As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming public holiday in the UAE, the excitement builds for the National Day celebration. You may have encountered the term Eid Al Etihad, which is another name for the festivities surrounding UAE National Day. However, it’s important to clarify that this is not an additional holiday; rather, it refers to the broader celebrations for National Day.
This year, we are set to enjoy a delightful four-day break from Saturday, November 30, to Tuesday, December 4, in honor of the formation of the UAE, which took place in 1971. This long weekend is packed with various events celebrating the unity and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, which can sometimes lead to confusion about the significance of each day. To help clarify, we will explain the different occasions that are part of this festive weekend.
What is Eid Al Etihad?
Eid Al Etihad is the official name used in the UAE to commemorate National Day. Each year, a grand celebration is held on December 2 during the UAE National Day weekend, attended by the rulers of the seven emirates. Previously known as Union Day, this celebration was officially renamed to Eid Al Etihad in 2024. For those unfamiliar with the term, Etihad translates to “union,” capturing the spirit of National Day, which symbolizes the unity of the seven emirates.
The change in name from Union Day to the Arabic Eid Al Etihad reflects the UAE’s identity, heritage, strength, and national pride, emphasizing the importance of unity among the emirates.
What is Union Day?
Union Day was the prior designation for the celebration that takes place on December 2. The government’s official website, which previously operated under the name unionday.ae, has now been transitioned to the Eid Al Etihad website. This shift can be seen as a rebranding effort, moving from a more anglicized title to one that aligns more closely with Arabic culture, while the essence of the celebrations remains unchanged.
What is UAE National Day?
UAE National Day refers specifically to December 2, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the UAE. On December 2, 1971, six of the seven emirates united to form a new nation—the United Arab Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation a few months later, in February 1972, and also takes part in the celebrations.
Each year, the UAE observes a two-day public holiday to commemorate this historic occasion, with festivities scheduled for Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3, this year.
What is UAE Commemoration Day?
UAE Commemoration Day, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed annually on November 30. This important occasion often gets intertwined with the National Day celebrations due to the proximity of the dates. It is typically marked by a moment of silence at 11 AM across the nation, with many people gathering at locations where the UAE flag is displayed to pay their respects as it is flown at half-mast.
The significance of November 30 coincides with the passing of Salim Suhail bin Khamis Al Dahmani, who died just days before the formation of the UAE in 1971. Unlike the other celebrations mentioned, UAE Commemoration Day is not designated as a public holiday.
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