“Strength lies in unity, while division brings weakness”—a truth recognised by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him. This is reflected in the UAE we see today, more than fifty years after the Union was established. The UAE has become the embodiment of wise vision and forward-thinking leadership that carries the interests of the nation at heart and strives to make it one of the most beautiful and pioneering countries in the fields of tourism, the economy, environmental sustainability, and technological development.
This vision has become a reality. The UAE has amazed the world with what it has achieved and continues to achieve. At the same time, it has focused on Emiratisation, training young Emiratis to compete in the labour market, contribute productively, and excel across various fields. They continue the remarkable journey started by their forefathers and lead the nation towards a prosperous future whose benefits extend to everyone.
Since its establishment, the UAE has been a state governed by law. Its leaders have been committed to enacting legislation that regulates employment relationships, protects rights, and provides residents with a sense of belonging, welcome, and security.
Let us look at the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in the following sections and learn how this remarkable story began.
“The Union that we live today is a political achievement and a social and economic reality. It was neither a gift nor a grant, nor was achieving it easy. It was the fruit of good cultivation by fathers who carried the idea as a hope, nurtured it, and devoted themselves to raising and strengthening the Union’s flag. They are the spirit of the Union.”
— Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him
The Declaration of the United Arab Emirates
Believing in the importance of unity, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, together with Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, made every effort to establish a union among the seven emirates.
Finally, the United Arab Emirates was officially declared on 2 December 1971.
The Union initially consisted of six emirates, followed by the seventh emirate. Sheikh Zayed became the first President of the United Arab Emirates. The seven emirates are:
Abu Dhabi, the capital
Dubai
Sharjah
Ajman
Umm Al Quwain
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
During Sheikh Zayed’s forty-year leadership, the UAE witnessed rapid development and continuous achievements. The country’s name gained increasing prominence and recognition around the world.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, later led the country with the support of Their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as the Crown Princes. They continued Sheikh Zayed’s approach to progress and development, proving themselves worthy successors to a great predecessor.
Since 2 December 1971, Emiratis and residents of the United Arab Emirates have celebrated Union Day every year. Schools and companies generally observe the occasion with holidays, while streets across the country are decorated in a festive atmosphere that adds even more beauty to the celebrations.
How could we not celebrate this day when it marked a remarkable turning point that transformed the UAE into a distinctive nation among countries around the world through its achievements and development?
The UAE has also become a model for coexistence, respect for others, cultural exchange, employment opportunities, and legislation that serves both citizens and residents. It has established a legal system that addresses disputes through the authority of an impartial and independent law.
Major Achievements of the UAE
The UAE has invested in the production of dairy products, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, and eggs.
The country has reduced its dependence on natural resources and developed major tourism projects.
Dubai is home to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone has become a major destination for investment.
Dubai is one of the world’s largest gold trading markets.
The UAE has one of the world’s highest concentrations of wealthy individuals.
Founding Leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Their Positions
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — President of the United Arab Emirates and founding father of the Union.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum — Vice President of the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi — Ruler of Sharjah.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi — Ruler of Ajman.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla — Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi — Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi — Ruler of Fujairah.
The Federal National Council
The Federal National Council held its first session on 2 December 1972 and has contributed to sustainable development and the establishment of a strong relationship between the federal authorities through its participation in discussing and approving legislation, as well as addressing citizens’ issues and needs.
It also plays a role in strengthening the effectiveness of various executive bodies and promoting investment in human development, infrastructure, and other areas, while enhancing mechanisms for political participation.
During the third ordinary session of the 16th legislative chapter, from 10 May 2017 to 2 May 2018, cooperation between the Federal National Council and the government produced positive results in addressing national and citizens’ issues.
The Council discussed 13 draft federal laws covering various fields. It also discussed a total of 60 questions, all of which received responses from government members. Of these, 53 were answered in writing and seven orally.
The Council also discussed 10 general topics and issued recommendations concerning them, with a total of 113 recommendations.
Sheikh Zayed’s Views on Democracy
Among Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s statements regarding democracy:
“We have experienced the democratic practice that we live today in reality for hundreds of years under the principle of consultation. We look forward to developing this experience further and benefiting from the experiences of our brothers who have gone through similar circumstances.”
FHS Law Firm and Legal Consultancy: Guardians of the Rule of Law in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a state governed by law par excellence. Its relationships are regulated through comprehensive laws that govern interactions among a diverse population representing numerous nationalities and religions.
As the UAE’s economic environment has attracted workers and investors from around the world and encouraged the establishment of companies and commercial transactions, anyone seeking to establish a business in the UAE needs the support of a capable law firm to protect their interests and help them avoid legal challenges and obstacles.
This is where FHS Law Firm and Legal Consultancy comes in. FHS is a leading law firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The firm brings together lawyers from different nationalities, legal specialisations, and professional backgrounds.
This diversity enables the firm to represent clients from different nationalities and across a wide range of sectors, including family matters, employment, company formation, technology, banking and debt, credit, legal consultancy, litigation, negotiation, and many other areas.
FHS brings together the legal services a client may require under one roof, in one location, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism, integrity, and expertise.
The firm takes pride in providing its services to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and is honoured by the appreciation it has received from His Highness.
On this occasion, FHS Law Firm and Legal Consultancy extends its congratulations to the United Arab Emirates on Union Day and celebrates the remarkable progress the UAE has achieved across all fields.
FHS also reaffirms its commitment to remaining a guardian of the rule of law and a protector of justice, integrity, and fairness in the United Arab Emirates—a nation built upon the foundations of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is UAE Union Day celebrated?
Residents of the UAE celebrate Union Day on 2 December every year. It is also commonly known as the UAE National Day.
How many emirates make up the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates:
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Which emirate joined the Union later, and when?
Ras Al Khaimah joined the UAE officially on 10 February 1972, completing the federation of the seven emirates.
Who designed the UAE flag?
Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah designed the UAE flag in 1971 following a national competition.
Union Day is a political achievement and a social and economic reality
“Strength lies in unity, while division brings weakness”—a truth recognised by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him. This is reflected in the UAE we see today, more than fifty years after the Union was established. The UAE has become the embodiment of wise vision and forward-thinking leadership that carries the interests of the nation at heart and strives to make it one of the most beautiful and pioneering countries in the fields of tourism, the economy, environmental sustainability, and technological development.
This vision has become a reality. The UAE has amazed the world with what it has achieved and continues to achieve. At the same time, it has focused on Emiratisation, training young Emiratis to compete in the labour market, contribute productively, and excel across various fields. They continue the remarkable journey started by their forefathers and lead the nation towards a prosperous future whose benefits extend to everyone.
Since its establishment, the UAE has been a state governed by law. Its leaders have been committed to enacting legislation that regulates employment relationships, protects rights, and provides residents with a sense of belonging, welcome, and security.
Let us look at the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in the following sections and learn how this remarkable story began.
The Declaration of the United Arab Emirates
Believing in the importance of unity, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, together with Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, made every effort to establish a union among the seven emirates.
Finally, the United Arab Emirates was officially declared on 2 December 1971.
The Union initially consisted of six emirates, followed by the seventh emirate. Sheikh Zayed became the first President of the United Arab Emirates. The seven emirates are:
Abu Dhabi, the capital
Dubai
Sharjah
Ajman
Umm Al Quwain
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
During Sheikh Zayed’s forty-year leadership, the UAE witnessed rapid development and continuous achievements. The country’s name gained increasing prominence and recognition around the world.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, later led the country with the support of Their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, as well as the Crown Princes. They continued Sheikh Zayed’s approach to progress and development, proving themselves worthy successors to a great predecessor.
Since 2 December 1971, Emiratis and residents of the United Arab Emirates have celebrated Union Day every year. Schools and companies generally observe the occasion with holidays, while streets across the country are decorated in a festive atmosphere that adds even more beauty to the celebrations.
How could we not celebrate this day when it marked a remarkable turning point that transformed the UAE into a distinctive nation among countries around the world through its achievements and development?
The UAE has also become a model for coexistence, respect for others, cultural exchange, employment opportunities, and legislation that serves both citizens and residents. It has established a legal system that addresses disputes through the authority of an impartial and independent law.
Major Achievements of the UAE
The UAE has invested in the production of dairy products, vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, and eggs.
The country has reduced its dependence on natural resources and developed major tourism projects.
Dubai is home to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone has become a major destination for investment.
Dubai is one of the world’s largest gold trading markets.
The UAE has one of the world’s highest concentrations of wealthy individuals.
Founding Leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Their Positions
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — President of the United Arab Emirates and founding father of the Union.
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum — Vice President of the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi — Ruler of Sharjah.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi — Ruler of Ajman.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla — Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi — Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi — Ruler of Fujairah.
The Federal National Council
The Federal National Council held its first session on 2 December 1972 and has contributed to sustainable development and the establishment of a strong relationship between the federal authorities through its participation in discussing and approving legislation, as well as addressing citizens’ issues and needs.
It also plays a role in strengthening the effectiveness of various executive bodies and promoting investment in human development, infrastructure, and other areas, while enhancing mechanisms for political participation.
During the third ordinary session of the 16th legislative chapter, from 10 May 2017 to 2 May 2018, cooperation between the Federal National Council and the government produced positive results in addressing national and citizens’ issues.
The Council discussed 13 draft federal laws covering various fields. It also discussed a total of 60 questions, all of which received responses from government members. Of these, 53 were answered in writing and seven orally.
The Council also discussed 10 general topics and issued recommendations concerning them, with a total of 113 recommendations.
Sheikh Zayed’s Views on Democracy
Among Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s statements regarding democracy:
FHS Law Firm and Legal Consultancy: Guardians of the Rule of Law in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a state governed by law par excellence. Its relationships are regulated through comprehensive laws that govern interactions among a diverse population representing numerous nationalities and religions.
As the UAE’s economic environment has attracted workers and investors from around the world and encouraged the establishment of companies and commercial transactions, anyone seeking to establish a business in the UAE needs the support of a capable law firm to protect their interests and help them avoid legal challenges and obstacles.
This is where FHS Law Firm and Legal Consultancy comes in. FHS is a leading law firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The firm brings together lawyers from different nationalities, legal specialisations, and professional backgrounds.
This diversity enables the firm to represent clients from different nationalities and across a wide range of sectors, including family matters, employment, company formation, technology, banking and debt, credit, legal consultancy, litigation, negotiation, and many other areas.
FHS brings together the legal services a client may require under one roof, in one location, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism, integrity, and expertise.
The firm takes pride in providing its services to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and is honoured by the appreciation it has received from His Highness.
On this occasion, FHS Law Firm and Legal Consultancy extends its congratulations to the United Arab Emirates on Union Day and celebrates the remarkable progress the UAE has achieved across all fields.
FHS also reaffirms its commitment to remaining a guardian of the rule of law and a protector of justice, integrity, and fairness in the United Arab Emirates—a nation built upon the foundations of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is UAE Union Day celebrated?
Residents of the UAE celebrate Union Day on 2 December every year. It is also commonly known as the UAE National Day.
How many emirates make up the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven emirates:
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Which emirate joined the Union later, and when?
Ras Al Khaimah joined the UAE officially on 10 February 1972, completing the federation of the seven emirates.
Who designed the UAE flag?
Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah designed the UAE flag in 1971 following a national competition.
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