Abu Dhabi: The UAE is set to commemorate its 53rd national day on Monday, reflecting on the numerous accomplishments achieved over the decades that symbolize the spirit of the Emirates' union. According to Kuwait News Agency, Emiratis will pay tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, who was the governor of Abu Dhabi and became the first President of the UAE. He played a pivotal role in 1971 by forming the United Arab Emirates from the seven Emirates following the British withdrawal. The journey towards forming the UAE began in 1968 when Sheikh Zayed signed agreements with the governor of Dubai, the late Sheikh Rashed bin Said Al-Maktoum. This agreement laid the groundwork for the establishment of the UAE. In July 1971, the heads of six Emirates convened to announce the formation of the UAE. The Emirate of Ras Al-Khaima joined the union in February 1972, completing the federation. The UAE gained international recognition on December 2, 1971, and became the 18th member of the Arab League. On December 9, the UAE joined the United Nations, became a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 1972, and was a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981. This year's celebrations will not only highlight the UAE's past achievements but also focus on its current accomplishments and future plans for prosperity and development. Among the significant achievements are the launch of the Hope Probe as part of the Emirates Mars Mission and the establishment of the first peaceful nuclear reactor in the Arab world, which is the largest eco-friendly power project. The UAE's tourism sector is internationally acclaimed, and the state has launched the 2030 strategy to further enhance tourism, solidifying its global recognition.
