Eid Al Etihad: More Than a Name, A Return to the UAE’s Founding Spirit of Unity
Every year on December 2nd, the United Arab Emirates erupts in a celebration of national pride. While widely known for decades as UAE National Day, the occasion is now officially embraced by its authentic Arabic title: Eid Al Etihad, or the “Celebration of the Union.” This shift is far more than a simple name change; it is a powerful reaffirmation of the unity that has been the nation’s bedrock since its founding in 1971.
A Return to Authentic Roots
According to Eisa Alsubousi, Director of Strategic & Creative Affairs of the Eid Al Etihad Team, this move is a conscious “return to the authentic Arabic title that the nation’s founders used.” This deliberate choice anchors the modern celebration in its historical context, ensuring that the language of today aligns with the identity and vision of the past. As Alsubousi explains, “by using Eid Al Etihad … the country speaks with one voice,” strengthening a collective national identity across all segments of society.
Framing Unity as a Collective Celebration
The term Eid Al Etihad elevates the occasion beyond a public holiday. It frames it as a celebration of togetherness, collective identity, and shared progress. This reframing is central to the vision of the 54th Eid Al Etihad Team, chaired by Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Vice-Chair. Their mandate is to ensure the celebration is inclusive, making every resident feel a part of the UAE’s ongoing story.
Alsubousi notes that the name “reflects the spirit of togetherness that has shaped the UAE since its founding … it reminds us that unity is not only part of our history but also the driving force behind our progress.”
Bridging Heritage and the Future
The name Eid Al Etihad powerfully connects the UAE‘s rich traditions with its ambitious future. It evokes deep-rooted cultural values of joy, hospitality, and community gathering. “Yes. The term Eid Al Etihad evokes traditions of joy, gathering, and sharing that are deeply rooted in Emirati culture,” confirms Alsubousi.
However, the expression of these values has evolved. Today’s celebrations feature broader participation, innovative creative programs, and cross-community collaborations. Initiatives like the “Merchandise Open Call,” which invited artists and designers to create official products, help spread the identity of unity into daily life, making the celebration a tangible part of the nation’s creative and consumer culture.
A Unified Identity for a Global Nation
In a diverse and globalized UAE, Eid Al Etihad acts as a unifying brand. A single, cohesive design system—governing everything from the logo to colour palettes—is deployed across all seven emirates. This creates a unified visual language while still allowing each emirate the flexibility to express its local character. This synergy of language and visuals reinforces a powerful sense of shared belonging for citizens and residents alike, sending a clear message that unity is a lived, present-day identity.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ultimately, Eid Al Etihad is not just about reflecting on past achievements but about projecting a shared future. It is a tool to connect the youth with the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers and to impart the enduring values of unity and service. Through schools, digital platforms, and creative programs, these values are translated into actionable lessons for the next generation.
In short, the shift to Eid Al Etihad is a profound reaffirmation. It is a return to an original term and a re-dedication to the principles of unity, belonging, and collective progress that defined the UAE’s founding moment and continue to chart its course forward as a dynamic and inclusive society.