ABU DHABI, July 18, 2025 (WNP): The United Arab Emirates on Friday observed the first anniversary of Union Pledge Day, a national occasion commemorating the country’s historic unification and reaffirming its continued journey of development, unity, and global leadership.
Designated by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Union Pledge Day is a powerful reminder of the vision and determination of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow rulers, who laid the foundation for the federation on December 2, 1971.
The day marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history when the declaration of the union and the signing of the UAE Constitution officially gave birth to the federation. It now serves to strengthen national identity, inspire civic pride, and highlight the country’s transformation into a regional and global powerhouse.
In his first address to the nation as President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated:
“Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced globally, one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we will continue to draw inspiration from their wise leadership.”
The UAE’s journey, built on the legacy of its founding leaders, includes a remarkable transformation across economic, social, and technological domains. Following Sheikh Zayed’s visionary leadership, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the empowerment phase (2004–2022), marked by advancements in education, citizen engagement, infrastructure, renewable energy, and space exploration.
Under his tenure, the UAE became the first Arab and Muslim nation to reach Mars and the second-largest economy in the Arab world, guided by forward-looking strategies such as UAE Vision 2021, Principles of the 50, and Net Zero 2050.
Since 2022, under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s leadership, the UAE has continued to achieve new milestones in governance, economic diversification, and social development. In 2025 alone, non-oil foreign trade surged to AED835 billion in Q1, with exports reaching a record AED177.3 billion. The Central Bank expects a real GDP growth of 4.4 percent this year, driven by strong performance in tourism, finance, technology, real estate, and industry.
The UAE’s GDP has grown from AED58.3 billion in 1975 to AED17 trillion in 2024, while foreign trade skyrocketed from AED11.5 billion to AED5.23 trillion in the same period—reflecting five decades of resilient growth.
In line with its people-first approach, the UAE government declared 2025 the “Year of Community,” allocating AED27.9 billion (39% of the federal budget) to social development, emphasizing intergenerational ties and citizen welfare.
On the global stage, the UAE has emerged as a key humanitarian and peacebuilding partner, having provided AED368 billion in aid to over one billion people worldwide since its founding. The country continues to champion the values of tolerance, coexistence, and international cooperation.
Union Pledge Day stands as a tribute to the UAE’s unity, resilience, and visionary leadership—celebrating a nation that continues to lead with purpose, innovation, and a deep commitment to the well-being of its people and the world.
