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UAE Designates January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day Without Public Holiday

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day, a new annual national occasion. The day will not be an official public holiday, with workplaces and schools scheduled to operate normally. The inaugural celebration is set to take place on Thursday, January 7, 2027.

Published Source: Arabian Business
Issuing authority
UAE Presidency
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Publication date
October 28, 2026
Effective date
January 7, 2027
Stage
Final rule
Official source
news.google.com
Illustration: A modern corporate office interior in Abu Dhabi with floor-to-ceiling windows showing the city skyline under soft morning light, empty m
Illustration

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced on Wednesday via X that January 7 will be officially observed as Zayed the Founder Day to commemorate the life and legacy of the country's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Arabian Business reported.

Arabian Business reported that the occasion will not be a public holiday. Workplaces, schools, and institutions across the UAE are expected to operate as normal, while observing the occasion through their own internal initiatives and activities that honour Sheikh Zayed's values.

The inaugural celebration of Zayed the Founder Day is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 7, 2027. Sheikh Zayed led the United Arab Emirates from its foundation until his death in 2004.

In his statement cited by Arabian Business, Sheikh Mohamed described the day as a new annual national occasion dedicated to celebrating Sheikh Zayed's enduring legacy, transforming wisdom into action, and continuing to inspire the nation's future development.

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