UAE leaders gather for iftar at historic Sheikh Zayed farm in Dubai
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As the nation observes the holy month of Ramadan, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan gathered with the Rulers of the Emirates for iftar at Sheikh Zayed’s farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, on Tuesday.
The farm has now been recognized as the third national landmark of historical significance, joining Union House and Arqoob Al Sedira.
During the gathering, Sheikh Mohamed shared a historical photograph from March 1971, showing the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, in discussions with the Rulers about forming the Union.
"I had the pleasure of joining my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, to share iftar in a location that holds special significance. For two weeks in March 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed and the Rulers met here at his farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, to discuss and plan the UAE’s formation," Sheikh Mohamed said in a post on X.
Sheikh Zayed’s farm is historically associated with the UAE’s founding, as it was here that he spent nearly two weeks in March 1971 holding a series of discussions with the other Rulers. These meetings laid the groundwork for the Union and its constitution, which was officially signed four months later on 'Union Pact' day.
Joining the UAE President at the iftar were Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
The leaders came together to observe Ramadan and honour a site deeply connected to the country’s history and unity.