Eid Al Etihad and the Formation of the UAE Federation
The UAE federation began with six emirates on 2 December 1971. Ras Al Khaimah joined in February 1972. The Dubai Government Media Office refers to the national occasion as Eid Al Etihad. Annual programming such as the Al Etihad Parade varies each year.
The six emirates and the 2 December 1971 federation
Six emirates established the UAE federation on 2 December 1971, according to the UAE government.
Ras Al Khaimah's accession in February 1972
Ras Al Khaimah acceded to the federation on 10 February 1972.
Understanding the name Eid Al Etihad
The Dubai Government Media Office uses the name Eid Al Etihad for the national occasion observed on 2 December.
Union House and the signing of the declaration
A 2025 parade notice identifies Union House as the site where the Founding Fathers signed the Union declaration in 1971 and first raised the UAE flag.
Year-specific themes and the Al Etihad Parade
A 2025 Dubai Government announcement calls that year's occasion the 54th Eid Al Etihad and records the theme as United. This is a year-specific theme rather than a permanent slogan. Dubai's 2025 Al Etihad Parade notice states it was organised for 2 December as part of the National Month campaign. As an editorial suggestion, readers might check whether current announcements reference Union House when planning a visit.
Checking current official notices for events
Annual event schedules, routes and programming vary. As an editorial suggestion, consult the current year's official notices for details rather than relying on previous editions.