Watch: UAE President shares touching tribute to Sheikh Zayed on Father’s Day
The country’s founding father remembered for wisdom, generosity and visionary leadership
ABU DHABI: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today marked Father’s Day by sharing a poignant tribute to his late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The throwback video, posted on his official X account, offered a glimpse into the enduring legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, capturing his warmth, leadership and vision.
In his message, Sheikh Mohamed described Sheikh Zayed as “a wise mentor and an inspirational role model to his children and to the nation.”
Our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed, was a wise mentor and an inspirational role model to his children and to the nation, and his legacy continues to shape the ongoing development of our country and its people. As we mark Father’s Day, I congratulate fathers across the UAE… pic.twitter.com/Sy1yPcJfbp
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) June 21, 2025
“His legacy continues to shape the ongoing development of our country and its people. As we mark Father’s Day, I congratulate fathers across the UAE and commend their pivotal role in both family life and the community,” he continued.
Father’s Day in UAE
Unlike many countries that celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, the UAE observes Father’s Day on June 21 – the first day of summer – each year. The celebration honours fathers with gifts, well-wishes, and unique experiences ranging from free items and shopping deals to exclusive dining and entertainment packages.
Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy
This year, tributes poured in from across the nation. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also paid homage to Sheikh Zayed. “On Father’s Day, we remember the life of our founding father, Zayed, may God bless his soul, who embodied the greatest meanings of fatherhood in his leadership of his people and family,” he stated.
في يوم الأب، نستحضر سيرة الوالد المؤسس زايد، طيب الله ثراه، الذي جسّد أعظم معاني الأبوة في قيادته لشعبه وأسرته، وكان قدوة في الحكمة والعطاء. كل التحية والتقدير لكل أب يسير على نهج زايد في بناء الأسرة وصناعة المستقبل. pic.twitter.com/xLLl3JLybS
— منصور بن زايد (@HHmansour) June 21, 2025
Sheikh Mansour praised the values Sheikh Zayed instilled, adding: “Our deepest appreciation and gratitude go out to every father who follows in Zayed’s footsteps in building families and shaping the future.”