Latest news with #UnionPledgeDay
Gulf Today
12 hours ago
- 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
See - Sada Elbalad
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sisi Congratulates UAE Leader on Union Pledge Day
Nada Mustafa President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi sent a congratulatory cable to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of Union Pledge Day. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Gulf Today
13 hours ago
- Health
- Gulf Today
UAE Mobile Heart Clinics launch campaign for early detection of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan
Celebrating the Union Pledge Day, the Emirates Mobile Heart Clinics have launched a campaign for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases in rural Pakistani villages. The initiative aims to deliver top-quality diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive services for the elderly, women, and children. It is conducted under the supervision of Emirati and Pakistani doctors affiliated with the UAE's Young Humanitarian Leaders Programme, and continues the UAE's broader humanitarian efforts worldwide. The mobile clinics operate within an integrated field system led by specialised medical teams that include cardiologists, pediatricians, family medicine doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and lab technicians. All medical consultations and medications are provided free of charge. This project continues a 25-year journey of Emirati voluntary medical work in Pakistan, within the framework of the UAE-Pakistan Field Clinics. More than one million patients have benefited from these services, which are jointly supervised by Emirati and Pakistani medical teams. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Zayed Giving Initiative, Sharjah Charity House, UAE Community Mobile Clinics, and the UAE Young Humanitarian Leaders Programme. It represents an innovative model of cooperation among governmental, private, and non-profit sectors in community medical services. Dr. Adel Al Shamry, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative, stated that the intensification of mobile clinic operations aligns with the "Year of Community" and aims to attract and train medical personnel to enable them to serve underprivileged communities. Sultan Al Khayyal, Secretary-General of Sharjah Charity House, said that the 2025 plan will reach over 20 Pakistani villages under a sustainable operational strategy. Al Juri Al Ajmi, Director of the UAE Young Humanitarian Leaders Programme, stated that efforts are underway to expand the geographical coverage of the clinics and field hospital to reach the widest possible number of villages, in collaboration with local partners. Residents of the Pakistani villages expressed their gratitude for the UAE's efforts in providing free healthcare services. They praised the high quality of care that helped alleviate their suffering, and affirmed that the initiative embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who always extended a helping hand to those in need. WAM
Al Etihad
16 hours ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
Emirates Mobile Heart Clinics launch campaign for early detection of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan
19 July 2025 18:53 SINDH (WAM) Celebrating the Union Pledge Day, the Emirates Mobile Heart Clinics have launched a campaign for the early detection of cardiovascular diseases in rural Pakistani initiative aims to deliver top-quality diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive services for the elderly, women, and children. It is conducted under the supervision of Emirati and Pakistani doctors affiliated with the UAE's Young Humanitarian Leaders Programme, and continues the UAE's broader humanitarian efforts mobile clinics operate within an integrated field system led by specialised medical teams that include cardiologists, pediatricians, family medicine doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and lab technicians. All medical consultations and medications are provided free of project continues a 25-year journey of Emirati voluntary medical work in Pakistan, within the framework of the UAE-Pakistan Field Clinics. More than one million patients have benefited from these services, which are jointly supervised by Emirati and Pakistani medical initiative is a collaborative effort between Zayed Giving Initiative, Sharjah Charity House, UAE Community Mobile Clinics, and the UAE Young Humanitarian Leaders Programme. It represents an innovative model of cooperation among governmental, private, and non-profit sectors in community medical Adel Al Shamry, CEO of the Zayed Giving Initiative, stated that the intensification of mobile clinic operations aligns with the "Year of Community" and aims to attract and train medical personnel to enable them to serve underprivileged Al Khayyal, Secretary-General of Sharjah Charity House, said that the 2025 plan will reach over 20 Pakistani villages under a sustainable operational Juri Al Ajmi, Director of the UAE Young Humanitarian Leaders Programme, stated that efforts are underway to expand the geographical coverage of the clinics and field hospital to reach the widest possible number of villages, in collaboration with local of the Pakistani villages expressed their gratitude for the UAE's efforts in providing free healthcare services. They praised the high quality of care that helped alleviate their suffering, and affirmed that the initiative embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who always extended a helping hand to those in need.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UAE National Day 2025: History, where to celebrate, and what to expect this year
TL;DR UAE National Day ( Eid Al Etihad ) is celebrated every year on December 2 to mark the country's formation in 1971. ( ) is celebrated every year on December 2 to mark the country's formation in 1971. Celebrations include fireworks, music, family gatherings, and cultural events across the country. The 2024 guidelines focused on safe celebrations, with restrictions on car parades, stickers, and public behavior. As the country prepares to mark its 54th National Day, plans for this year's Eid Al Etihad are already in motion. The reminder came on July 18, known as Union Pledge Day, a date that honors the moment when the UAE's foundation was first laid. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Back in 1971, a group of leaders, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, signed an agreement that changed the future of the region. That document, known as the Declaration of the Union, along with the newly drafted UAE Constitution, set the stage for what would officially become the United Arab Emirates later that year, on December 2. Since then, National Day has grown into something more than a holiday. It's a reminder of how far the country has come, from a newly formed union to a fast-moving, diverse, and forward-thinking nation. For many, it's also a time to reflect, reconnect with traditions, and come together in shared pride, whether you've lived here your whole life or just recently started calling it home. How National Day Is Celebrated Across the UAE The celebrations start well before December 2. The streets are full of flags, buildings are lit in red, green, white, and black, and families make plans to gather and celebrate. 1. Fireworks Shows: Every emirate hosts fireworks displays that draw big crowds. Some of the most popular spots include: Bluewaters Island Dubai Festival City Al Seef Hatta Wadi These shows aren't just for show, they're a symbol of national pride, with each display reflecting the UAE flag's colors. 2. Burj Khalifa Lights and Music: The Burj Khalifa turns into a massive canvas on National Day. Light shows often include the UAE flag, messages of unity, and themed music. It's a popular gathering point and one of the biggest tourist draws during the holiday. 3. Cultural Spots Like Al Seef: Want a quieter but still festive way to mark the day? Head to Al Seef, where you'll find: Traditional music and dance Emirati food stalls Historical displays and performances It's especially good for families or anyone who wants a more local feel. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 4. Outdoor Celebrations in Hatta: In Hatta, the celebrations are more scenic. With mountains in the background and a strong community vibe, Hatta's fireworks and traditional events feel more rooted in heritage. Traditions That Still Matter Car Decorations and Parades: People love decorating their vehicles with UAE flags and themed designs. Some take part in informal parades, honking and waving. But authorities remind residents every year to follow safety rules. People love decorating their vehicles with UAE flags and themed designs. Some take part in informal parades, honking and waving. But authorities remind residents every year to follow safety rules. Family Gatherings and Food: Many families come together to share Emirati dishes like Harees and Machboos. These meals often become full-day affairs, with relatives and neighbors joining in. Many families come together to share Emirati dishes like Harees and Machboos. These meals often become full-day affairs, with relatives and neighbors joining in. Music and National Songs: You'll hear patriotic songs everywhere, on the radio, in malls, at public events. The UAE National Anthem plays during ceremonies and fireworks. It's a simple but powerful reminder of the country's unity. Last Year's Safety Guidelines Last year, authorities focused heavily on safety and respectful celebrations. These were the key rules shared in 2024: No unapproved car parades or gatherings No party sprays allowed on roads or in cars License plates had to remain visible No dark window tints or full vehicle wraps unless officially allowed No excess passengers or people hanging out of windows or sunroofs No reckless driving or stunts on public roads Avoid blocking roads, especially for emergency vehicles These rules were meant to keep the spirit of celebration intact, without putting anyone at risk. FAQs 1. Why do we celebrate UAE National Day on December 2? Because on December 2, 1971, six emirates united to form the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah joined shortly after. It marks the birth of the nation. 2. Are tourists allowed to join National Day celebrations? Yes. Events, fireworks, and cultural activities are open to everyone, residents and visitors alike. 3. Will the 2025 rules be the same as 2024? We don't know yet. But based on previous years, expect similar safety guidelines around traffic, public gatherings, and vehicle decorations.
