Eid Al Etihad 2024: Google Doodle celebrates 53rd UAE National Day

Animation of the country's flag on the search engine in the Emirates celebrates Union Day

Google has paid homage to citizens and residents in the UAE on Eid Al Etihad. Photo: Google

Once again, Google Doodle is honouring the UAE by celebrating its Union Day.

Eid Al Etihad, also known as National Day, marks the anniversary of the UAE's foundation.

Throughout Monday, an animation of the country’s flag waving leads the search engine for users in the Emirates. It is the same design the search engine used to commemorate the occasion last year.

The national holiday is celebrated annually on December 2, commemorating the UAE's formation in 1971. It marks the day that six emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah – united to form the country, with Ras Al Khaimah joining as the seventh emirate a few months later.

UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, led efforts to unite the emirates and became the first president.

The Google Doodle blog post also offers background information, including how people celebrate. “To celebrate 53 years of statehood, people decorate their homes, cars, and businesses with red, green, and white UAE flags, which represent the UAE unity,” it explains, adding that official celebrations show the country's progress over the half-century period.

UAE residents know that fireworks displays are a key part of the celebrations. Google notes, “As night falls, the sky lights up with dazzling fireworks displays, often synchronised with lasers and music.”

Last year, the Google Doodle described the day as a time for Emiratis to celebrate their “patriotism, unity, and diverse heritages” with loved ones.

It added: “The red, green, white and black UAE national flag, like the one in today’s artwork, is raised and waved high in the sky at each observance.”

What are Google Doodles?

Google Doodles appear sporadically throughout the year, transforming the traditional logo into animations that pay tribute to an important figure or moment in history.

They can also commemorate seasonal or celebratory events, such as International Women's Day.

A Google Doodle celebrating Egyptian actress Karima Mokhtar's 89th birthday. All images: Google

Egyptian writer Ihsan Abdel Quddous

Kuwaiti actor and comedian Abdulhussain Abdulredha's 83rd birthday

UAE National Day 2022 Google Doodle.

Ousha Al Suwaidi was a poetess from the United Arab Emirates.

Prof. Hamed Abdel Fattah Goher was an Egyptian oceanographer, scientist and TV presenter.

Tunisia's Tawhida Ben Cheikh was a pioneer in women's medicine.

Google Doodle of Egyptian actor and director Nour El-Sherif honours him on what would have been his 75th birthday.

Google celebrates Syrian-Egyptian composer and actor Farid Al Atrash with a Google Doodle to mark what would have been his 110th birthday.

Children's author Notaila Rashed is honoured with a special Google Doodle to mark her 86th birthday.

Egyptian actress, producer, writer and filmmaker Bahiga Hafez was born 112 years ago, on August 4.

The Google Doodle for January 20, 2020, celebrates Mufidah Abdul Rahman, Egypt's first female lawyer.

A Google Doodle on June 10, 2019, celebrates Egyptian author Ahmed Khaled Towfik.

Google Doodle honours Persian mathematician, poet and astronomer Omar Khayyam on what would have been his 971st birthday.

Mary Mounib was a renowned actress in the Egyptian cinema scene. Her 114th birthday is marked in a Google Doodle on February 11, 2019.

Egyptian poet Gamila El Alaily is honoured in a Google Doodle on March 20, 2019.

Syrian artist Louay Kayali is the subject of Google's doodle on January 20, 2019.

Egyptian-French singer and actress Dalida is honoured on her birthday by Google Doodle, on January 17, 2019.

Egyptian actress Hind Rostom is celebrated in a Google Doodle on her 87th birthday, on November 12, 2018.

Ibn Sina, one of the greatest thinkers of Islam's golden age, is honoured on August 7, 2018.

A Google Doodle honours Saudi musician Talal Maddah on what would have been his 78th birthday, on August 5, 2018.

A Google Doodle gif marks Egyptian actor Omar Sharif's birthday on April 10, 2018.

Egyptian poet Farouk Shousha is honoured by Google on what would have been his 82nd birthday, on January 9, 2018.

Google celebrates Lebanese singer Sabah's 90th birthday on November 10, 2017.

Egyptian painter Inji Aflatoun's Google Doodle pays homage to her style of bold brushstrokes.

Google celebrates the birthday of Algerian painter Mohammed Khadda, who was born on March 14, 1930.

Lebanese singer-songwriter Melham Barakat is honoured by Google on his birthday.