation. The aim is to make his legacy something people can continue to learn from, rather than something remembered on one day each year.
Announcing the initiative, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said Sheikh Zayed's belief in unity, people, giving and responsibility towards future generations had laid the foundations on which the UAE was built.
The first Zayed the Founder Day will take place on Thursday, 7 January 2027.
