President Sheikh Mohamed urges Emiratis to drive UAE progress in National Day message

President Sheikh Mohamed has hailed National Day as a “defining chapter” in the UAE's success story – and urged Emiratis to be at the heart of efforts to write the country's future.

The UAE leader said the anniversary of the nation's founding – marked on December 2 each year – served not only as an opportunity to celebrate its rich history but to deliver a road map for progress.

In a wide-ranging address on the eve of National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad, he spoke of how family stability and investment in future generations would be crucial to the UAE's continued rise on the global stage.

He said the Emirates was building on the firm foundations laid by the country's first president, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and fulfilling his vision for a nation that epitomises “excellence, progress, and a far-reaching sense of purpose”.

President Sheikh Mohamed's National Day statement in full:

My brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters,

The second of December stands as a defining chapter in our nation’s story. It is a day of pride, unity, and inspiration that continues to resonate across generations of Emiratis. What the late Sheikh Zayed and his fellow Rulers achieved on that historic day remains a lasting symbol of resolve – a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through unity, purpose, and unwavering belief in a shared future.

Eid Al Etihad is more than a celebration of our founding. It is a moment to reflect, to draw lessons, and to renew our determination as we work together to shape the future we all hope for.

As we mark the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, we look back with gratitude and pride at the journey we have taken together. We honour the progress we have made and the milestones we have reached.

And we renew our pledge – before God, to ourselves, and to our people – to continue working with sincerity and dedication to ensure that the UAE remains, just as the late Sheikh Zayed envisioned, a nation defined by excellence, progress, and a far-reaching sense of purpose.

Family and society are central to the UAE’s development strategy and vision for the future. This is why we established the Ministry of Family and renamed the Ministry of Community Development as the Ministry of Community Empowerment, while also expanding its role and responsibilities. We declared 2025 the Year of the Community, and, God-willing, 2026 will be the Year of the Family.

UAE stunt jets wow spectators ahead of National Day 00:26

We believe that strong families and cohesive communities are the basis of a thriving nation, one that is able to face challenges, seize opportunities, and move forward with confidence.

Strengthening families, supporting their growth, empowering them, and increasing fertility rates are national priorities that lie at the core of our broader concept of national security.

The future of the nation begins with the family.