UAE President Calls for National Progress in Historic Eid Message
UAE’s progress marks a most important milestone as the nation celebrates its 54th Eid Al Etihad with gratitude and pride for the trip taken together. December 2 represents a defining moment in UAE history. This date marks the birth of a country that thought over and chose the path of leadership and excellence. His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership and His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s guidance have given UAE a clear vision for an environmentally responsible future.
UAE has achieved high rankings in major global development and competitiveness indices in the last year. The nation stands out as the world’s largest donor of aid relative to Gross National Income, showing its steadfast dedication to humanitarian causes. UAE continues to advance steadily, especially when you have science and technology with artificial intelligence driving its ambitions. The country made history in 2017 by becoming the first nation to adopt a national artificial intelligence strategy. This milestone shows how UAE’s progress and development stays focused on future technologies.
President Highlights Eid Al Etihad as a Defining National Moment
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“What the late Sheik Zayed and his fellow Rulers achieved on that historic day remains a lasting symbol of resolve – a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through unity, purpose, and unwavering belief in a shared future.” — Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates
President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan called the 54th Eid Al Etihad a “defining chapter” in UAE’s remarkable experience. His message highlighted how this historic event reflects the nation’s achievements and shapes its future development.
Why December 2 is more than a celebration
Eid Al Etihad stands apart from regular national holidays each December 2. The celebration marks the historic day in 1971 when six emirates came together under one flag. Ras Al Khaimah joined them later on February 10, 1972. The name Eid Al Etihad means “Celebration of the Union” and embodies the core values that have driven UAE’s rapid growth.
President Sheik Mohamed captured this deeper meaning: “Eid Al Etihad is more than a celebration of our founding. It is a moment to reflect, to draw lessons, and to renew our determination as we work together to shape the future we all hope for”.
UAE’s identity shines through this national celebration. The official Eid Al Etihad website states that the celebration reminds us that “our strength lies in the bonds we build hand in hand, and in the individuals and communities across the nation who, united, carry our story forward”.
How the Founding Fathers shaped the UAE’s identity
UAE’s founding fathers, particularly Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, created the foundation for the nation’s remarkable development. Britain’s announcement to withdraw from the Gulf in 1968 presented what Sheik Zayed saw as “the opportunity of a century”.
Sheik Zayed and Sheik Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai worked together to create a groundbreaking model of governance in the region. Their meeting at Al Samha on February 18, 1968, led to the Union Accord. This first formal document committed to merging and jointly managing foreign affairs, defense, and key services.
President Sheik Mohamed honored this legacy: “What the late Sheik Zayed and his fellow Rulers achieved on that historic day remains a lasting symbol of resolve – a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through unity, purpose, and steadfast belief in a shared future”.
Many modern nations emerged from conflict, but UAE grew through consensus and visionary leadership. This approach to nation-building still guides the country’s domestic and foreign policies, reshaping UAE’s role on the global stage.
What unity means in the context of national progress
Unity drives national progress beyond political merger. President Sheik Mohamed emphasized that citizen participation remains “a central pillar of our vision” based on the principle of “putting people first”.
The President’s Eid Al Etihad message highlighted three core elements of UAE progress:
- Family as the foundation: “The future of the nation begins with the family. It is the first and most important school in a person’s life, one of the main pillars of social development”
- Cultural identity as strength: “Upholding our identity is a source of strength, self-confidence, and pride in who we are”
- Educated citizens as the engine: “The Emirati citizen is the foundation of development, its driving force, and who it ultimately seeks to serve”
This philosophy explains UAE’s transformation from small coastal states to a global influencer in just over five decades. The President’s vision reinforces that collective achievement through unity drives UAE’s progress and development.
“Our ambition continues to grow,” Sheik Mohamed affirmed, “as does our conviction that the educated, capable, and patriotic Emirati citizen is the main driving force behind all our development plans”.
Sheik Mohamed Prioritizes Family and Community Development
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President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan builds national unity through family and community development. These elements are the life-blood of UAE’s progress, and he launched several important initiatives to strengthen social bonds nationwide.
Why 2025 is the Year of the Community
President Sheik Mohamed named 2025 the Year of Community with the slogan “Hand in Hand.” This reflects his leadership’s vision to encourage a united society that enables its people. The national initiative strengthens family and community bonds by preserving cultural heritage. It nurtures connections between generations and creates spaces that encourage collaboration.
The Year of Community has three main goals. It aims to strengthen community cohesion through inclusive events that preserve cultural heritage. UAE residents contribute through community service, volunteering, and knowledge sharing. People and organizations discover their full potential by developing skills and adopting innovation in fields like entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence.
“Hand in hand we will work to strengthen social bonds, foster shared responsibility, and unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Sheik Mohamed stated. He emphasized that a strong community “lays the groundwork for a brighter future for generations to come”.
How family stability supports national security
Sheik Mohamed understands the deep connection between family stability and national security. He designated 2026 as the Year of the Family. At the 2025 Annual Government Meetings, he stressed that “the growth of Emirati families lies at the heart of the country’s identity, continuity, and national security”.
“The family is a cornerstone of the nation’s strength and prosperity, and for that reason, its growth, stability and effectiveness are a shared responsibility and an urgent priority to ensure the sustainability of society,” the President noted. He added that “the future of the UAE that we are working for today begins with the family; from it, generations are built, and through it we safeguard our culture, values and identity”.
What role the Ministry of Family plays in development
The Ministry of Family’s 2025-2027 strategy puts the Emirati family at the center of sustainable development. Their integrated approach places families at the heart of social government initiatives through comprehensive policies and innovative programs that boost family cohesion.
The strategy creates a supportive environment for family formation. It includes initiatives to ease financial burdens on young people, encourage marriage, and raise awareness of Emirati social values. A national task force of more than 20 federal and local government bodies works on three priority areas: policies and programs, behavioral interventions, and reproductive health.
Since 2018, the UAE National Family Policy guides efforts to help Emirati families handle challenges, promote stable family life, and fulfill their responsibilities to society.
UAE Invests in Youth and Education for Future Growth
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Education serves as the life-blood of the UAE’s vision for a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. The nation shows this commitment by investing 15.5% of its AED 62.79 billion federal budget in education for 2023.
How education arranges with national development plans
The UAE created clear frameworks to make education a catalyst for national growth. The Ministry of Education launched the National Strategy for Higher Education 2030 in 2017. This strategy gives future generations technical and practical skills to strengthen the labor market. Four pillars support this strategy: quality, efficiency, innovation, and harmonization.
Key initiatives within this strategy include:
- The Expanded Professional Experience program provides career training opportunities
- Investment in Knowledge initiative increases Ph.D. students and postgraduate funding
- Competitive Research Funding platform streamlines collaboration between educational institutions and private sector
The UAE’s educational vision supports its economic goals through the bilateral Strategic Dialog with the United States. This 2020 initiative includes education as a strategic sector to advance institutional capacity and economic diversification.
Why enabling youth is central to UAE progress
The UAE government sees youth as its greatest asset for future development. His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that “empowering young people and boosting their participation in all areas of national development is a key priority”.
The Federal Youth Authority guides governmental efforts to achieve the National Youth Agenda 2031 objectives. This agenda aims to equip Emirati youth to become global role models while increasing their contribution to economic and social development.
Several initiatives support youth integration into vital economic sectors. The Professional and Practical Training Program, launched in 2023, helps Emirati students from ninth grade through higher education join the private sector. The program attracted 3,500 students in its pilot phase and will grow over five years.
What lifelong learning means for Emiratis
Lifelong learning in the UAE goes beyond traditional education. It embraces continuous skill development throughout citizens’ careers. Programs like YEStoWork give young Emiratis real-life work experience in retail services and operations during school breaks.
The UAE boasts one of the world’s highest tertiary education enrollment rates. About 90% of Emirati secondary school students continue their education. This learning culture supports the nation’s goal to create a resilient, sustainable educational system that prepares future generations for tomorrow’s professions.
President Calls for Responsible Use of AI and Technology
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“By continuing to invest in the future, foster innovation, and build strategic partnerships across key sectors including trade, technology, AI, and space exploration, the UAE is shaping a new chapter of prosperity guided by an unshakeable commitment to human advancement, and enduring values that command global respect.” — Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE
Technology leads UAE’s national strategy with President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasizing responsible innovation. The UAE government manages AED 12.85 billion in AI investments through Abu Dhabi Digital Strategy 2025-2027. This investment positions the nation as a global leader in technological advancement.
How AI fits into the UAE’s innovation strategy
The UAE launched its Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in October 2017 and became the first nation worldwide to develop such a complete approach. The strategy targets transport, health, space, renewable energy, water, and education. Abu Dhabi plans to transform into the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027.
President Sheik Mohamed has reconstituted the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global AI hub. His vision shows how AI can enhance quality of life and boost national competitiveness.
What youth should focus on in science and tech
“We encourage our youth to remain at forefront of scientific, technological progress while staying true to their national identity, values,” stated President Sheik Mohamed. This guidance matches initiatives like the Emirates Scientists Council, which created a dedicated board for young professionals in scientific fields.
The President’s vision gives priority to education systems that strengthen students’ ability to use AI responsibly while reinforcing national identity. The STEM Pioneers Program benefits over 180 students ages 13-15 directly and introduces them to aerospace challenges.
Why ethical use of technology is emphasized
The UAE Charter for the Development and Use of AI outlines ethical principles. These principles cover human-machine ties, safety, algorithmic bias mitigation, data privacy, transparency, and human oversight. The leadership shows steadfast dedication to responsible AI deployment through these principles.
The President emphasized that technology should serve humanity rather than threaten wellbeing during AI governance discussions. The UAE takes a proactive approach by establishing governance frameworks, addressing algorithmic bias, and promoting international cooperation on ethical AI standards.
UAE Strengthens Global Role Through Sustainability and Diplomacy
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The Emirates has established itself as a global diplomatic force through bold sustainability goals and humanitarian leadership. UAE ranks as the world’s third largest humanitarian aid donor in 2025. The country continues to expand its international influence through mutually beneficial alliances.
How the UAE plans to achieve climate neutrality by 2050
UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa region as the first nation to announce a net-zero emissions target by 2050. The country has committed over AED 600 billion to renewable energy projects. This innovative initiative targets emission reductions in six key sectors—power, industry, transport, buildings, waste, and agriculture. Power sector emissions will drop to zero by 2050 from 0.55 million tons per MWh in 2019. The nation will also plant 100 million mangroves by 2030 as part of its nature-based solutions strategy.
What international partnerships mean for development
UAE now uses international relationships to address global crises effectively. The nation has invested over AED 5.51 billion in alternative energy projects across more than 40 developing countries. The establishment of the AED 183.60 million Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund demonstrates UAE’s commitment. These partnerships showcase UAE’s belief that economic cooperation builds a foundation for meaningful development.
Why peace and humanitarian efforts remain a priority
UAE’s humanitarian approach extends beyond borders and politics. The nation’s foreign aid reached AED 360 billion from its founding until mid-2024. Through “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3,” UAE delivered over 90,000 tons of aid worth AED 6.61 billion to Palestinians. The country also helped exchange more than 4,500 prisoners between Ukraine and Russia.
Visionary leadership, national unity, and strategic planning have shaped UAE’s remarkable story over the last 54 years. The nation evolved from scattered emirates into a global leader in multiple fields. Sheik Mohamed believes family is the life-blood of society, which fits perfectly with his dream of building a sustainable future on strong social values.
UAE’s focus on education and enabling youth shows its belief that people are a nation’s true wealth. The government allocates 15.5% of federal funds to education, which proves its dedication to nurturing future generations who will drive national growth.
The country leads global innovation in artificial intelligence and technology. It takes a balanced approach that values ethical concerns and human welfare. This responsible adoption of new technologies matches the core values UAE has held since its birth.
UAE has grown into a diplomatic powerhouse through its green initiatives and humanitarian work. Its bold target of climate neutrality by 2050 and extensive global partnerships show how the nation balances local growth with worldwide responsibilities.
Unity remains UAE’s greatest asset since its founding. Eid Al Etihad is more than just a historical celebration – it reinforces the lasting principles guiding UAE’s development path. The founding fathers’ dream has grown into a complete national strategy that honors tradition while tackling future challenges head-on.
Despite a changing world, UAE moves forward with clear purpose. Unity, strong families, quality education, technological progress, and international teamwork form the foundation of its future. President Sheik Mohamed’s leadership ensures UAE continues to be not just a regional model, but a global example of progress that stays true to its values while pursuing ambitious goals.
