Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wished the people of UAE a blessed year as the country celebrates Eid Al Etihad.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates celebrates its 53rd Union Day today, December 2, with pride, reflecting on over five decades of progress, unity, and cultural inclusivity. Since its founding in 1971, the UAE has evolved from a federation of seven emirates into a global leader, setting benchmarks in economic development, technological innovation, and social harmony.
A Union of Vision and Purpose
The UAE’s leaders have reiterated the significance of this historic day as a celebration not only of the geographical unification of the emirates but also of the unity of purpose and shared vision. Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, praised the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the UAE’s ambitious “We the UAE 2031” agenda and its Centennial Vision.
Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the UAE’s transformation into a global hub for trade, innovation, and culture. Similarly, advancements in healthcare, spearheaded by leaders like Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi and Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, showcase the nation’s commitment to world-class services and cutting-edge technology, ensuring the well-being of its diverse population.
Diversity and Religious Freedom: A Model for Tolerance
The UAE’s commitment to inclusivity and religious freedom has set it apart as a beacon of coexistence. Home to over 200 nationalities, the UAE hosts an array of religious establishments, including Christian churches, Hindu temples, a Jewish synagogue, a Sikh temple, and a Buddhist monastery. These institutions reflect the nation’s deep respect for cultural and religious diversity.
Pioneering Interfaith Harmony
In 2019, the UAE declared its “Year of Tolerance,” underscoring its dedication to fostering mutual respect among cultures and faiths. That same year, the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis marked the first-ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula. During his visit, Pope Francis and Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together. This landmark agreement envisions peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among people of all faiths.
The Abrahamic Family House embodies this spirit of tolerance. Housing a church, a synagogue, and a mosque on a shared site, it symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, understanding, and shared values among Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
In collaboration with UNESCO, the UAE also became the first nation to restore Christian churches in Iraq destroyed by Daesh, showcasing its commitment to preserving global cultural heritage.
Building a Bright Future
As the UAE looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its mission to foster inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. The nation’s focus on evidence-based policymaking, interfaith dialogue, and religious pluralism not only strengthens internal cohesion but also serves as a model for the broader region and the world.
“The UAE’s diversity is its strength,” said a government spokesperson. “We believe that embracing differences fosters peace, stability, and progress for all.”
Celebrating Unity Day
Union Day festivities across the UAE reflect this ethos of unity and diversity, with parades, cultural performances, and artistic displays bringing citizens and residents together. The celebrations serve as a reminder of the UAE’s achievements and its unwavering commitment to a future rooted in harmony, respect, and shared prosperity.
As the nation celebrates its 53rd Union Day, the UAE reaffirms its position as a modern Arab state leading by example—where unity is not just a founding principle but a daily reality.