UAE President's inspirational message: Empowering Emiratis on the 54th Eid Al Etihad

ABU DHABI - As fireworks illuminate the skies over Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and families gather in traditional attire to celebrate unity and heritage, the United Arab Emirates marks its 54th National Day - Eid Al Etihad.

This joyous occasion, commemorating the formation of the UAE on December 2, 1971, under the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is more than a national holiday. It is a profound reminder of the federation's enduring spirit of resolve, purpose, and shared destiny.

In a poignant address delivered on the eve of the celebrations, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended heartfelt congratulations to Emiratis and residents alike, urging them to continue driving the nation's remarkable progress.

His message, rich with gratitude and forward-looking optimism, reaffirms the UAE's commitment to its people as the cornerstone of its success.

"To the people of the UAE, both citizens and residents alike, I congratulate you on the occasion of the 54th Eid Al Etihad and extend my sincere thanks for your contribution to our nation’s ongoing development. Through our collective efforts, the unity of our families, and the strength of our society, the UAE’s journey of progress will continue. May God grant you, and the blessed land of Zayed, enduring prosperity and wellbeing.," the President wrote on social platform X.

A legacy of unity

Sheikh Mohamed's words evoke the historic moment when seven emirates united to form a single nation, transforming a landscape of pearl-diving villages and desert expanses into a global powerhouse of innovation and tolerance.

"The second of December stands as a defining chapter in our nation’s story. It is a day of pride, unity, and inspiration that continues to resonate across generations of Emiratis," he said in his message to Emiratis.

Sheikh Mohamed paid tribute to Sheikh Zayed and the Founding Fathers, whose "lasting symbol of resolve" continues to inspire the UAE's trajectory toward excellence and progress. Reflecting on 54 years of milestones - from pioneering space exploration with the UAE's Mars Mission to hosting the COP28 climate summit - the President highlighted how these achievements are built on the foundations of family stability and collective effort.

"As we mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, we look back with gratitude and pride at the journey we have taken together. We honour the progress we have made and the milestones we have reached," he said, renewing a solemn pledge to sustain Sheikh Zayed's vision of a nation defined by "excellence, progress, and a far-reaching sense of purpose."

Empowering citizens: The heart of UAE's vision

At the core of Sheikh Mohamed's message is an unwavering focus on empowering Emiratis to shape their future.

"Our goal is clear: to see Emiratis, empowered by knowledge, experience, and ambition, succeed and make an impact across all sectors of the economy, including those of vital importance to our national development," he emphasized.

This people-centric philosophy is not mere rhetoric; it is embedded in policy and action. The President outlined key initiatives underscoring this commitment. Family and society, he noted, are "central to the UAE’s development strategy and vision for the future." To this end, the UAE has established the Ministry of Family and rebranded the Ministry of Community Development as the Ministry of Community Empowerment, with expanded responsibilities to foster stronger social fabrics.

In a forward-thinking declaration, 2025 has been named the Year of the Community, with 2026 poised to become the Year of the Family - initiatives aimed at strengthening familial bonds, supporting growth, and boosting fertility rates.

Emiratization, the strategic integration of UAE nationals into the workforce, remains a top priority, ensuring that Emiratis lead the charge in key sectors.

Sheikh Mohamed also called on the youth to embrace global advancements while staying rooted in tradition.

"While we want our youth to be fully engaged in the global march of scientific and technological progress, we also want them to remain firmly grounded in their values, ethics, and national identity," he urged. "A nation without identity has neither a present nor a future."

This balance - innovation fused with cultural preservation - positions the UAE as a beacon for the Arab world and beyond.

Preserving identity in a globalized world

In an era of rapid globalization, the President's message serves as a clarion call to safeguard the UAE's national identity, values, and the Arabic language. He stressed the importance of upholding these pillars, ensuring that progress does not erode the soul of the nation. This ethos was echoed in symbolic gestures, such as the naming of seven new mosques in Abu Dhabi's Mohamed bin Zayed City after each of the UAE's emirates—a tribute to unity and faith on this special day.

Across the federation, celebrations amplified these themes. From Ajman's Guinness World Record for a 603-vehicle Eid Al Etihad convoy to a nationwide initiative inviting all residents to sing the national anthem at 11:00 AM on December 2, the spirit of togetherness was palpable.

Fellow leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, reinforced the message, describing the union as a "unity of destiny" and praising the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid.

A pledge for tomorrow

As the sun sets on another Eid Al Etihad, Sheikh Mohamed's closing words linger like a benediction: "And we renew our pledge - before God, to ourselves, and to our people - to continue working with sincerity and dedication to ensure that the UAE remains, just as the late Sheikh Zayed envisioned, a nation defined by excellence, progress, and a far-reaching sense of purpose."

In this message, Emiratis find not just inspiration but a roadmap: to innovate boldly, unite fiercely, and cherish deeply. As the UAE strides into its next chapter, the President's vision is a reminder that true progress is measured not in skyscrapers or satellites, but in the empowered lives of its people.