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Egypt Independent
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Sisi greets UAE on Union Pledge Day
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday 19/7/2025 sent a cable of greetings to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the Gulf country's Union Pledge Day. The UAE marks the first anniversary of the 'Union Pledge Day' on 18th July, as the nation reflects on the pivotal moments that led to its unification, recalling the enduring legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, whose historic declaration in 1971 laid the foundations for the federation. The day is one of the most important days in the history of the UAE, as the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution were signed, and its name was announced, with the solid foundation for its establishment laid on 2nd December. Union Pledge Day was designated as a national occasion by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland and celebrate the country's continued development. The day aims to strengthen national identity and raise public awareness of the foundational steps that propelled the UAE to its current status as a regional and global leader.
Gulf Today
19-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Leaders pledge to reinforce founding fathers' policies
As the UAE marks the first anniversary of the "Union Pledge Day' on 18th July, the nation reflects on the pivotal moments that led to its unification, recalling the enduring legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, whose historic declaration in 1971 laid the foundations for the federation. The day is one of the most important days in the history of the UAE, as the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution were signed, and its name was announced, with the solid foundation for its establishment laid on 2nd December. Union Pledge Day was designated as a national occasion by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland and celebrate the country's continued development. The day aims to strengthen national identity and raise public awareness of the foundational steps that propelled the UAE to its current status as a regional and global leader. The occasion highlights the vision and sacrifices of the founding fathers, whose legacy continues to shape the UAE's trajectory. In his first address to the nation as President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said, "Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally, as well as being one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we thank God for this blessing. We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership. Our history, identity, and cultural heritage will form an essential part of our plans for the future." His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted, "The Union Pledge Day is a day when the founders agreed on the document and constitution of the union, when hearts harmonised with the idea of union and when energies and resources combined to build the greatest concept of unity witnessed by our contemporary Arab world. Today, we pledge to carry on with the same spirit and determination and with global ambitions for the future." Union Pledge Day also serves to honour the UAE's achievements in state-building and unity, forged amid complex regional dynamics. The founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, led the country through the formation of the Arab world's first federal state and launched one of the region's largest development drives. Following Sheikh Zayed's leadership, the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the empowerment phase (2004-2022), strengthening institutions, promoting education, and advancing citizen participation in national development. Under his leadership, the UAE achieved record growth across economic, service, humanitarian, infrastructure, renewable energy and space exploration sectors. The country became the second-largest economy in the Arab world and the first Arab and Muslim nation to reach Mars. Sheikh Khalifa's forward-looking strategies included the Principles of the 50, UAE Vision 2021, the UAE Strategy for Government Services (2021-2025), UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the National Space Strategy 2030, and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Since 2022, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has continued to achieve major milestones across economic, social, political and development domains. The country continues to rank highly in regional and global competitiveness indices. Economic diversification has gained momentum, with significant growth in tourism, trade, financial services, industry, real estate, telecoms and technology. The Central Bank of the UAE expects real GDP to expand by 4.4 per cent in 2025, fuelled by rising foreign investment and robust non-oil sectors. In Q1 2025, non-oil foreign trade reached AED835 billion, with exports hitting a record AED177.3 billion in the first three months of 2025. Over the past five decades, the UAE economy has witnessed remarkable growth across key sectors, with the country's GDP rising from AED58.3 billion in 1975 to AED17 trillion in 2024. During the same period, foreign trade surged from AED11.5 billion to AED5.23 trillion. In January, President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed declared 2025 the "Year of Community,' aimed at strengthening intergenerational ties and social cohesion. The government allocated AED27.9 billion – 39 per cent of the 2025 federal budget – to social development, underscoring its commitment to citizen welfare and cultural preservation. Internationally, the UAE remains a key partner in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Guided by values of tolerance and coexistence, the country actively supports global stability and justice. Since its founding, the UAE has provided AED368 billion in foreign aid, benefiting more than one billion people worldwide across humanitarian and development sectors. WAM/Gulf Today
Gulf Today
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
On Union Pledge Day, UAE celebrates journey from federation to global leadership
As the UAE marks the first anniversary of the 'Union Pledge Day' on 18th July, the nation reflects on the pivotal moments that led to its unification, recalling the enduring legacy of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers, whose historic declaration in 1971 laid the foundations for the federation. The day is one of the most important days in the history of the UAE, as the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution were signed, and its name was announced, with the solid foundation for its establishment laid on 2nd December. Union Pledge Day was designated as a national occasion by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland and celebrate the country's continued development. The day aims to strengthen national identity and raise public awareness of the foundational steps that propelled the UAE to its current status as a regional and global leader. The occasion highlights the vision and sacrifices of the founding fathers, whose legacy continues to shape the UAE's trajectory. In his first address to the nation as President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed said, 'Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally, as well as being one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we thank God for this blessing. We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership. Our history, identity, and cultural heritage will form an essential part of our plans for the future." Union Pledge Day also serves to honour the UAE's achievements in state-building and unity, forged amid complex regional dynamics. The founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed, led the country through the formation of the Arab world's first federal state and launched one of the region's largest development drives. Following Sheikh Zayed's leadership, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the empowerment phase (2004–2022), strengthening institutions, promoting education, and advancing citizen participation in national development. Under his leadership, the UAE achieved record growth across economic, service, humanitarian, infrastructure, renewable energy and space exploration sectors. The country became the second-largest economy in the Arab world and the first Arab and Muslim nation to reach Mars. Sheikh Khalifa's forward-looking strategies included the Principles of the 50, UAE Vision 2021, the UAE Strategy for Government Services (2021–2025), UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, the National Space Strategy 2030, and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Since 2022, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has continued to achieve major milestones across economic, social, political and development domains. The country continues to rank highly in regional and global competitiveness indices. Economic diversification has gained momentum, with significant growth in tourism, trade, financial services, industry, real estate, telecoms and technology. The Central Bank of the UAE expects real GDP to expand by 4.4 percent in 2025, fuelled by rising foreign investment and robust non-oil sectors. In Q1 2025, non-oil foreign trade reached Dhs835 billion, with exports hitting a record Dhs177.3 billion in the first three months of 2025. Over the past five decades, the UAE economy has witnessed remarkable growth across key sectors, with the country's GDP rising from Dhs58.3 billion in 1975 to Dhs17 trillion in 2024. During the same period, foreign trade surged from Dhs11.5 billion to Dhs5.23 trillion. In January, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed declared 2025 the 'Year of Community,' aimed at strengthening intergenerational ties and social cohesion. The government allocated Dhs27.9 billion—39 percent of the 2025 federal budget—to social development, underscoring its commitment to citizen welfare and cultural preservation. Internationally, the UAE remains a key partner in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts. Guided by values of tolerance and coexistence, the country actively supports global stability and justice. Since its founding, the UAE has provided Dhs368 billion in foreign aid, benefiting more than one billion people worldwide across humanitarian and development sectors.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UAE Union Pledge Day explained: What happened to the Emirates in 1971
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan officially designated Union Pledge Day to honour the historic 1971 signing of the UAE Union/ Image: WAM TL;DR Union Pledge Day marks the 1971 signing that set the UAE 's unification in motion. It honours the vision and leadership of the founding fathers, especially Sheikh Zayed . It reflects the UAE's progress in areas like space, sustainability, and economic innovation. It emphasizes ongoing investment in social development, education, and quality of life. A Day of National Reflection and Unity As the United Arab Emirates observes the first anniversary of Union Pledge Day on July 18, the nation pauses to honour a historic turning point, when, exactly 54 years ago, the founding fathers came together to sign the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution. This monumental act set the stage for the country's unification and the emergence of the UAE as a modern and visionary state. Union Pledge Day was officially designated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a national occasion to reaffirm loyalty to the homeland, honour the legacy of the founding fathers, and celebrate the UAE's ongoing development. The day serves as a moment of reflection, reminding citizens and residents alike of the sacrifices and foresight that have shaped the nation's identity, values, and direction. The event not only celebrates the birth of a country, but also highlights its rise as a regional and global leader, built on a foundation of unity, vision, and resilience. Founding Vision and the Road to Union The journey to the UAE's unification culminated in a decisive moment on 18 July, 1971, when the rulers of the Emirates signed the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution. This pivotal act laid the legal and structural groundwork for a unified nation, and set in motion the formation of the Arab world's first federal state, officially established on 2 December that same year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo This day remains the country's National Day, while Union Pledge Day now commemorates the critical moment when the idea of the union became a committed reality. At the heart of this achievement was the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose unwavering belief in unity, consensus, and shared purpose brought the Emirates together. Alongside the founding rulers, Sheikh Zayed championed a bold model for national development, rooted in heritage, guided by tolerance, and focused on building a prosperous future for generations to come. Today, Union Pledge Day honours not only the moment the Union was pledged, but the values, sacrifices, and foresight that continue to shape the UAE's identity and direction. The Empowerment Phase: Leadership of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed (2004–2022) Following Sheikh Zayed's passing, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan assumed leadership and ushered in a new chapter in the UAE's growth, referred to as the 'empowerment phase.' His presidency from 2004 to 2022 saw the strengthening of institutions, promotion of education, and advancement of civic participation. During this period, the UAE achieved landmark successes in multiple sectors: Economic and Infrastructure Growth Service Expansion Humanitarian Outreach Renewable Energy Development Space Exploration One of the most symbolic achievements of this era was the UAE becoming the first Arab and Muslim country to reach Mars, through the successful launch and orbit of the Hope Probe. Sheikh Khalifa's administration also laid out critical strategic frameworks that have shaped national development: The Principles of the 50 UAE Vision 2021 UAE Strategy for Government Services (2021–2025) UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence National Space Strategy 2030 UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy These initiatives focused on future-readiness, sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth. Continued Growth Under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (Since 2022) Since assuming the presidency in 2022, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has led the UAE into a new era of consolidation and expansion, with continued progress across economic, social, and political fronts. In his first address to the nation, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the founding fathers' vision. As reported by WAM, the Emirates News Agency, he stated: 'Today, we see our nation ranked among the most advanced nations globally, as well as being one of the best places to live and work. This was the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed and our founding fathers, and we thank God for this blessing. We will continue to follow their wise approach, drawing inspiration from their unfaltering leadership. Our history, identity, and cultural heritage will form an essential part of our plans for the future.' This commitment has translated into robust economic diversification and rising global competitiveness. Key developments under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed's leadership include: Growth in tourism, trade, financial services, industry, real estate, telecom, and technology Continued rise in foreign investment The UAE Central Bank projects a 4.4% real GDP growth in 2025, largely driven by the non-oil economy In Q1 2025, non-oil foreign trade reached AED835 billion, with exports at a record AED177.3 billion Decades of Economic Transformation Over the past five decades, the UAE has undergone one of the most remarkable economic transformations in the region. From its early years to its current global stature, the numbers speak volumes: GDP rose from AED58.3 billion in 1975 to AED17 trillion in 2024 Foreign trade increased from AED11.5 billion to AED5.23 trillion during the same period This growth has not only elevated living standards within the country but also positioned the UAE as a key player in the global economy. Social Development and Community Focus in 2025 In January, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed declared 2025 as the 'Year of Community,' with the goal of strengthening intergenerational ties and reinforcing social cohesion. To support these efforts, the UAE government allocated AED27.9 billion to social development, representing 39 percent of the 2025 federal budget. This allocation underscores the country's enduring commitment to citizen welfare, cultural preservation, and inclusive societal progress. UAE's Global Humanitarian Role Beyond its borders, the UAE continues to play a vital role in humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and international cooperation. These efforts are deeply rooted in the nation's founding values of tolerance, coexistence, and justice. Since its establishment, the UAE has provided an estimated AED368 billion in foreign aid, reaching more than one billion people worldwide across various humanitarian and development sectors. This ongoing international engagement reflects the UAE's commitment to global stability and its identity as a responsible and compassionate global actor. FAQs: Q. What is Union Pledge Day? Union Pledge Day marks the 1971 signing of the declaration that led to the UAE's unification. Q. When is Union Pledge Day celebrated? It is observed annually on July 18. Q. How is Union Pledge Day different from National Day? Union Pledge Day commemorates the decision to unite, while National Day (December 2) marks the formal establishment of the UAE. Q. Why is Union Pledge Day important? It honours the founding leaders' vision and reflects on the UAE's journey of growth and development.
Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE Rulers celebrate Union Pledge Day, recall landmark moment of 'unifying vision'
Today, on July 18, exactly 54 years ago, the founding fathers came together to sign the declaration of the Union and of the UAE Constitution marking a a landmark moment in the country's history. The day, officially designated by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed last year, celebrates the key step that led to establishing a federation of emirates. The President today took to his social media platforms to congratulate the nation on the occasion. He said that on this day "we celebrate the blessed history of our Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers the Rulers in working together towards establishing the Union". The Ruler of Abu Dhabi also added, "As we renew our shared commitment to sustaining the progress and prosperity of the UAE, we affirm that unity remains the strength of our nation and its continued advancement." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Other Rulers also celebrated the occasion and highlighted the importance of the day in statements and posts on social media. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai also took to X to mark the day. He called the day one "when energies and resources aligned to build the greatest unifying vision our modern Arab world has witnessed". He added: "Today, we pledge to continue the construction with the same spirit… the same determination… and with global ambitions for the future." Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, "proudly and gratefully" celebrated the occasion in a statement. Extending warm wishes and congratulations to other leaders, while asking the Almighty "to return this glorious day upon us all while our nation continues to enjoy ever greater stability, security, and prosperity.'
