07/01
Zayed The Founder Day
Zayed the Founder Day is an annual national occasion observed on 7 January (07/01), dedicated to commemorating the life, legacy, values and principles of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates.
Zayed the Founder Day seeks to further embed Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and values in the hearts and minds of society, strengthening their presence in our collective memory, everyday actions and shared future.
The occasion extends beyond 7 January, serving as an annual starting point for renewed engagement with Sheikh Zayed’s life and legacy. It marks the launch of initiatives and programmes that continue throughout the year, providing opportunities for individuals and institutions to actively participate in bringing his values and principles to life.
Zayed the Founder Day places particular emphasis on younger generations, especially those born after Sheikh Zayed’s passing, deepening their understanding of his life and legacy not simply as part of the nation’s history, but as the foundation of the values, principles and decisions that shaped the United Arab Emirates and continue to guide its journey today.
07/01 reflects Zayed's dream:
Seven Emirates, One Nation.
FAQ
What is Zayed The Founder Day?
Zayed The Founder Day, observed on the 7th of January (07/01), is an annual day dedicated to celebrating the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE. The day aims to ensure that Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and values are not just remembered, but are actively embedded and brought to life throughout UAE society both now and in the future.
What is the purpose of Zayed the Founder Day?
Zayed The Founder Day establishes an annual national platform for the preservation and activation of the life, legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed. It is not intended to be limited to a single day of commemoration, but to provide a recurring moment each year to focus attention on Sheikh Zayed’s life and legacy, launch new priorities and initiatives, and set in motion a year-round program of engagement and activation.
A particular priority is ensuring that younger generations, including those born after Sheikh Zayed’s lifetime, do not encounter his legacy simply as history, but understand the principles underpinning the choices that have shaped the UAE and continue to guide the nation today.
What is the significance of the date 07/01?
The date 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. Falling in the first week of a new year, Zayed The Founder Day also marks a moment when people, schools and institutions return with renewed energy. It provides a natural starting point to reconnect with the Founder’s values and set them in motion for the year ahead.
How can I participate in Zayed The Founder Day?
Individuals and organisations are encouraged to commemorate Zayed The Founder Day in ways that are meaningful to them. That could include participating in public events or convening your own. The Founder’s Office has published a toolkit for individuals and institutions that are interested in organising their own event or initiative.
Consistent with Sheikh Zayed’s values, Zayed The Founder Day is intended to be inclusive and accessible to people of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds.
What entity is organizing Zayed The Founder Day?
Zayed The Founder Day is an initiative of The Founder’s Office. The Founder’s Office is mandated to lead, guide and enable initiatives that preserve, enrich understanding of, and drive engagement with, the legacy and values of the UAE Founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its vision is to ensure that the legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed remain a living source of inspiration and guidance across generations.