UAE Commemorates First Anniversary of Union Pledge Day

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates today marks the first anniversary of “Union Pledge Day”, a national occasion that commemorates the historic steps that led to the formation of the UAE in 1971. Instituted by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Union Pledge Day reaffirms the nation’s loyalty to its founding values, while celebrating its continued rise as a regional and global leader.

The occasion invites reflection on the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow founding rulers, whose declaration of the Union and signing of the UAE Constitution on 2nd December 1971 laid the groundwork for the federation. Union Pledge Day is now recognised as one of the most significant days in the UAE’s history, reinforcing national identity and deepening public awareness of the foundational principles that have guided the nation’s journey.

In his first national address as President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated, “Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally, as well as being one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we thank God for this blessing. We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership. Our history, identity, and cultural heritage will form an essential part of our plans for the future.”Union Pledge Day also serves as a tribute to the UAE’s achievements in nation-building and unity amidst complex regional dynamics. The late Sheikh Zayed not only led the formation of the Arab world’s first federal state but also initiated one of the most ambitious development efforts in the region.

Following Sheikh Zayed’s era, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2004–2022) spearheaded the empowerment phase, reinforcing institutional development, education, and citizen engagement. His tenure was marked by record-breaking achievements across sectors such as the economy, infrastructure, renewable energy, humanitarian aid, and space exploration. The UAE became the second-largest Arab economy and the first Arab and Muslim country to send a mission to Mars.

His leadership introduced pivotal national strategies, including the Principles of the 50, UAE Vision 2021, the UAE Strategy for Government Services (2021–2025), the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the National Space Strategy 2030, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Since assuming office in 2022, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led the UAE through a new era of transformative progress. The country continues to achieve major milestones in economic diversification, political stability, and social development, consistently ranking highly in global competitiveness reports.

Economic diversification efforts have intensified, with notable growth across sectors such as tourism, trade, finance, industry, real estate, telecommunications, and technology. According to the Central Bank of the UAE, real GDP is projected to grow by 4.4 percent in 2025, buoyed by increased foreign investment and the expansion of non-oil sectors.

In the first quarter of 2025, non-oil foreign trade reached AED 835 billion, with exports hitting a record AED 177.3 billion. Over five decades, the UAE’s GDP has surged from AED 58.3 billion in 1975 to AED 17 trillion in 2024, while foreign trade has grown from AED 11.5 billion to AED 5.23 trillion.In January 2025, the President declared the year as the “Year of Community”, aimed at reinforcing intergenerational ties and strengthening social unity. Reflecting this priority, AED 27.9 billion, or 39 percent of the 2025 federal budget, was dedicated to social development, underscoring the leadership’s enduring commitment to citizen welfare and cultural preservation.

On the global stage, the UAE continues to be a reliable partner in promoting peace and humanitarian cooperation. Guided by principles of tolerance, coexistence, and international solidarity, the country has extended over AED 368 billion in foreign aid, positively impacting more than one billion people worldwide.As the UAE celebrates the first Union Pledge Day, the nation honours the sacrifices of its founding leaders and recommits to the vision that has transformed it into a beacon of prosperity, unity, and global influence.