Who noticed the change?

Have you noticed that your phone network name changed to ‘UAE52’ this afternoon? If you’re wondering why, in short it’s because of the 52nd UAE Union Day will be celebrated on Saturday December 2.

What is UAE Union Day?

In 2023, the UAE is celebrating 52 years since all of the emirates got together to form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which took place in 1971. Apart from the UAE decked up in colours of the UAE flag (red, green, white and black) across the country, there will be several activities taking place to help mark the big day.

The official celebrations will take place at Expo City and will co-inside with the much-anticipated COP28, a global climate change conference that will take place from November 30 to December 12. As such, this year’s official National Day ceremony will topically ‘highlight the UAE’s sustainability journey from its union in 1971 to the present day.’

The show promises an enriching narrative on the UAE’s sustainability journey so far, as well as shedding a light on the country’s vision for its future. Through performance and storytelling, the show promises to show the world how we can all use climate adaptation, overcoming challenges through innovation, and collective action to make a change.

If you want to catch it, it will be broadcast live on local TV channels and the official website, unionday.ae.

Do we get a public holiday for UAE Union Day?

Yes. Although Union Day falls on a Sunday this year, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed that it will be a three-day weekend for UAE Union Day 2023.

All employees will be off from Saturday, December 2 to Monday, December 4 and will return to work on Tuesday, December 5. The public sector (and schools) will also have a remote-working day on Friday, December 1.