UAE National Day 2023: 52 facts, milestones to know about the nation

Why is UAE National Day celebrated?

52 interesting facts to know about the UAE

1. The UAE’s National Day is celebrated on December 2 each year, marking the unification of the seven emirates into a federation.
2. The UAE consists of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah.
3. Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation on February 10, 1972, a few months after the initial six emirates united.
4. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, known as the Founding Father, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the UAE.
5. The UAE’s iconic flag, designed by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, holds a special place in the nation’s heart. Over a thousand entries were submitted in a national competition to design the flag, and Al Maainah’s design emerged as the winning entry. The flag was proudly hoisted above Mushrif Palace in 1971, symbolising the unity and aspirations of the UAE.
6. The UAE’s national anthem is Ishy Bilady, meaning ‘Long Live My Country’.
7. Falconry, deeply rooted in Emirati culture, holds significance as the falcon is the UAE’s national bird.
8. In 2019, the world’s oldest known pearl, dating back approximately 8,000 years, was discovered on Marawah Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
9. The UAE was formerly known as the Trucial States, owing to treaty relations with Britain during the 19^th century.
10. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE.
11. The name Abu Dhabi translates to ‘Father of the Gazelle’ in Arabic.
12. The UAE holds memberships in various international organisations, including the UN, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OPEC, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
13. The UAE shares borders with two countries: Saudi Arabia and Oman.
14. Among the emirates, Abu Dhabi is the largest in terms of size, spanning 67,340 square kilometers, while Ajman is the smallest at 259 square kilometers.
15. The UAE possesses the sixth-largest oil reserves globally.
16. In terms of land area, the UAE is slightly larger than the US state of South Carolina.
17. Sharjah was named the Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998.
18. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands as the world’s tallest building, reaching a height of 829.8 meters, including its antenna.
19. Dubai is home to the world’s first-ever seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab.
20. Ajman’s archaeological sites provide evidence of human habitation dating back to approximately 3,000 BC.
21. In Arabic, ‘Ras Al Khaimah’ means ‘top of the tent’, reflecting its location in the northernmost part of the UAE.
22. Sir Bani Yas Island, situated off the UAE’s western region,is home to a wildlife reserve where endangered species such as Arabian oryx and sand gazelles roam freely.
23. The UAE has a diverse population, with Emiratis constituting a minority due to the large number of expat residents from around the world.
24. Dubai’s economy has diversified beyond oil and gas, with sectors such as tourism, real estate, finance, and aviation playing a significant role.
25. The UAE has a desert climate, characterised by hot summers and mild winters.
26. The traditional Emirati dish, ‘Machboos’, is a spiced rice dish typically prepared with meat or fish and flavored with various aromatic spices.
27. Dubai hosts the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, attracting visitors from around the globe with its incredible discounts, entertainment, and events.
28. The UAE launched its first astronaut into space in September 2019. Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati in space, spending eight days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In 2023, Sultan Al Neyadi became the first Arab to serve on the ISS for a 6-month mission, as part of Expedition 69 and the first Arab astronaut to perform a spacewalk.
29. The UAE has a strong focus on renewable energy and aims to generate 50 percent of its energy from clean sources by 2050.
30. Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree and is visible from space.
31. The UAE has a rich maritime heritage and was a center for pearl diving and trading in the past.
32. Arabic is the official language of the UAE, but English is widely spoken and used for business and communication.
33. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the largest mosques in the world and can accommodate over 40,000 worshippers.
34. The UAE has a high standard of living, boasting modern infrastructure, world-class healthcare facilities, and excellent educational institutions.
35. The UAE is known for its impressive skyline, featuring architectural marvels such as the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Emirates Towers.
36. The UAE is home to two of the world’s largest airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, providing extensive global connectivity.
37. The traditional Emirati dance, known as ‘Al Ayala’, is performed during celebrations and special occasions.
38. Dubai’s Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, displaying a breathtaking array of colorful blooms.
39. The UAE has a strong commitment to space exploration and sent a mission to Mars in 2021, coinciding with the country’s 50^th anniversary.
40. The UAE has made significant advancements in healthcare, including the establishment of specialised medical cities and centers of excellence.
41. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls globally, featuring an extensive range of retail outlets, entertainment facilities, and dining options.
42. Emirati women play an active role in society and hold positions in government, business, and various professions.
43. The UAE has a low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries in the world.
44. The Dubai Metro is a modern and efficient mode of transportation, connecting various parts of the city and reducing traffic congestion.
45. Dubai’s Global Village is a popular tourist attraction that showcases cultures from around the world through pavilions, entertainment, and food.
46. The UAE has hosted several international sporting events, including the Dubai World Cup, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, SailGP and the Dubai Tennis Championships.
47. The UAE’s traditional art forms include calligraphy, henna painting, and weaving.
48. The UAE is home to the Jebel Jais Mountain, the highest peak in the country, offering breathtaking views and outdoor recreational activities.
49. The UAE is known for its hospitality and warm welcome extended to visitors from around the world.
50. The UAE has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, as well as local Emirati dishes.
51. The UAE is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts, offering unparalleled hospitality and amenities.
52. The UAE is known for its hospitality and warm welcome extended to visitors from around the world