The President of BAE attended a gathering of individuals involved in the establishment of the Union.
ABU DHABI, February 26, 2026 (WAM) -- His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, today attended a gathering of individuals who were present on the historic day when the late Founding Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, raised the UAE flag alongside other rulers during the establishment of the Union. For the first time since that day, many participants came together for this meeting. The President also reviewed a collection of over 60 rare and previously unpublished photographs documenting the moments of the Union's establishment and the historic raising of the UAE flag for the first time at the Union House in Dubai on December 2, 1971. The collection includes an original print signed by the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and original photographic negatives. The President expressed his appreciation for the historical and symbolic significance of the collection, emphasizing its value in capturing decisive moments in the nation's history. He recalled the critical role played by Sheikh Zayed and other rulers in realizing the vision of unity. As a gesture of recognition, the President hosted an iftar at Qasr Al Bahr for a group of individuals who witnessed Sheikh Zayed raising the UAE flag for the first time. Participants expressed their pride in witnessing one of the most significant moments in UAE history, sharing their memories related to the day the Union was established. The President engaged in a heartfelt conversation with the participants and their families, conveyed Ramadan greetings, and wished for this blessed month to bring continuous blessings to the UAE and its people.
(Source: WAM.ae)