They were joined by several individuals who were present on the very first day the UAE flag was raised in 1971.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared photos from a special occasion during Ramadan, hosting an iftar banquet for his “brothers”—the Rulers of the other emirates.
“Together we exchanged best wishes for the holy month of Ramadan, praying for God to grant peace and blessings to all,” the UAE President said.
The iftar event, held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, was also attended by Crown Princes, Deputy Rulers, and other Sheikhs, alongside Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, who is currently visiting the UAE.
Attendees performed the Maghrib prayer together before joining the banquet hosted by Sheikh Mohamed in honour of the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, and Deputy Rulers.
During the gathering, the president engaged in cordial discussions with the Rulers, reflecting on the UAE’s ongoing development and efforts to strengthen the nation, build on its achievements, and fulfil the aspirations of its people for the future.
They also watched a documentary featuring testimonies from individuals who witnessed the historic founding of the Union, when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, raised the national flag for the first time. In their accounts, participants reflected on the personal significance of that milestone and its enduring meaning today.
While the group iftar with the Rulers was a noteworthy occasion, the President shared another detail that made this event particularly special.
Sheikh Mohamed noted that the Rulers were joined by several individuals who had been present on the very first day the UAE flag was raised in 1971, marking the formation of the Union by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
“Inspired by the legacy of our Founding Father, we reaffirmed our steadfast determination to advance the UAE’s journey of development in pursuit of enduring unity, prosperity, and growth for our nation and its people,” Sheikh Mohamed said.
The President also viewed a collection of over 60 rare and previously unpublished photographs capturing historic moments from the day the Union was formed and the UAE flag was raised for the first time on December 2, 1971, at Union House in Dubai. The collection includes an original print signed by Sheikh Zayed, as well as the original photographic negatives.
The witnesses reflected on their pride in participating in one of the most significant moments in UAE history, sharing their personal memories of the day the Union was established.
