UAE Designates July 18 as Union Pledge Day: A Celebration of Unity

In a historic announcement, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated July 18 as Union Pledge Day UAE. It marks the auspicious date in 1971, the time when the Founding Fathers of the UAE signed the declaration of the Union. Here is all the information about the announcement of the new national celebration and the historical significance of the day.

July 18 The New UAE National Day

H. H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed shared the news on social media stating: "Today, we declare 18 July as Union Pledge Day, a national occasion to celebrate the history of our country and the blessed journey towards establishing the Union."

Union Pedge Day UAE was a landmark event in the history of the Emirates that later made way for the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971. On that day in 1971, the Founding Fathers and the Rulers also formally revealed the country's name: the United Arab Emirates.

H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, highlighted the importance of Union Pledge Day as a momentous event that signifies the beginning of the nation's path to unity and solidarity.

"The announcement by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that July 18 will be celebrated annually as Union Pledge Day is a tribute to the journey of Union, which was established by the Founding Father and his fellow Rulers of the Emirates. On this historic date, the founding fathers signed the Union document and drafted the state constitution," Sheikh Mansour said.

He also said, "Today, we celebrate and immortalize this momentous occasion in the nation's memory and the hearts of its people. Union Pledge Day embodies the values of unity, solidarity, and cohesion among the people of the UAE."

History of UAE Union

The history of the UAE Union began on July 18, 1971, a significant date when the Founding Father, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and other Rulers of the Emirates signed the declaration of the Union. This pivotal event set the stage for the official formation of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971, when six emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah—joined together, with Ras Al Khaimah joining shortly after in February 1972.

This unification established a federal government and transformed the region, laying the foundations for a modern, progressive nation built on principles of unity, cooperation, and development.

The Fourth National Celebration
Union Pledge Day UAE joins Union Day, Flag Day, and Commemoration Day as the fourth national occasion in the UAE. This day aims to educate the youth about the country's history and the sacrifices made to achieve this historic union. It is dedicated to promoting the national values and principles set forth by the late Sheikh Zayed and other Rulers, which continue to underpin the nation's progress

The President stated that Union Pledge Day is an opportunity to reflect on the country's journey, learn valuable lessons for the present and future, and celebrate the enduring spirit of unity and solidarity that defines the UAE.