President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates extended warm congratulations to his brother Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, on the occasion of Qatar’s National Day 2025. The message of goodwill comes as a reaffirmation of the strong ties between the UAE and Qatar, highlighting not only cordial bilateral relations but also wider cooperation within the Gulf region.
Qatar National Day is celebrated each year on December 18 to commemorate the unification of the country under the leadership of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in 1878. The event is a source of national pride for Qataris and is marked by celebrations, cultural events, parades, and reflections on the nation’s achievements.
President Sheikh Mohamed’s congratulatory message underscores the importance of friendly relations between the UAE and Qatar at a time when cooperation among Gulf states is evolving and expanding across diplomatic, economic, cultural, and social fronts.
This article examines the message, the significance of Qatar National Day, how Gulf ties have strengthened in recent years, and what this means for regional cooperation.
The Message of Congratulations
In his message, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed expressed sincere congratulations to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and to the people of Qatar on their National Day. He conveyed best wishes for continued progress, prosperity and wellbeing for the Qatari nation and its citizens.
The message reflected mutual respect and appreciation between the leadership of the two countries. It emphasised the longstanding cultural and historical connections that bind the UAE and Qatar and reiterated the importance of cooperation in building a stable and prosperous future for citizens of both countries.
While the exact text of the message highlighted goodwill and shared aspirations common among Gulf states, it also reinforced the spirit of unity that has grown stronger since the Gulf diplomatic reconciliation of 2021.
What Qatar National Day Represents
Qatar National Day, observed on December 18, celebrates the year 1878 when Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani succeeded his father and began a period of consolidation, unification, and leadership that laid the foundations for modern Qatar.
The day is marked by official ceremonies, cultural programmes, concerts, national dress displays, traditional performances, and fireworks. Schools, public institutions, businesses, and citizens take part in honouring the country’s history, heritage and achievements.
For Qataris this annual celebration is a reminder of national identity and the progress the country has made in fields such as education, infrastructure, sports, energy, and international diplomacy.
Historical Context of UAE Qatar Relations
The relationship between the UAE and Qatar has evolved significantly over recent decades. The two nations share cultural roots, historical ties, and a commitment to stability and prosperity in the Gulf region. Despite periods of political tension in the past, particularly during the 2017 to 2021 diplomatic rift within the Gulf Cooperation Council, reconciliation efforts have brought about a renewed spirit of cooperation and dialogue.
In January 2021, the Al Ula Declaration formally ended the blockade imposed on Qatar by several neighbouring countries. This agreement sparked a renewed emphasis on unity and cooperation within the GCC and paved the way for the resumption of high-level diplomatic exchanges and collaborative projects.
Since that time the UAE and Qatar have engaged in diplomatic visits collaborative economic initiatives cultural exchanges and joint efforts in areas such as health education and investment.
President Sheikh Mohamed’s message of congratulations on Qatar National Day reflects this maturing relationship and the mutual desire to strengthen ties further.
Shared Priorities and Strategic Cooperation
Economic and Trade Partnerships
The UAE and Qatar have expanded economic cooperation in multiple sectors including trade real estate investment energy technology and tourism. With both nations hosting major global events and serving as key business hubs in the Middle East, there are increasing opportunities for joint ventures and strategic partnerships.
Business delegations from both countries have met to explore investment opportunities. The strength of economic ties supports job creation enhances private sector growth and adds resilience to regional markets.
The UAE and Qatar both participate in regional infrastructure initiatives and support enhanced connectivity between ports airports and logistics networks.
Cultural Exchange and People to People Ties
Beyond government to government relations, people to people connections help sustain mutual respect and understanding. Cultural festivals exhibitions sporting events and educational partnerships contribute to deeper ties.
Cultural programmes often highlight shared traditions regional heritage and creative collaboration between artists, writers, filmmakers and musicians from both countries.
These grassroots exchanges complement high level diplomatic cooperation and strengthen bonds among families communities and students who travel between the UAE and Qatar for work, study or leisure.
Cooperation in Regional Diplomatic and Security Forums
Both nations are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and have participated in GCC discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening political dialogue security cooperation environmental sustainability and economic integration.
Their participation reflects shared strategic interests and a commitment to collective stability in the Gulf region.
Coordination on foreign policy issues also contributes to regional peace efforts including humanitarian assistance, crisis response coordination and peacebuilding initiatives in neighbouring regions.
What This Congratulatory Message Signifies
President Sheikh Mohamed’s warm congratulations to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad on Qatar National Day is not merely a ceremonial gesture. It is a public affirmation of goodwill and a sign of continued collaboration and respect.
In the context of Gulf diplomacy and evolving regional geopolitics, such messages help shape a narrative of unity cooperation and mutual support among neighbouring states in the Arabian Peninsula.
Public expressions of solidarity also strengthen diplomatic protocols and contribute to building trust between leadership teams, ministries and citizens of both nations.
In many ways the message reinforces a shared vision for regional progress and aligns with broader efforts to foster economic, cultural and social development across the GCC.
Reactions from the Public and Media
The news of the congratulatory message was shared widely across media outlets in both the UAE and Qatar. Citizens and residents in both countries responded with positive feedback, emphasising the importance of friendship and collaboration among Gulf states.
Social media conversations highlighted shared cultural heritage celebrations and mutual respect between the two nations. Many users expressed pride in the evolving ties and anticipation for expanded cooperation across business and social sectors.
Analysts noted that continued diplomatic goodwill contributes to stability in the region and encourages cross border economic opportunities.
A Broader Trend of Gulf Unity
Across the Gulf region there has been a noticeable trend toward cooperation on issues that affect citizens and residents including economic development infrastructure planning security coordination technological advancement and cultural exchange.
The reconciliation of diplomatic relations that began in early 2021 has set the stage for renewed initiatives across multiple sectors. The message from President Sheikh Mohamed on Qatar National Day provides a symbolic milestone that reaffirms the commitment of both nations to this broader trajectory.
This trend is seen not only in political messaging but also in regional summits collaborative business forums education partnerships and shared research initiatives.
Shared Gulf perspectives on economic diversification, energy transition and global engagement further reinforce the alignment of national interests across the region.
What This Means for the Future
Looking forward the friendly tone of bilateral relations and shared celebrations like Qatar National Day suggest ongoing cooperation between the UAE and Qatar. Continued dialogues between leadership teams, ministries, private sector stakeholders and civil society groups will likely result in deeper integration of efforts in areas such as technology innovation education environmental sustainability and investment.
As the global economy evolves and geopolitical landscapes shift, the ability of nations to work together strategically will remain invaluable. The positive diplomatic exchange between President Sheikh Mohamed and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad exemplifies the role of leadership in maintaining strong ties and supporting national and regional progress.
For citizens of both nations these messages are reminders of shared heritage mutual respect and the potential for collaboration on future opportunities that benefit both societies.
Conclusion
President Sheikh Mohamed’s congratulatory message to Sheikh Tamim Al Thani on the occasion of Qatar National Day 2025 highlights the strength, warmth and resilience of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. It affirms a shared commitment to progress cooperation and unity across political, economic and cultural dimensions.
This gesture reflects how regional leadership continues to prioritise strong bilateral ties, mutual respect, and a vision of prosperity and stability for the Gulf region. As both nations look forward to future opportunities, such symbolic exchanges are reminders of the deep connections that bind them.
