UAE Marks 54th Eid Al Etihad, Highlighting Significant National and Global Achievements

United Arab Emirates Celebrates 54 Years of Union

The United Arab Emirates is commemorating its 54th Eid Al Etihad (National Day) on December 2, 2025, marking the historic unification of the emirates in 1971. This year's celebrations are held under the theme 'United', reflecting the nation's collective spirit and shared identity. The occasion highlights the UAE's remarkable journey and its significant achievements across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, foreign policy, and sustained economic growth.

Economic Resilience and Digital Advancement

The UAE economy has demonstrated robust growth, maintaining its position as one of the world's fastest-growing economies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects the UAE's economic growth at 4.8 percent for the current year. Non-oil foreign trade reached AED1.7 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 24.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The nation approved its largest federal budget in history for 2026, totaling AED92.4 billion, and launched the National Investment Strategy 2031 to attract AED240 billion in foreign investment annually.

In the digital realm, the UAE has made significant strides, with artificial intelligence (AI) usage reaching 97 percent and the number of programmers exceeding 450,000. The country has transitioned to an AI-driven society, ranking first globally in telecom infrastructure and second worldwide in AI readiness for 2025. Government services have seen over 90 percent digitization, with 173.7 million digital transactions processed in 2024, achieving a 91 percent satisfaction rate. Furthermore, Dubai ranked 4th globally and Abu Dhabi 5th globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025.

Influential Foreign Policy and Global Standing

The UAE has reinforced its active and influential foreign policy, playing a pivotal role in promoting regional and international stability. Emirati diplomacy intensified efforts to address global challenges, including:

• Efforts to stop the war in Gaza.
• Condemnation of the civil conflict in Sudan and support for a civilian-led political process.
• Intervention to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, and between Israel and Iran.
• Mediation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and continued mediation between Russia and Ukraine, facilitating 17 rounds of prisoner exchanges.

The UAE has also maintained its position among the largest donors of humanitarian aid, providing US$1.46 billion in assistance. The nation has strengthened its global standing, ranking among the top five countries in the 2025 Annual Competitiveness Report and securing first place globally in entrepreneurship for the fourth consecutive year.

Nationwide Celebrations and Future Vision

Celebrations for the 54th Eid Al Etihad are taking place across all seven emirates, featuring official ceremonies, public holidays, fireworks displays, parades, and cultural events. The theme 'United' aims to foster connection, pride, and belonging among the country's diverse population of over 200 nationalities. The festivities underscore the UAE's commitment to its founding values and its ongoing journey towards a prosperous and sustainable future, guided by its leadership's vision.