December 2 has been huge in the UAE for years, a period when everyone comes together to celebrate the country “Eid Al Etihad”. But lately, you’ve probably seen something new plastered on billboards, news websites, and social media. What used to be called UAE National Day is now officially Eid Al Etihad.
Going Back to the Original Name
Eid Al Etihad literally means “Celebration of the Union.” And as it turns out, it’s not even a new name, it’s what the original founding fathers originally called the holiday when the seven emirates came together in 1971.
Here’s why the switch happened:
- The phrase Eid Al Etihad brings the country back to its roots, honoring the authentic Arabic name from day one
- It puts the focus squarely on unity, the whole point of the UAE’s day of pride
- Everyone from government offices to schools to regular families now uses the same name, creating one shared voice
What Makes Eid Al Etihad Special?
Eid Al Etihad is more than a calendar date. This holiday points to all the things that make the country function:
- It honors principles like hospitality, generosity, and belonging that define Emirati culture
- The title is a recurring reminder that the UAE’s real strength is to be one nation united
- It brings the present generation close to the vision that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the rest of the founding fathers envisioned years ago
- No matter if you’ve lived here your whole life or immigrated recently, Eid Al Etihad brings everyone into the picture
How Celebrations Have Changed?
While UAE National Day still happens on December 2, the way people celebrate has shifted:
- There’s an entire department now, led by Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who plan national events and activities
- Designers, artists, and local businesses are encouraged to participate and create products with the Eid Al Etihad brand
- Everything follows a single visual identity: uniform logos, colors, and designs you’ll see from Dubai to Fujairah
The shift to Eid Al Etihad goes deeper than just language:
- It reiterates that unity is not really history, it’s the foundation on which all that the UAE will achieve in the days to come is based
- The celebration actively involves all who call the UAE home, not just as witnesses but as participants
- Schools run special programs, social media lights up with creative content, and communities organize local events
- It’s the UAE’s day of pride because it represents both where the country came from and where it’s heading
Connecting Past and Future
Eid Al Etihad is both a tribute and a commitment:
- It is a tribute to the heritage of the founding fathers and an invitation to innovation and global leadership
- The celebration shows that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand
- Young people learn about their heritage through interactive programs instead of just reading textbooks
- The message stays consistent: unity built this nation and unity will carry it through the next fifty years
What You’ll See This Year
For the 54th celebration of Eid Al Etihad, expect:
- Official brand guidelines available, showing exactly how to use logos and designs
- Events across all seven emirates following the theme “United”
- Creative initiatives like the Merchandise Open Call where anyone can submit designs
- Activities that bring families and communities together in traditional ways while using modern platforms
- Celebrations that reflect both the desert heritage and the cosmopolitan future
The Bigger Picture
By officially employing Eid Al Etihad on UAE National Day, the country is speaking clearly of what matters most. It is not an issue of re-writing history, but of acknowledging it fittingly.
The UAE’s pride day is here for everyone. Whether you’re among those born and bred to witness the flag raise every December 2, or whether you’re witnessing it for the first time this year, Eid Al Etihad greets you to a celebration that has been raging on since 1971, and will keep raging for generations to come.
That is what Eid Al Etihad is about: recalling where we began, celebrating where we are today, and anticipating what comes next, together.
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