ABU DHABI: On 18th July, the UAE commemorates the first anniversary of Union Pledge Day, celebrating a defining chapter in its national journey. This special occasion honours the momentous events that led to the federation’s birth and the enduring legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the Rulers who joined hands to establish the UAE in 1971.
Union Pledge Day was designated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a national day of reflection and renewal. It seeks to strengthen loyalty to the homeland, inspire civic pride, and remind citizens and residents alike of the foundational vision that has propelled the UAE to its current global standing.
On this day, Emiratis remember how the late Sheikh Zayed and his fellow leaders united the emirates into the first federal state in the Arab world. From that union, the UAE emerged as a model of resilience, vision and cooperation.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed this sentiment in his first national address, noting, “Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally… We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership.”
Union Pledge Day also honours the achievements of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose presidency marked a powerful phase of empowerment between 2004 and 2022. Under his guidance, the UAE achieved growth across economic, education, space, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors, becoming the Arab world’s second-largest economy and the first Arab nation to reach Mars.
He championed long-term national plans including the Principles of the 50, UAE Vision 2021, the AI Strategy, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, laying foundations for sustained innovation and sustainability.
Since 2022, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE has accelerated progress across strategic sectors, ranking consistently high on global competitiveness and development indices. Economic diversification has taken centre stage, with notable growth in tourism, trade, financial services, real estate and technology.
The Central Bank forecasts 4.4% real GDP growth in 2025, supported by robust non-oil sectors. In Q1 2025 alone, non-oil foreign trade reached AED835 billion, with exports peaking at AED177.3 billion.
Since its unification, the UAE’s economy has expanded exponentially—from a GDP of AED58.3 billion in 1975 to AED17 trillion in 2024. Over the same period, foreign trade surged from AED11.5 billion to AED5.23 trillion, reflecting its transformation into a global economic hub.
2025 has also been declared the “Year of Community”, focusing on social cohesion and intergenerational ties. AED27.9 billion—39% of the federal budget—has been dedicated to social development.
On the global front, the UAE remains an active force for peace and humanitarian aid. To date, it has contributed AED368 billion in foreign assistance, benefiting over one billion people worldwide.
Union Pledge Day is a reaffirmation of unity, ambition and vision, rooted in heritage yet forward-looking—echoing the values that continue to shape the UAE’s rise as a regional and global leader.
