There’s a new date to mark in all of our calendars. UAE’s President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has declared January 7 as Zayed the Founder Day. This will now become a yearly occasion to honour the nation’s Founding Father. But now the big question on everyone’s mind is will we get the day off? I have all the details you need to know, so keep reading to find out more.
Who Was Sheikh Zayed?
Sheikh Zayed was the UAE’s first President and the Founding Father of the nation. He was famous for his patience, vision and wisdom, which earned him the nickname ‘the wise man of the Arabs.’
A Legacy Worth Remembering
Talking about his legacy, Sheikh Mohamed said, “As he led efforts to establish the Union, laid its foundations, and nurtured its development, his life and legacy were defined by his vision, generosity, and service to humanity.”
The occasion is dedicated to celebrating his enduring legacy, transforming wisdom into action and ensuring these values continue to inspire our nation. One of the main goals is making sure younger generations, especially those born after Sheikh Zayed’s passing, can learn about his life and legacy as the foundation that shaped the UAE.
More Than Just One Day
Zayed the Founder Day will be celebrated every year, but it won’t stop on January 7. Think of it as a starting point for the year ahead. It kicks off initiatives and programmes that run all year long. Giving both individuals and institutions the chance to get involved and bring his values and principles to life.
Why January 7?
The date was picked for a reason. According to Zayed the Founder Day, it brings together “two powerful references to the UAE’s founding story: 7 emirates uniting to form one nation, and 1971, the year the Union was established.”
It also lands in the first week of the new year, when schools and other institutions reopen. Making it a natural moment to reconnect with the values of Sheikh Zayed.
So, Will It Become A Public Holiday?
The short answer is not yet. Zayed the Founder Day hasn’t been declared a public holiday so far. But there could always be a chance. Thanks to a new UAE Cabinet rule, local governments can now decide which days they’d like to turn into public holidays for their own emirates.
The first Zayed the Founder Day will take place in 2027, and January 7 falls on a Thursday that year. It will be up to local governments to decide whether to make it a day off. But a more assured public holiday you can look forward to is January 1. As it’s always a public holiday for the whole UAE as New Year’s Day. In 2027 the first day of the year lands on a Friday, giving residents a relaxing long weekend. The first working day back will be Monday, January 4, 2027.
For now, residents will need to stay tuned Gulf Buzz for any updates on whether January 7 also becomes a public holiday.
