The UAE National Day 2022: A Day of Pride for All Emiratis

The UAE National Day 2022

As the UAE National Day approaches, Emiratis are getting more excited. This year’s theme is “Year of Distinction and Precedence” and it is one that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is very passionate about. Do you want to know more about the UAE National Day and what it represents for the country…

As the UAE National Day approaches, Emiratis are getting more excited. This year’s theme is “Year of Distinction and Precedence” and it is one that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is very passionate about. Do you want to know more about the UAE National Day and what it represents for the country and its people? If you answered yes, then this blog post is for you!

A Day to Cherish the UAE’s Unity

On December 2, 1971, the United Arab Emirates was formed as a federation. The UAE National Day is a day of national pride for Emiratis and is a time for celebrating the country’s history, culture, and unity.

The UAE National Day is a public holiday that is celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm each year. It is a day when Emiratis come together to remember the country’s founding and celebrate the country’s accomplishments. The UAE National Day is also a time to reflect on the country’s values and reaffirm the commitment to the principles of unity, tolerance, and progress.

The celebrations of the UAE National Day are marked by a number of traditions and activities. One of the most popular traditions is the flying of the national flag. Emiratis also decorate their homes and cars with the colors of the flag, and many people wear traditional Emirati clothing on this day. Another popular tradition is giving gifts, which is often done in the form of flowers, food, and other items.

The UAE National Day: A Day to Cherish the Country's Unity
A group of Emirati children flying the national flag in the UAE National Day celebration

The History of the UAE National Day

The National Day of the United Arab Emirates is celebrated on December 2nd each year. It commemorates the unification of the seven emirates which formed the country in 1971. The day is a public holiday and is marked by patriotic displays and celebrations.

The origins of the National Day can be traced back to 1968 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. At the time, the UAE was a British protectorate and Sheikh Zayed was keen to see it become an independent state. He began negotiations with the British government and, in 1971, the UAE was formed.

The first National Day was celebrated on December 2nd, 1971. It was a modest affair with a military parade and a few speeches. However, over the years, the celebrations have become more elaborate and today the National Day is a major event on the UAE calendar. Patriotic displays and celebrations are held across the country on National Day.  

In recent years, the National Day celebrations have become more inclusive and family-friendly, with a focus on Emirati culture and heritage. Popular events and activities now include a National Day Parade, which features a procession of Emirati men and women in traditional dress, and a National Day Festival, which includes traditional crafts, food, and entertainment.

The Significance of the UAE National Day

  • The UAE National Day is a day to celebrate the unity of the Emirates and its people.
  • It is a day to remember the country’s history and heritage.
  • It is a day to celebrate the progress the UAE has made over the years.
  • It is a day to look forward to the future and what the UAE can achieve.
  • It is a day to celebrate the diversity of the UAE and its people.
  • It is a day to remember the country’s culture and traditions.
  • It is a day to celebrate the UAE’s natural beauty and attractions.
  • It is a day to remember the UAE’s history of hospitality and tourism.
  • It is a day to celebrate the UAE’s economic success and progress.
  • It is a day to remember the UAE’s commitment to international cooperation and peace.

What Happens on The UAE National Day

Jet aircraft performance in the UAE National Day celebration in Abu Dhabi corniche beach in the United Arab Emirates
Jet aircraft performance on the UAE National Day in Abu Dhabi corniche beach in the United Arab Emirates

In Abu Dhabi, the day begins with a spectacular military parade. This is followed by a flypast of UAE Air Force jets and a display of traditional dances. The President of the UAE then delivers a speech in which he outlines the achievements of the country and its people. Government buildings and monuments are decorated with the national flag and other patriotic symbols.

In Dubai, as a major shipping hub in the region and a land of multicultural diversity, the UAE National Day is a big deal. The whole city celebrates for a week leading up to the big day on December 2nd. The city is decorated with flags and lights and there are concerts and shows every night. On the day of the National Day, there is a huge parade with floats and marching bands and exciting celebrations are centered around Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

Everyone is dressed in traditional Emirati clothing and there is a feeling of pride and joy in the air. After the parade, there are fireworks and a big party that lasts all night. A spectacular fireworks display is held in the evening, accompanied by a laser show and music. Across the country, people decorate their houses and express their love for their country, and reaffirm their commitment to its development and progress.

UAE Companies and the UAE National Day

The UAE National Day is a time for businesses to reflect on the country’s achievements and look toward the future. Many companies take the opportunity to organize events and activities that promote the UAE’s image abroad and strengthen ties with international partners. Others use the occasion to launch new products or services or to offer special promotions.

Many businesses also take the opportunity to support charitable causes, both in the UAE and internationally. The UAE National Day is a time for businesses to show their appreciation for the support of the UAE government and the country’s many loyal customers.

Themes of the UAE National Day

Since 2015, the UAE themes of the year have made it a priority for federal and municipal administrations to establish and work on policies and initiatives targeted at achieving certain objectives. Since the practice’s inception, we’ve created a list of all the themes that have been used and honored.

  • 2015: Year of Innovation
  • 2016: Year of Reading
  • 2017: Year of Giving
  • 2018: Year of Zayed
  • 2019: Year of Tolerance
  • 2020: Towards the Next 50
  • 2021: Year of the 50th
  • 2022: Year of Distinction and Precedence

The 2022 Theme’s Overarching Goals

51 UAE National Day Poster
The 51st UAE National Day theme is labeled as the “Year of Distinction and Precedence”.

This year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has written a poem that labels 2022 as the Year of Distinction and Precedence. He wishes for the nation to go forward with determination, creativity, and skill.

The following are the main aims of the 2022 theme:

  • To contribute to the realms of education, culture, production, and trade.
  • To ensure the moves ahead on “a path that unites us with strength”.

Rules to Be Followed During Celebrations

According to the rules released by the UAE Interior Ministry, all people celebrating the UAE National Day must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Marches and unplanned gatherings are not allowed.
  • People who are celebrating National Day must follow traffic laws and police officers’ directions.
  • It is not permitted for drivers, passengers, or pedestrians to use any kind of spray.
  • No car color may be changed, the front to rear number plate cannot be covered, and blackout or windshield tinting is not permitted.
  • It is forbidden to put statements or improper stickers on vehicles.
  • A vehicle may only carry the permitted number of passengers, and no passenger may ever exit the vehicle through the windows or open the sunroof.
  • Vehicles may not be equipped with noise-producing materials, have extensions that impair visibility, or add unauthorized modifications to the engine structure.
  • It is forbidden for drivers to obstruct other people’s roads or cause traffic jams.
  • On both internal and external roads, showy reckless driving is not permitted.
  • It is forbidden to affix stickers on the side windows, front, or back windshields of the car, or to install a front sunshade.

DFreight Congratulates the UAE on National Day!

The UAE National Day is a day to celebrate the unity of the Emirates and its people. It is a day to remember the country’s history and heritage as well as to celebrate the progress the UAE has made over the years. It is a day to look forward to the future and what the UAE can achieve.

On this joyous occasion, the DFreight team congratulates all Emiratis and extends its best wishes for a day full of pride, excitement, and joy. We are proud to be a part of this great country and its bright future.

FAQs

When is the UAE National Day?

The UAE National Day is held annually on December 2nd across the United Arab Emirates.

What is the history of the UAE National Day?

The UAE National Day celebrates the formation of the United Arab Emirates as a federation. The UAE was formed on December 2nd, 1971 when the British Protectorate ended and the seven emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah joined together.

What are the celebrations of the UAE National Day like?

The celebrations typically involve flag hoisting, fireworks, concerts, and other festivities. On the UAE National Day, many people take part in patriotic displays and activities to show their love for their country. Many people also wear traditional Emirati clothing as a sign of pride.

Why is the UAE National Day important?

The UAE National Day is an important day for all Emiratis as it commemorates the unification of the seven emirates which formed the country in 1971. It is also a time to reflect on the country’s values and reaffirm the commitment to the principles of unity, tolerance, and progress.

What is the theme of the UAE National Day 2022?

The theme of the UAE National Day 2022 is “Year of Distinction and Precedence”. The main aim of the theme is to contribute to the realms of education, culture, production, and trade, and to ensure the UAE moves ahead on a path that unites Emiratis with strength.

How many days do people get off work on the UAE National Day?

According to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE), private sector workers in the UAE will receive paid time off for two days from December 1st to December 3rd, on the occasion of Commemoration Day and the UAE National Day.

How is DFreight celebrating the UAE National Day?

DFreight is celebrating the UAE National Day by flying the UAE flag at our headquarters. We are also decorating our offices with red, green, and black balloons and streamers. We will also be having a special lunch to celebrate the occasion.

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