UAE President Attends Historic Gathering Commemorating Formation of the Union
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today attended a special gathering of individuals who were present on the historic day when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, alongside his fellow Rulers, raised the UAE flag to mark the formation of the Union.
For the first time since 2 December 1971, a number of those who witnessed the raising of the flag at Union House in Dubai reunited to commemorate the landmark occasion in the nation’s history.
During the gathering, His Highness viewed a collection of more than 60 rare and previously unpublished photographs documenting defining scenes from the day the Union was established and the UAE flag was raised for the first time. The collection also includes an original print signed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as well as the original photographic negatives.
His Highness expressed deep appreciation for the collection, noting its historical and symbolic significance in preserving key moments that shaped the country’s journey. He recalled the pivotal role played by Sheikh Zayed and his fellow Rulers in transforming the vision of unity into reality and laying the foundations of the Union.
In a gesture of recognition, His Highness hosted an iftar at Qasr Al Bahr for several individuals who had witnessed Sheikh Zayed raising the national flag. Attendees shared their pride in having been part of one of the most significant milestones in the UAE’s history and reflected on their memories of the day the Union was formed.
His Highness also engaged in cordial conversations with the guests and their families, exchanging Ramadan greetings and expressing his hopes that the holy month would bring continued blessings and prosperity to the UAE and its people.
