UAE Leaders Extend Heartfelt Mother's Day Wishes to Emirati Mothers
The United Arab Emirates is celebrating Mother's Day today, with the nation's top leaders extending warm wishes and profound gratitude to mothers across the emirates. This celebration comes at a time of significant regional tensions and geopolitical conflicts, where authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining civilian safety and normalcy in daily life.
Presidential Tribute to Emirati Mothers
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan delivered a special message on the occasion of Mother's Day, honoring Emirati mothers who raise children dedicated to loving and serving their homeland. "On the occasion of Mother's Day, a salute of reverence and appreciation to every Emirati mother who raised her children to love their homeland and sacrifice for it," he stated.
The President paid particular tribute to the mothers of martyrs, acknowledging their extraordinary courage and sacrifices for the nation. He described mothers as the "safety valve in her family and a source of strength for her nation and community, especially in times of challenge."
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed extended wishes for health and happiness to all mothers in the UAE, praying for blessings on their lives and efforts as they continue their vital roles in education, family, and society.
Dubai Ruler's Message of Appreciation
Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also shared his Mother's Day wishes, expressing hope that every year brings health and well-being to all mothers. He called mothers "a source of confidence, a school for generations and a maker of values."
Sheikh Mohammed praised the mothers of martyrs, saying "the mothers of the heroes in the arenas of sacrifice and the mothers of the men and women who make a difference every day in our homelands."
He concluded his message with a prayer: "May God protect the Emirates…and may God protect the mothers in every corner of the Emirates."
Historical Significance of March 21 Mother's Day
In most Arab countries, including the UAE, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21st, coinciding with the first day of the spring equinox. The tradition dates back to 1956 in Egypt, where the first Middle Eastern celebration of the day took place.
The origins trace to Arab journalist Mustafa Amin, who first wrote about the concept in his book A Smiling America. However, it wasn't until a decade later when his brother Ali was visited by a single mother sharing her hardships that the idea gained momentum.
Inspired by this encounter, Ali Amin revived his brother's concept and wrote: "Why don't we choose a day of the year to be 'Mother's Day' where we celebrate them in our country [Egypt] and other eastern nations."
The idea quickly gained popularity, and on March 9, 1956, Akhbar el-Yom newspaper's front page officially acknowledged March 21 as Mother's Day. Since then, this date has been celebrated annually across Middle Eastern nations including:
- United Arab Emirates
- Egypt
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
The celebration honors mothers' enduring contributions to family, society, and national development across the region.
