UAE unveils 54th Eid Al Etihad brand guidelines: How to celebrate the Union in style and spirit
Abu Dhabi:
The UAE has officially announced the brand identity and visual guidelines for this year’s 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, laying out a detailed framework to ensure a unified look and feel across all public and private celebrations marking the nation’s Union anniversary.
The new guidelines, revealed this week, outline how government entities, businesses, and residents can use the official visual identity, which carries the theme “United” — a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Emirates and the shared pride that connects everyone who calls the UAE home.
The announcement followed a working session of the 54th Eid Al Etihad Team, which brought together representatives from all seven emirates to coordinate plans for the month-long festivities beginning November 3 (Flag Day) and culminating on December 2 (Eid Al Etihad/National Day).
“This year’s celebrations reflect the shared spirit of the Union and the cultural and social bonds that connect everyone in the UAE,” the Team stated.
A tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s vision
The brand identity for the 54th Eid Al Etihad draws deep inspiration from the early signage and design aesthetics used during the formative years of the Union, under the guidance of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“In an effort to honour Sheikh Zayed’s vision and involvement in the UAE’s development, the logo captures the essence of the early street signs in which he played a direct role,” the guidelines explain.
The logo exists in three variations — a primary version without a frame, a framed version, and a negative version — each created for specific design contexts to maintain versatility while preserving brand integrity.
The visual language of unity
According to the design manual, the Eid Al Etihad brand is a “unifying visual language” — a modern yet deeply rooted identity that allows creative collaboration between diverse entities while celebrating the individuality of each emirate.
The identity revolves around three core colour palettes:
Flag Palette — featuring the bold colours of the UAE flag.
Heritage Palette — inspired by the natural tones and textures of Emirati culture.
Seven Emirates Palette — assigning each emirate a keyword, emblem, and colour tone to reflect its heritage and character.
Seven distinct emblems also accompany the design: the palm tree, dhow, rising sun, Al Ayyala and Al Naashat dance forms, fort, and pearl oysters — each symbolising the land, sea, culture, and soul of the Emirates.
Even the number “54” carries meaning. Its silhouette is inspired by UAE vehicle licence plates, symbolising connection, movement, and progress — a nod to the nation’s journey since 1971.
Typography and design integrity
Typography plays a vital role in the visual identity. The official guidelines designate Vinyl as the primary English typeface and Athelas Arabic Variable for Arabic text — both echoing the typography used on the UAE’s earliest road signs.
The document also defines minimum logo sizes, clear space rules, and positioning standards for print, digital, and outdoor applications — from billboards and street flags to event backdrops, merchandise, and social media posts.
Dos and don’ts: Protecting the brand
The guidelines include strict instructions to maintain the logo’s integrity.
âś… Permitted:
Using only approved colour palettes and logo variations.
Aligning designs with official proportions and placement rules.
Applying visual elements in combinations consistent with national branding standards.
❌ Prohibited:
Stretching, distorting, rotating, or recolouring the logo.
Adding effects, such as shadows or gradients.
Combining it with unapproved logos or translating it into other languages.
Using the logo as a decorative element or background pattern.
These rules aim to ensure consistency and respect for the brand’s symbolism, maintaining the dignity of the UAE’s national celebrations.
Month-long national celebration
The Eid Al Etihad Team confirmed that the celebrations will begin with Flag Day on November 3, leading to a full month of community events, creative activations, and cultural showcases across the country.
Each emirate will host synchronised moments of celebration, underpinned by the same brand elements, to strengthen the sense of unity and national pride.
Organisers and participants can access the complete brand manual and design assets at EidAlEtihad.ae. Additional resources, templates, and creative toolkits will also be released to help institutions design cohesive, memorable celebrations.
“Eid Al Etihad is more than a commemoration — it’s a month-long expression of who we are as a united people,” the Team said.
“These brand guidelines ensure that every visual, sound, and celebration across the country tells one story — the story of our Union.”
Short Summary:
The UAE has launched new brand guidelines for the 54th Eid Al Etihad celebrations, unifying visual communication across the nation. Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, the “United” theme governs all designs from November’s Flag Day to December’s National Day.
Related News
