H.H. Sheikh Mohamed attends reunion of UAE's Union Day witnesses

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted an iftar at Qasr Al Bahr for a group of individuals who had witnessed the historic moment when UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, raised the UAE flag for the first time.

It marks the first time since the group had reunited since December 2, 1971, when formation of the union was formally declared at Dubai's Union House.

During the gathering, Sheikh Mohamed was shown a collection of more than 60 rare and previously unpublished photographs, including an original print signed by Sheikh Zayed as well as original negatives.

His Highness highlighted the symbolic significance of the collection and underscored the pivotal role played by Sheikh Zayed and his fellow rulers in realising the vision of unity and establishing the Union.

A documentary featuring the testimonies of those who took part in the founding of the Union was also broadcast during the event.

The group expressed their pride at taking part in one of the most significant moments in the country's history and shared their memories of the day the Union was formed.

I was pleased to share iftar with my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, in Abu Dhabi. We were joined by a number of individuals who took part in the historic day on which the UAE flag was raised for the first time to mark the formation of the Union by the UAE's Founding… pic.twitter.com/H7MQkuFN8r

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) February 26, 2026