UAE names 7 January Zayed the Founder Day, to be marked annually from 2027

The UAE will mark Zayed the Founder Day every year on 7 January, beginning next year. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced the new national occasion in a post on X on 28 October 2026.

The day honours Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, described in the announcement as the country's Founding Father, who has died. The President wrote that Sheikh Zayed remains "forever" in the hearts of the Emirati people.

According to the post, Sheikh Zayed guided the effort to create the Union, built its foundations and oversaw its growth. The President said his life and legacy were shaped by vision, generosity and service to humanity.

Sheikh Mohamed said the occasion is meant to celebrate that legacy and to turn wisdom into action. He added that it is also intended to keep these values guiding the nation as it moves forward towards the future.

The announcement describes 7 January as a new yearly national occasion. It is the first such date named in the post, and the President's statement sets out its purpose and its annual character.

Gulf News reported the announcement.