A Day for the Founder: How Abu Dhabi Honours Sheikh Zayed’s Vision of Unity and Service

The designation of 7 January as Zayed the Founder Day crystallises the enduring principles that shaped a nation, as leadership reflects on how the late Founding Father's wisdom continues to guide the UAE's trajectory.

The decision to mark 7 January each year as Zayed the Founder Day represents far more than a calendar designation. It is a deliberate act of national remembrance, a formal recognition that the values embodied by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan remain foundational to who the UAE is and who it aspires to become. H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, has spoken of this occasion as an essential milestone in preserving the legacy of the late Founding Father.

The significance of this annual observance lies in its deeper purpose: to ensure that the principles Sheikh Zayed established at the nation’s inception continue to resonate through generations. His vision of unity, solidarity, and generosity, coupled with an unwavering commitment to placing people at the centre of national development, forged a path that transformed the UAE into a model of progress and prosperity on the global stage.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed has emphasised that Zayed the Founder Day serves as a profound opportunity to strengthen the connection between citizens and their nation’s history, to reinforce national identity, and to inspire younger generations to embrace the Founding Father’s approach grounded in wisdom, diligence, dedication, and responsibility. The values he instilled—the emphasis on hard work, foresight, and service to people—form a philosophical inheritance that continues to shape policy and national aspiration.

Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the commitment to advancing Sheikh Zayed’s vision remains steadfast. This year has witnessed the nation’s institutions working to translate those founding principles into contemporary achievement, from as we reported in our coverage of the Entrepreneurship Week initiative that cultivates talent across UAE institutions, to the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative partnering with global leaders to address water scarcity. Each endeavour echoes the Founding Father’s belief in development driven by vision and human welfare.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

For Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE, this day anchors the nation’s collective memory and shared purpose. It creates an annual moment for reflection on how far the country has progressed since unification, and it provides a touchstone for evaluating whether current policies and practices remain aligned with the foundational values of unity and people-centred development that Sheikh Zayed championed.

The designation reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as steward of the Founder’s legacy whilst moving confidently into the future. By commemorating his vision annually, the nation signals that progress and prosperity must always be tempered with the wisdom, integrity, and commitment to collective wellbeing that defined his leadership. This continuity ensures that whatever challenges or opportunities lie ahead, the UAE will meet them grounded in the principles that have already carried it so far.

Source: WAM