UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced the establishment of Zayed the Founder Day, an annual occasion to honour the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE.
The occasion will be observed on January 7 every year, with the first celebration scheduled for January 7, 2027.
“Today, we declare 7 January as Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion dedicated to celebrating his enduring legacy, transforming wisdom into action, and ensuring these values continue to inspire our nation on its steadfast path of progress towards the future,” the announcement by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed read.
The initiative aims to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s principles continue to guide society and inspire generations through education, community engagement and programmes that encourage people to apply his values in their lives.
Why January 7 was chosen for Zayed the Founder Day
The date, January 7, carries significance linked to the formation of the UAE.
The numbers 7/1 represent Sheikh Zayed’s vision of seven emirates united as one nation. The date also refers to 1971, the year the UAE was established.
By placing the occasion at the start of the year, the initiative aims to encourage people across the country to reflect on Sheikh Zayed’s principles and apply them throughout the months ahead. The timing also coincides with the beginning of the year for schools, workplaces and institutions, providing an opportunity for communities to renew their commitment to the values that shaped the country.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlights Sheikh Zayed’s values
Announcing the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed said Sheikh Zayed’s legacy remains part of the UAE’s identity and continues to influence the country’s development.
“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. His belief in unity, in people, in giving, and in our responsibility towards future generations laid the foundations upon which our country was built and continues to progress. Through Zayed the Founder Day, we celebrate his life and achievements by carrying forward the principles he embodied and ensuring that future generations understand their true meaning and continued relevance in a changing world. Sheikh Zayed’s values are not only a legacy we preserve but a source of guidance that inspires us to continue building our nation and contributing to a better future for all,” Sheikh Mohamed said in a statement.
He added that the occasion would encourage people to understand Sheikh Zayed’s principles and recognise their relevance as the world changes.
Schools, communities and institutions to take part in Zayed the Founder Day
Zayed the Founder Day will bring together schools, institutions, communities, families and individuals through activities focused on Sheikh Zayed’s life, leadership and principles.
The occasion will provide a platform for programmes covering education, culture, research, content, community participation, events and public engagement.
These initiatives will not be limited to January 7. Activities will continue throughout the year to help people understand Sheikh Zayed’s contributions and put his values into practice.
The annual occasion will also serve as a platform to launch and showcase projects that preserve his legacy and encourage participation across society.
Through these programmes, the initiative seeks to build understanding of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership and the decisions that contributed to the establishment and development of the UAE.
Zayed the Founder Day to focus on future generations
One of the aims of Zayed the Founder Day is to help younger generations understand Sheikh Zayed’s life, leadership and the principles that shaped the UAE.
The occasion will provide opportunities for young people to learn about the choices and values behind the country’s formation and consider how they can apply those principles in their lives.
It will also encourage them to reflect on their role in contributing to the UAE’s future.
The initiative seeks to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is not viewed only as part of the country’s history but continues to influence decisions, behaviour and contributions to society.
Zayed the Founder Day to include people of all nationalities
The occasion will be accessible to people of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds, reflecting Sheikh Zayed’s belief in respect, dignity, understanding and cooperation.
These principles formed part of his approach to building a society based on unity and collaboration, as well as promoting stability and peace beyond the UAE.
Zayed the Founder Day will also seek to increase awareness of Sheikh Zayed’s life and influence among audiences outside the country.
Through initiatives and engagement programmes, it aims to encourage people in the UAE and internationally to learn about his values and consider their relevance to their communities.
The Founder’s Office to lead Zayed the Founder Day initiatives
Zayed the Founder Day is an initiative of The Founder’s Office, which is responsible for leading, guiding and enabling programmes that preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, promote understanding of his life and values, and encourage engagement with his principles.
The office will support initiatives linked to the occasion, including projects covering education, culture, research and community participation.
The annual observance will provide a point for institutions and individuals to introduce programmes that translate Sheikh Zayed’s values into action.
Through Zayed the Founder Day and activities held throughout the year, The Founder’s Office aims to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues to guide generations within the UAE and beyond.
The first Zayed the Founder Day on January 7, 2027, will mark the beginning of an annual occasion focused on remembering Sheikh Zayed’s life while encouraging people to carry forward his principles through their actions.
