United Arab Emirates National Day Held in Havana
By Josefina Pichardo
The 53rd Union Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a national holiday celebrated annually on December 2 to commemorate the country’s independence and unification as one nation, was observed in Havana at a ceremony organized by the UAE Embassy in Cuba.
The reception, hosted by His Excellency Hazza Alkaabi, Ambassador of the UAE to Cuba, took place at the Cetro A Hall of the Meliá Cohíba Hotel in Havana. It was attended by a high-level delegation of Cuban authorities, including Mr. Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, President of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, and Ms. Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Also present were representatives from the UAE, such as Mr. Omar Hassan Shehadeh, the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Envoy for Caribbean and Pacific States, as well as members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Cuba.
The UAE National Day, known as "Eid Al Etihad," is celebrated annually on December 2 to mark the formation of the UAE in 1971. On that day, six emirates—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ajman—agreed to form a federation under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, regarded as the UAE’s Founding Father. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, joined the federation on February 10, 1972, completing the union.
In his address, H.E. Hazza Alkaabi emphasized that “UAE National Day not only marks the union of our seven emirates but also symbolizes the strength, unity, and progress we have achieved together since December 2, 1971, under the vision and leadership of our late Founding Father (...) After 53 years, we can proudly say we have built a vibrant, multicultural nation that stands out on the global stage.”
He went on to highlight his country’s significant achievements across various sectors, including “economic diversification, sustainability initiatives, space exploration, and cultural and educational investments.” He reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to “a bright future,” stating: “We continue to champion peace, stability, and social well-being, working on initiatives that prioritize innovation and sustainability.”
H.E. Alkaabi underscored that “National Day is also a day of happiness and pride for the fruits of international cooperation,” praising the “strong and growing relationship with Cuba, a country with which we have forged bonds of friendship and cooperation (...) Cuba’s rich culture, dedication to education and healthcare, and its international solidarity serve as an inspiring example for all.”
The ambassador also recalled the official visit of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to the UAE in November 2023—the first-ever visit by a Cuban president to the UAE—as well as the official visit of Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz in February this year. He noted that “since last year alone, more than 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding have been signed between the UAE and Cuba to strengthen our ties in various fields (...) particularly in support of food sustainability and renewable energy projects, which are critical during these challenging times as Cuba faces a national energy crisis.”
“Our journey is filled with optimism and commitment. Together, let us continue building a future full of opportunities, prosperity, and peace,” concluded the UAE Ambassador to Cuba.
"Eid Al Etihad" also know as The UAE National Day is celebrated yearly on 2 December to commemorate the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 when six (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman) of the seven emirates agreed to form a federation, under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, considered the founding father of the UAE. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, was added to the federation on 10 February 1972 making it the last emirate to join. The date signifies the country's independence and unification under one nation.
