As the UAE’s 49th National Day is just around the corner, it’s important to know about its history along with Commemoration Day which is earlier known as Martyrs’ Day.
What is Commemoration Day?
Martyrs’ Day was initially declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2015, in the memory of the nation’s martyrs and in recognition of their immortal sacrifices. Now more commonly known as Commemoration Day, this year the day will fall December 1, 2020. It will be followed by UAE National Day celebrations on December 2, 2020. However, it should be noted that Commemoration Day is a day of reflection to remember and honour those who have sacrificed their lives for the UAE.
What is UAE National Day?
UAE National Day falls on December 2 marks the country’s formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971. This year will mark the 49th annual UAE National Day.
While the official theme of UAE National Day celebrations is the ‘Spirit of the Union’, it is derived from the vision and leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE. The theme is complemented with a logo that has a silhouette of the iconic image of the first congregation of the Founding Fathers of the UAE, on 2 December 1971.
As per a circular issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, public holidays for Commemoration Day and UAE National Day for federal government employees will be from Tuesday, December 1 until Thursday, December 3 with employees being able to resume work on Sunday, December 6, 2020.
