The UAE has added a new date to its national calendar. UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced on October 28th that January 7th will be marked every year as Zayed the Founder Day. It’s in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s Founding Father. The first observance falls on Thursday, 7 January 2027.
What The Day Is About
The occasion is meant to celebrate Sheikh Zayed’s life, legacy and values. It recognises his role in establishing the Union and shaping the country’s development, and puts the spotlight on unity, generosity and humanitarian service. The idea is for people of all ages to learn about him and carry his principles forward through education, culture and community engagement.
Why 7 January
The date was chosen as 7/1, a nod to Sheikh Zayed’s vision of seven emirates standing together as one nation and also it aligns with, the year the Union was established that’s 1971.
What The President Said
Announcing the day, Sheikh Mohamed said Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is deeply rooted in the identity of the UAE. He pointed to the Founding Father’s belief in unity, in people and in giving, along with his sense of responsibility towards future generations. According to the President, the day is about carrying those principles forward so that younger generations understand what they mean in a changing world.
Will It Be A Public Holiday?
There has been no official confirmation on days off so far. Early indications suggest it will not be a public holiday in any emirate. The date arrives just as the new year gets going for schools and workplaces, and the day is built around awareness rather than a break from work. If that holds, it would sit alongside Union Pledge Day and UAE Flag Day, two national occasions that come without a day off.
Also Read: From The Silk Road To Sheikh Zayed Road, Tashkent’s Cake Lab Makes Its UAE Debut In Dubai
What It Means For Your Calendar
If the holiday question settles the way early signs point, 7 January 2027 would be a regular working Thursday, with schools and offices running as usual.
What Happens Next
Zayed the Founder Day will act as a focal point for projects and initiatives across education, culture, research, content, community participation, events and public engagement. The announcement doesn’t list specific events yet, so expect more detail to follow as 2027 approaches and the date gets closer.
Cover Image Courtesy: UAE Embassy/Website
FAQs
What is Zayed the Founder Day?
It’s a new annual national occasion in the UAE, announced by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It celebrates the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with a focus on unity, generosity and humanitarian service.
Is Zayed the Founder Day a public holiday in the UAE?
There is no official confirmation yet. Early indications suggest it will not be a public holiday in Dubai or the other emirates, similar to Union Pledge Day and UAE Flag Day. Wait for an official announcement before planning time off.
