The United Arab Emirates has a new annual national occasion. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced Zayed the Founder Day on 28 October 2026. The occasion celebrates the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. It aims to ensure his legacy inspires future generations. WAM carried the announcement, and Al Etihad and The National reported it that day.
Indeed, Zayed the Founder Day will be observed annually on 7 January. Specifically, the first celebration will take place on 7 January 2027. The figure seven specifically reflects the seven emirates united as one nation. The date also evokes 1971, the year when the Union was established. Together, the number and the year indeed give the date a clear national meaning.
Overall, the aim goes beyond remembrance. Leaders want people to embed the legacy and values actively in society and bring them to life. Meanwhile, reflection should lead to action, and action should extend through the year. A national moment at the start of January can eventually help people reconnect with shared values.
What has been announced for 7 January?
Certainly, Zayed the Founder Day is a new annual national occasion in the UAE. The day, specifically, celebrates the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed. Looking forward, it places a clear focus particularly on future generations. The sources do not describe the occasion as a single ceremony. Instead, they describe it as a national moment for reflection, learning and action.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| What | Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion |
| Observed | 7 January every year |
| First celebration | 7 January 2027 |
| Announced by | President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| Announced on | 28 October 2026 |
| Led by | The Founder’s Office |
| Why 7 January | Seven emirates united as one nation and the year 1971 |
Still, each year, the occasion will provide a focal point for projects and initiatives. The announcement names education, culture, research and content among the areas. It also names community participation, events and public engagement. Activities should extend beyond 7 January and continue through the year, offering a moment to launch and showcase initiatives that preserve his values.
Indeed, for many residents, the value of a national occasion lies in shared understanding. Similarly, a shared date can prompt conversation at home, at school and at work. People may ask what the values meant in practice during the life of Sheikh Zayed. Those conversations can also consider how the values apply in daily life today. In addition, the announcement intends awareness to reach audiences abroad, of all ages and backgrounds.
Who announced Zayed the Founder Day and when will it begin?
Indeed, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced Zayed the Founder Day. Reports of the announcement, meanwhile, appeared on 28 October 2026. WAM carried the announcement, and Al Etihad and The National, meanwhile, reported it on the same day. His Highness described the occasion specifically as a way to celebrate the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed. He linked celebration particularly to carrying forward principles and helping future generations understand their meaning.
In his statement, the President described the legacy of Sheikh Zayed as deeply rooted in UAE identity. He said: “The legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed is deeply rooted in the identity of the UAE and in the values that continue to guide our nation.” The statement also highlighted belief in unity, people, giving and responsibility towards future generations, and it presented those beliefs as the foundations of national progress.
On social media, the President shared a message in his own words. The message recalled Sheikh Zayed leading efforts to establish the Union and laying its foundations. His message presented generosity, vision and service to humanity as defining features of his life. His message presented the new day as a way to transform wisdom into action and keep values inspiring the nation.
Certainly, the initiative comes from The Founder’s Office. That office carries a mandate particularly to lead, guide and enable work preserving understanding of Sheikh Zayed. Its work covers his life, legacy and values, and, similarly, aims to drive engagement with them. Earlier, in February 2026, Sheikh Mansour approved its strategic plan. The plan set out a national framework to keep his life, legacy, values and principles a living source of inspiration. As a result, the office provides a platform on his achievements in the Emirates and globally.
Why was 7 January chosen for the new occasion?
Overall, seven and one carry a clear meaning in this announcement. Indeed, the figure seven points to the seven emirates united as one nation. Rather, one points to unity, with separate emirates forming a single country. Together, the figures certainly echo a vision of unity that Sheikh Zayed championed. The year 1971 adds a second layer of meaning, as the year when the Union was established.
Timing also matters for a second reason. Seven January arrives, meanwhile, as schools, workplaces and institutions begin a new year. A national moment at that point can help people reconnect with values before routines settle. It can eventually help them renew commitment and carry values through the year ahead. Meanwhile, the new year gives families a natural point for reflection.
Generally, the announcement presents the date as inclusive and accessible. The announcement addresses people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds as its intended audience. Obviously, the announcement names respect, dignity, understanding and cooperation as foundations of a strong and prosperous society. It also links those foundations to a stable and peaceful world. For younger generations, the date offers a chance, specifically, to learn about choices and principles that shaped the UAE.
What values will the day seek to keep alive?
Overall, values sit at the centre of the announcement. Certainly, unity comes first in the words of the President, alongside belief in people. Giving follows, meanwhile, with a sense of duty to those who come next. Vision, generosity and service to humanity eventually complete the picture in his social media message. Each value points to action, rather than memory alone.
| Value | Named in the announcement |
|---|---|
| Unity | A belief in unity |
| People | A belief in people |
| Giving | A belief in giving |
| Responsibility to future generations | A responsibility towards future generations |
| Vision | Vision in leadership and national life |
| Generosity | Generosity towards others |
| Service to humanity | Service to humanity |
| Respect | Respect for others |
| Dignity | Dignity for all |
| Understanding | Understanding between people |
| Cooperation | Cooperation within society and beyond |
How do these values work in daily life?
However, a list alone does not explain how values work in daily life. Similarly, unity can mean shared purpose across different emirates and communities. Giving can, similarly, mean help for neighbours, visitors and people in need. Indeed, responsibility to future generations can mean choices that protect opportunities for children. In contrast, a society without shared values can drift into separate interests. Generally, the announcement presents values as guidance for building a nation and a better future for all.
Indeed, younger readers receive special attention in the announcement. The announcement offers opportunities to help them understand the choices, principles and values that shaped the UAE. Those opportunities invite them to consider how the values apply in their own lives. Still, learning can happen at home, in classrooms and in community settings. Similarly, awareness should reach audiences worldwide, of all ages and backgrounds.
Service to humanity also connects the UAE with wider world affairs. Coverage of the UAE on the world stage includes Lana Nusseibeh’s bid for UN Secretary-General. That coverage is separate from this announcement, and it shows a different area of UAE engagement. Readers interested in global roles can follow that story on its own terms.
How did Sheikh Zayed shape the United Arab Emirates?
Sheikh Zayed was born around 1918 in Abu Dhabi. He was the youngest of four sons of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His early years unfolded when the economy relied largely on fishing, pearl diving and small-scale agriculture in scattered oases. As a young man, he travelled extensively across the region. In the early 1930s, he witnessed the first geological surveys for oil.
On 6 August 1966, Sheikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi. His leadership ushered in a new era of development for the emirate. Abu Dhabi had begun crude oil exports in 1962, and growing revenues funded schools, hospitals, housing and roads. Support also increased for the Trucial States during that period. Development work paved the way for the creation of the UAE.
The seven emirates formed the UAE on 2 December 1971. Sheikh Zayed subsequently became the first President of the new nation. He eventually oversaw a rapid rise for the country, regionally and globally. His time as Ruler and President also included extensive humanitarian and development aid. WAM reported that aid reached more than Dh90 billion and 117 of 193 UN countries during his time as Ruler and President.
Sheikh Zayed died on the 19th day of Ramadan in 2004. His legacy has remained a central reference point for national life since that time. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum opened last year, to coincide with National Day celebrations. The museum adds a public place for learning about his life and achievements. Readers following Abu Dhabi leadership today can also read about Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s visit to Canada in separate recent coverage.
What did leaders say about the announcement?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, welcomed the announcement. His response placed unity and solidarity at the centre, and he described the annual event as a “celebration of our unity and solidarity”. He described Sheikh Zayed as an inspirer of generations. Those words place unity at the heart of the occasion.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also responded. He said the announcement renews the legacy of the Founding Father and the values on which the nation was built. In his words: “The greatest tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed is that his vision lives within us, and his values remain firmly rooted in generations to come.” That message stressed continuity, with vision living within people rather than resting in memory alone.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, expressed appreciation for Sheikh Zayed’s role in building a homeland. He noted a homeland that united people under shared purpose. In his account, a legacy and principles remain firmly etched in national memory, and generations pass them down. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, offered a similar reflection. He said the legacy of goodness and giving will remain alive and extend into the journey of the Union. He added that children should learn guidance from those values.
How will schools, families and communities take part?
Institutions, communities, schools, families and individuals all have a place in the plans described. Initiatives, experiences and programmes are meant to turn reflection into action. Engagement should extend impact throughout the year, rather than ending on 7 January. The plans name education, culture, research, content, community participation, events and public engagement as areas for projects. Each year, the occasion will act as a focal point for launching and showcasing such initiatives.
Families and schools may look for simple, general ways to mark the date. No programme list was announced in the sources checked, so the ideas below are general suggestions only. They are not presented as announced plans, venues or ticketed events.
- Reading about the life and values of Sheikh Zayed together at home
- Visiting a heritage place or museum and discussing what is learned there
- Talking about unity, giving and responsibility in everyday choices
- Encouraging children to ask how values can guide their own actions
Heritage outings can help children connect history with place. Families in Sharjah, for example, could look at things to do in Sharjah for general outing ideas. That suggestion is separate from any Founder Day programme, and no programme for Sharjah was announced in the sources checked. A separate recent item, the Sharjah integrated care city approval, was reported as its own official decision. It is not part of the Founder Day announcement.
Access matters in the design described. The design presents the occasion as inclusive and accessible to all ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Respect, dignity, understanding and cooperation are named as foundations for a strong society. Schools and workplaces can use the start of the year as a moment to renew shared commitment. Finally, the aim is to turn the date into habits lasting through the year.
Will 7 January be a public holiday in the UAE?
No day off has been announced for 7 January in the sources checked. The sources call Zayed the Founder Day an annual national occasion. No source in the checks describes it as a public holiday. The reports do not say schools and offices will close. Readers should not plan around a day off on the basis of this announcement alone.
Time Out Dubai offered an assessment of the position. That outlet described the new occasion as unlikely to be a public holiday. That assessment is commentary, not an official announcement. For confirmed time off, the safest guide is the official holiday list. Readers can check the next public holiday in the UAE for dates that have been confirmed as holidays.
What else do readers ask about Zayed the Founder Day?
When is Zayed the Founder Day observed?
People observe Zayed the Founder Day annually on 7 January. The announcement named the date a yearly national occasion. It will return on the same date each year, according to the announcement.
When is the first celebration?
The first celebration will take place on 7 January 2027. That date is the inaugural celebration named in the announcement. It follows the announcement made on 28 October 2026.
Who announced Zayed the Founder Day?
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the new occasion. WAM carried the announcement, and Al Etihad and The National reported it on 28 October 2026. Readers can also see the UAE weather update for 28 October for separate coverage from the same day.
Why is 7 January significant?
Seven reflects the seven emirates united as one nation. The date also evokes 1971, the year the Union was established. Together, those ideas give 7 January a clear link to unity and to the founding of the UAE.
Is 7 January a public holiday in the UAE?
No source in the checks announced a public holiday or day off. The sources describe the date as an annual national occasion. Readers should check confirmed holiday dates before assuming time off.
Who leads the initiative behind Zayed the Founder Day?
The Founder’s Office leads the initiative. That office holds a mandate to preserve, enrich understanding of, and drive engagement with the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed. In February 2026, Sheikh Mansour approved its strategic plan and national framework.
