UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day, an annual national occasion honouring Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father and first President. The first observance will take place on January 7, 2027.
The occasion will highlight Sheikh Zayed’s leadership and values, including unity, generosity and responsibility, through educational, cultural and community initiatives. The date symbolises the seven emirates and the UAE’s formation in 1971; it has not been designated a public holiday.
The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has announced Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion that will be observed every January 7 in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
The first Zayed the Founder Day will take place on January 7, 2027, giving people across the UAE a new national moment to remember Sheikh Zayed’s life, leadership, values and lasting contribution to the country.
The initiative was announced on October 28, 2026, and aims to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy is not only remembered as part of UAE history but continues to inspire younger generations and influence everyday life.
In this article
What Is Zayed the Founder Day?
Zayed the Founder Day is a new annual national occasion dedicated to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Zayed was the Founding Father and first President of the United Arab Emirates. He served as President from the formation of the UAE on December 2, 1971, until his passing in 2004.
The new occasion will focus on his leadership, achievements and values, including unity, generosity, responsibility, respect for people and commitment to future generations.
The aim is not simply to look back at Sheikh Zayed’s life. The initiative is designed to encourage people to understand his principles and consider how they can apply those same values in their families, schools, workplaces and communities.
Why Was January 7 Chosen?
The choice of January 7 carries symbolic meaning.
Written as 7/1, the date represents Sheikh Zayed’s national vision of seven emirates united as one nation.
It also recalls 1971, the year in which the United Arab Emirates was established.
WAM said the date was selected to reflect the importance Sheikh Zayed placed on unity and the creation of the UAE.
This gives the annual occasion a direct connection to the story of the Union and the vision that brought the emirates together.
First Zayed the Founder Day Will Be Held in 2027
The inaugural Zayed the Founder Day will be observed on January 7, 2027.
From then onwards, January 7 will serve as an annual national moment for people to reconnect with Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and the principles on which the UAE was built.
The timing at the beginning of the year is also intentional.
Schools, government institutions, businesses and communities are generally returning to normal activity following the year-end period, making January an appropriate time to reflect on national values and carry them forward through the rest of the year.
UAE President Highlights Sheikh Zayed’s Values
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Sheikh Zayed’s legacy remains deeply connected to the identity of the UAE.
The President highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s belief in unity, people, giving and responsibility towards future generations as principles that helped establish the foundations of the country.
Through Zayed the Founder Day, these principles will continue to be shared with future generations.
The initiative is therefore not intended to be only a commemorative event. It is also designed to encourage people to turn Sheikh Zayed’s values into practical actions that contribute to society.
Schools and Young People Will Play an Important Role
One of the main priorities of Zayed the Founder Day will be helping younger generations understand Sheikh Zayed’s life and leadership.
Schools and educational institutions are expected to play an important part in the initiative.
Young people will have opportunities to learn about the decisions, principles and values that helped shape the UAE.
They will also be encouraged to consider how they can use these values in their own lives and contribute to the country’s future.
WAM said education, culture, research, content, community participation and public engagement will all form part of the wider initiative.
Activities Will Continue Beyond January 7
Although January 7 will be the main annual occasion, activities linked to Zayed the Founder Day will not be limited to a single day.
Projects, events and initiatives are expected to continue throughout the year.
These may include educational activities, cultural programmes, research projects, community initiatives, public events and content about Sheikh Zayed’s life and values.
The aim is to make Sheikh Zayed’s legacy a continuing source of learning and inspiration rather than something remembered only once each year.
Zayed the Founder Day Will Be Open to Everyone
The initiative is designed to include people of different ages, cultures and nationalities.
According to the official announcement, Zayed the Founder Day will reflect values such as respect, dignity, understanding and cooperation.
These principles were important to Sheikh Zayed’s approach to leadership and remain closely connected to the UAE’s diverse society.
The occasion will therefore provide an opportunity for Emiratis and residents alike to learn more about the Founding Father and the values associated with the formation and development of the country.
The Founder’s Office Will Lead the Initiative
Zayed the Founder Day is an initiative of The Founder’s Office.
The office is responsible for leading and supporting projects that preserve Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, improve understanding of his life and values, and encourage public engagement with his story.
The Founder’s Office will also support year-round initiatives linked to the national occasion.
Its wider objective is to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues to remain relevant and meaningful for future generations.
Sheikh Zayed’s Role in Building the UAE
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan played a central role in creating the United Arab Emirates.
Following discussions between the rulers of the emirates, six emirates formally established the UAE on December 2, 1971.
Sheikh Zayed was unanimously elected the first President of the UAE.
Ras Al Khaimah later joined the federation on February 10, 1972.
During his leadership, Sheikh Zayed placed strong emphasis on national unity, education, infrastructure, healthcare and improving people’s quality of life.
His vision and leadership remain closely connected to the UAE’s national identity.
Zayed the Founder Day Focuses on Unity
Unity is expected to be one of the main themes of Zayed the Founder Day.
The symbolic 7/1 date directly reflects the seven emirates coming together to form one country.
The occasion provides an opportunity to explain the importance of that unity to younger generations while also highlighting the cooperation that helped build the UAE.
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, said the new occasion reflects national gratitude to a leader who made unity a central part of nation-building and placed people at the heart of development.
Is Zayed the Founder Day a UAE Public Holiday?
The official announcement describes Zayed the Founder Day as an annual national occasion.
As of October 28, 2026, the announcement does not state that January 7 will be an official public holiday.
People should therefore avoid assuming that schools, government offices or private-sector businesses will automatically close on January 7.
Any future announcement about a public holiday would need to come through the relevant UAE authorities.
Why Zayed the Founder Day Matters
The creation of Zayed the Founder Day gives the UAE a new annual occasion focused specifically on its Founding Father.
It connects the history of the Union with the present and future of the country.
For younger generations, it creates an opportunity to learn more about how the UAE was established.
For families, schools and communities, it provides a platform for discussing values such as unity, service, generosity and responsibility.
For the country as a whole, January 7 will become a yearly moment to recognise Sheikh Zayed’s contribution and consider how his principles can continue to guide the UAE.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of Zayed the Founder Day marks the creation of a new annual national occasion in the United Arab Emirates.
Beginning on January 7, 2027, the day will celebrate the life, leadership and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan while encouraging future generations to carry his principles forward.
The symbolism of 7/1 connects the occasion directly with the seven emirates and the establishment of the Union in 1971.
More details about programmes, events and activities are expected as the first Zayed the Founder Day approaches.
Zayed the Founder Day FAQs
When is Zayed the Founder Day?
Zayed the Founder Day will be observed every year on January 7.
When will the first Zayed the Founder Day take place?
The first observance will take place on January 7, 2027.
Why was January 7 selected?
The date 7/1 symbolises the seven emirates united as one nation and also recalls 1971, the year the UAE was established.
Who announced Zayed the Founder Day?
It was announced by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Is Zayed the Founder Day a public holiday?
The official announcement currently describes it as an annual national occasion and does not state that it is a public holiday.
Who was Sheikh Zayed?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the Founding Father and first President of the United Arab Emirates.
