Eid Al Etihad: Honouring the Spirit That United the UAE
<p>Abu Dhabi: As the United Arab Emirates celebrates its 54th Eid Al Etihad, senior defence leaders have paid tribute to the historic unification of the nation, describing the occasion as a powerful reminder of the values that transformed a vision into a lasting and successful reality. The commemoration of National Day, they said, is not just a celebration of the past, but a renewal of commitment to unity, loyalty, and collective responsibility toward the future.</p><p>Eid Al Etihad marks December 2, 1971—the day when the founding fathers, led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, brought the Emirates together under a single flag. Defence officials stressed that this moment in history demonstrated extraordinary courage, foresight, and determination, laying the foundation for a nation that would later emerge as a model of stability, prosperity, and global engagement.</p><p>According to the leaders, National Day carries deep symbolic meaning for every Emirati. It represents gratitude for the sacrifices made by previous generations, respect for the wisdom of the founding leaders, and pride in the country’s remarkable progress across all sectors. More importantly, it reinforces the spirit of unity that continues to bind Emiratis together, strengthening their sense of belonging and responsibility toward safeguarding the nation’s achievements.</p><p>Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Fadel Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, highlighted that December 2 is a moment for reflection and appreciation. He explained that the founding fathers worked selflessly, driven by love for the land and belief in what the people of the UAE could achieve together. What once appeared impossible became reality through faith, cooperation, and unwavering commitment.</p><p>He added that Eid Al Etihad reminds citizens that nation-building is an ongoing journey. On the 54th National Day, the UAE renews its pledge to continue along the path of growth and development, while strengthening the core values of unity, loyalty, and belonging. Preserving national achievements, fostering teamwork, and inspiring future generations to aim higher remain central to the country’s vision under its wise leadership.</p><p>Lieutenant General Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces, described December 2 as one of the most defining days in the country’s history. He noted that the decision to unite was driven by shared will and collective ambition, which resulted in one of the strongest union experiences in the region. The journey that began in 1971, he said, continues to this day, marked by sustained development and clear long-term vision.</p><p>He emphasized that the UAE’s continued success is rooted in the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding rulers, whose vision focused on people, progress, and stability. By following this legacy, the nation has been able to adapt to global challenges while remaining firmly grounded in its values and traditions.</p><p>Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, reflected on how the Union transformed a shared dream into an enduring reality. He stated that the impact of unification can be seen clearly in the UAE’s achievements across education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, and economic development. Today, the UAE stands among the world’s most secure and prosperous nations, offering a high quality of life to its people.</p><p>Within the Armed Forces, Eid Al Etihad is also an opportunity to recognise the significant progress made in military development. Under the guidance of the country’s leadership, the defence sector has been strengthened through advanced capabilities, modern training programs, and the empowerment of national talent. As a result, the UAE Armed Forces have become a symbol of preparedness, efficiency, and professionalism.</p><p>The defence officials collectively stressed that unity remains the UAE’s greatest strength. In a rapidly changing world, the values established in 1971—cooperation, loyalty, and shared purpose—continue to guide the nation forward. Eid Al Etihad is therefore not only a celebration of history, but a reminder to every citizen of their role in protecting the Union’s legacy and contributing to its future success.</p><p>As the UAE celebrates 54 years of unity, the message from its defence leadership is clear: by holding firmly to the principles that founded the nation and working together with dedication and pride, the UAE will continue to rise, inspire, and thrive for generations to come.</p>