In celebration of the historic signing of the Declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has declared July 18 as “Union Pledge Day”.

This commemorates the pivotal meeting held on this day in 1971, where the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and the other emirates rulers, signed the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution, officially naming the United Arab Emirates.

A major step

This event was a major step towards establishing the federation of emirates on December 2, 1971.

In an statement, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed emphasized that July 18, 1971, is “one of the most important days in UAE history, as it marks the signing of the declaration of the Union and the UAE Constitution, laying the solid foundation for its establishment on December 2”.

He added that Union Pledge Day is “a time to commemorate the UAE’s blessed journey, draw lessons for the present and future, and renew the nation’s pledge to God Almighty and the people of the UAE to preserve unity and progress.”

Union Pledge Day is now the fourth national occasion in the UAE, following Union Day, Flag Day, and Commemoration Day.

Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan with other emirate rulers on the day of signing the UAE Constitution in 1971.