How Eid Al Etihad symbolises spirit of Union

OFFICIAL NAME FOR NATIONAL DAY ADOPTED IN 2024 REFLECTS UAE'S VALUE'S OF HERITAGE, STRENGTH AND PRIDE

- BY ZAINAB HUSAIN

Each year on December 2, the UAE marks its founding with Eid Al Etihad, a celebration that honours the unity of the seven emirates and the pride of everyone who calls the country home. But what does Eid Al Etihad actually mean and why is it so significant?

The term “Eid Al Etihad” roughly translates to “Festival of the Union” in Arabic. The name highlights Etihad meaning union which lies at the heart of the UAE’s national identity. It symbolises the country’s enduring values of heritage, strength, and pride. According to the official Eid Al Etihad website, the celebration is a reminder that “our strength lies in the bonds we build hand in hand, and in the individuals and communities across the nation who, united, carry our story forward.”

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