18 July: UAE marks Union Pledge Day 2025 with tributes and national pride
Not a public holiday under latest federal holiday law
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is marking Union Pledge Day today, 18 July, to honour the historic moment that led to the formation of the nation in 1971.
Observed for the second consecutive year, this national occasion commemorates the day when the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and fellow rulers pledged their unity, laying the foundation for the country’s Constitution and the declaration of the United Arab Emirates.
Union Pledge Day
Union Pledge Day recalls the key meeting on 18 July 1971, during which the leaders of the emirates agreed upon the federal document and the future name of the country. This pivotal gathering paved the way for the official union of the UAE on 2 December 1971, now celebrated as National Day.
Although Union Pledge Day was officially added to the national calendar only in 2024, it represents a long-cherished memory of determination, vision, and unity that defines the nation’s foundation.
The occasion is designed to foster national awareness and reinforce the values upon which the UAE was built. It serves as a reminder of the shared identity and collective commitment to unity, progress, and prosperity. Citizens and residents alike take part in activities that highlight the UAE’s journey – from its founding principles to its current global ambitions.
Tributes
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commemorated the day with a powerful message on social media, stating: “On Union Pledge Day, we celebrate the blessed history of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers the Rulers in working together towards establishing the Union. As we renew our shared commitment to sustaining the progress and prosperity of the UAE, we affirm that unity remains the strength of our nation and its continued advancement.”
On Union Pledge Day, we celebrate the blessed history of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers the Rulers in working together towards establishing the Union. As we renew our shared commitment to sustaining the progress and prosperity of…
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) July 18, 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also marked the occasion with a heartfelt message:
"Union Pledge... a day when the Founders agreed on the Union’s document and constitution... when hearts united around the idea of the Union... when energies and resources came together to build the greatest unifying vision our modern Arab world has witnessed... Today, we pledge to continue building with the same spirit, the same determination, and global ambitions for the future."
عهد الاتحاد .. يوم توافق فيه المؤسسون على وثيقة ودستور الاتحاد .. وتوافقت القلوب على فكرة الاتحاد .. وتوافقت الطاقات والموارد على بناء أعظم فكرة وحدوية شهدها عالمنا العربي المعاصر .. واليوم نتعاهد على استكمال البناء بنفس الروح .. وبنفس العزم .. وبطموحات عالمية نحو المستقبل.
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 18, 2025
The message underlines the spirit of agreement, ambition, and unity that led to one of the Arab world’s most enduring federations.
Part of four national occasions
Union Pledge Day now stands as one of four nationally recognised occasions in the UAE, alongside:
- Union Pledge Day – 18 July
- Flag Day – 3 November
- Commemoration Day – 30 November
- National Day (Eid Al Etihad) – 2 December
While National Day and Commemoration Day are official public holidays under federal law, Union Pledge Day and Flag Day are commemorative events marked by ceremonies, tributes, and educational campaigns without guaranteeing a day off.
Not a public holiday
Despite its national significance, Union Pledge Day is not a public holiday under the revised UAE holiday law introduced in early 2025. The updated law allows local authorities to declare regional holidays, but no such decision has been announced for this year. As a result, Friday, 18 July remains a regular working day in most emirates.