UAE to honour Day of Solidarity with helicopters and jets flying coast to coast
National anthem broadcast set for 11am across media platforms
DUBAI – A nationwide aerial procession is set to headline the UAE’s commemoration of the Day of Solidarity on Saturday, 17 January, as helicopters and fighter jets will sweep across the country in a coordinated display of unity and national pride.
Organised by the UAE Armed Forces in cooperation with Fursan Al Emarat, the UAE National Aerobatic Team, the flypast will begin in Abu Dhabi before passing over Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The large-scale air display is set to be the most visible public marker of the occasion, drawing attention skywards as the country reflects on resolve, cohesion and solidarity.
Observed annually, the Day of Solidarity reaffirms the UAE’s commitment to standing firmly behind its leadership and armed forces. This year’s observance also marks the fourth anniversary of the national occasion, which honours Emirati gallantry and the enduring bond between the people and the state.
Aerial displays
The aerial procession will feature a diverse fleet of military helicopters and fighter jets, flying in formation across all seven emirates. The coordinated route underscores the nationwide nature of the commemoration, linking communities from the capital to the east coast through a shared moment of remembrance and pride. The UAE Armed Forces said the displays symbolise determination, unity and readiness, values that sit at the core of the Day of Solidarity.
Fursan Al Emarat, known for precision aerobatics and complex manoeuvres, will take part in the flypast alongside operational aircraft, highlighting both technical capability and ceremonial tradition. Residents are expected to witness the formations as they pass over major urban centres and coastal areas during the course of the day.
A national moment
Senior leaders have called on the public to take part in the national moment. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, urged people across the UAE to follow national media channels, which will broadcast the national anthem at 11am on Saturday.
On January 17 each year, we reflect on the resolve, unity and solidarity shown by the people of the UAE – standing proudly behind their national flag to safeguard the country’s achievements and uphold its global standing. We invite everyone across the UAE to follow our national… pic.twitter.com/jUIzTaVEVz
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) January 16, 2026
In a message shared ahead of the Day of Solidarity, Sheikh Hamdan said that 17 January is a time to reflect on the resolve, unity and solidarity shown by the people of the UAE, standing proudly behind the national flag to safeguard the country’s achievements and uphold its global standing. He invited residents to join the broadcast as a renewal of commitment to advancing and elevating the nation.
Day of Solidarity
Marking its fourth year, the Day of Solidarity stands as a testament to the UAE’s resilience and preparedness to confront challenges. The occasion symbolises a unified national front, with citizens described as a cornerstone of security alongside advanced defence capabilities and trusted strategic alliances.
Over the years, the Day of Solidarity has also come to reflect the UAE’s broader stance against terrorism and extremism. The country has consistently advocated international cooperation to address the root causes of radicalisation and to promote regional stability, positioning itself as a leading voice in global counter-terrorism efforts.
The UAE’s commitment has been demonstrated through participation in regional and international coalitions, including its role in the Global Coalition against Daesh since 2014. Its security efforts have focused on curbing the activities of extremist groups, protecting strategic waterways such as the Gulf of Aden and the Bab Al Mandab Strait, and safeguarding global trade routes.
Alongside military operations, the UAE has prioritised humanitarian action, establishing air and sea bridges to deliver aid and supporting development and emergency programmes in conflict-affected areas. Institutions such as the Sawab Centre, the Muslim Council of Elders and Hedayah continue to underpin efforts to counter extremist ideology through dialogue, moderation and education.