A spectacular celebration of heritage, unity and ambition marked the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, as the nation honoured its past while showcasing its dynamic vision for the future….reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates celebrated its 54th Eid Al Etihad with a sweeping display of unity, tradition and national pride, as the country’s leadership, citizens and residents came together for a series of landmark events honouring the spirit of the Union and the nation’s steady march towards the future. Led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this year’s celebrations blended heritage with ambition, showcasing the UAE’s progress in 2025—the Year of Community—while reaffirming the values that underpin its development.
The celebrations yesterday included March of the Union at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, where Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attended alongside an assembly of sheikhs, senior officials, guests of the country and citizens from across all seven emirates. Organised by the Presidential Court, the March brought thousands of tribesmen together in a vivid expression of loyalty to the nation, with participants waving flags, performing traditional chants and demonstrating the enduring bonds of unity shaped over generations.
The President was joined by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence; along with several other sheikhs and dignitaries. Greeting participants warmly, Sheikh Mohamed expressed deep appreciation for the “genuine expression of national belonging,” emphasising that the UAE’s strength is rooted in its people’s loyalty and their shared commitment to elevate the nation and uphold its values.
The March itself unfolded as a cultural tapestry. Tribesmen advanced from Al Hosn Gate, accompanied by traditional Emirati performances including Al-Ayyala, Al-Azi and Al-Nadb, while horse and camel contingents showcased the country’s equestrian heritage. The UAE’s Al Fursan aerobatic team painted the sky in national colours, and the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 added a sporting dimension. A visiting troupe from Azerbaijan contributed folkloric performances, reflecting the international friendships the UAE continues to cultivate.
The spirit of celebration extended to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum, where the official Eid Al Etihad ceremony was held under the theme ‘United’. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was joined by Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers for a ceremony that blended history with forward-looking optimism.
Among those in attendance were His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu‘alla, Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain; His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. Together, they underscored the continuity of leadership that has guided the UAE’s journey since its founding in 1971.
The ceremony paid tribute to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision and values remain central to the nation’s identity. This year’s event featured an immersive display of historical artefacts that charted the Emirates’ story across millennia. Key pieces included the 8,000-year-old Abu Dhabi Pearl, one of the oldest natural pearls in the world; Bronze Age swords from Saruq Al Hadid; 5,000-year-old Carnelian beads; the Abiel Coin, an early regional currency; and the Kamal, a navigational tool once used by seafarers to chart their course by the stars. A 1966 Chrysler Newport used by Sheikh Zayed and the Magan Boat, a reconstruction of an ancient trading vessel, connected the past to the present.
Creative teams used light, orchestral arrangements, traditional costumes and folk performances to narrate the UAE’s evolution. Artists of all ages took part, symbolising the generations that have shaped the nation’s success. The UAE National Orchestra made a special debut performance, contributing an evocative musical tribute to unity, resilience and national aspiration. The ceremony was livestreamed across official digital platforms, expanding access to residents and well-wishers around the world.
This year’s Eid Al Etihad arrives as the UAE records one of the strongest economic outlooks globally. With the IMF projecting 4.8 percent growth for 2025 and non-oil foreign trade reaching AED1.7 trillion in the first half of the year—a 24.5 percent jump—the country continues to fortify its standing as a regional and international economic powerhouse. Coupled with sustained humanitarian contributions and strategic global partnerships, the UAE’s trajectory reflects a nation confident in its path and united in purpose.
