UAE President & Rulers Gather for Iftar at Sheikh Zayed Farm

As the UAE marks the holy month of Ramadan, President Sheikh Mohamed joined the Rulers of various emirates for iftar at Sheikh Zayed's farm in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, on Tuesday.

The gathering took place at a site deeply connected to the nation’s history. In March 1971, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, met with other Rulers at this farm to discuss the formation of the country. The farm has now been officially recognized as the third national landmark of historical significance to the UAE’s founding, joining Union House and Arqoob Al Sedira.

Sheikh Mohamed Reflects on UAE’s History

Sheikh Mohamed shared a historic photograph from March 1971, showing Sheikh Zayed and other Rulers discussing the country’s future. He highlighted the importance of the location in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “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. Today this farm joins Union House and Arqoob Al Sedira as one of the sites that proved pivotal to the establishment of 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… pic.twitter.com/JaAcQj9lEA

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) March 4, 2025

A Site of Historic Decisions

Sheikh Zayed’s farm was the venue for crucial meetings that led to the Union’s agreement and the signing of the UAE constitution four months later. The farm's role in shaping the nation's foundation makes it a significant historical site.

Leaders Unite for Ramadan Iftar

The UAE President was joined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President 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 exchanged Ramadan greetings, continuing the tradition of unity and solidarity.

This iftar gathering not only marked the spirit of Ramadan but also served as a reminder of the UAE’s historic journey to becoming a nation.