UAE declares 7 January as Zayed the Founder Day

28 October 2026

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that 7 January will be marked each year as Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion.
The day honours Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, and is meant to keep his vision, generosity and service to humanity before later generations.
Sheikh Mohamed made the announcement on X, declaring 7 January as the new national occasion.
The Founder's Office carries forward work on Sheikh Zayed's legacy; its strategic plan was approved earlier in the year by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, who chairs the Presidential Court.
The media offices of the Rulers of Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah reported their rulers welcoming the new day.
Sheikh Zayed led the uniting of the emirates into a new nation on 2 December 1971 and was its first President until his death in 2004.