President Sheikh Mohamed offered his congratulations to King Hamad of Bahrain on Tuesday as the country celebrates its 54th National Day.
The UAE leader reflected on the "enduring bonds of friendship" between the Gulf neighbours and set out his vision to further strengthen long-standing ties.
The UAE and Bahrain were founded within months of each other in 1971 and have forged a long-standing friendship in the decades since.
Economic and trade relations between the nations continue to grow. The UAE's non-oil foreign trade with Bahrain reached Dh24.5 billion in the first nine months of this year, up 2 per cent from the corresponding period last year and a 35.4 per cent increase compared to 2023.
The UAE is Bahrain's second-largest global trading partner, accounting for 10.4 per cent of its total trade last year.
"Congratulations to my brother King Hamad bin Isa and the people of Bahrain on their country’s National Day," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
"On this special occasion, we celebrate the enduring bonds of friendship between the UAE and Bahrain and look forward to strengthening our ties to promote ongoing progress and prosperity for our nations, our peoples, and the region."
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also offered his congratulations to the Bahraini people.
"We congratulate our brother, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the people of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, on their celebration of the glorious National Day," Sheikh Mohammed posted on X.
"We ask God to perpetuate security, safety, and prosperity for Bahrain, and to grant its people further progress and prosperity."
While Bahrain declared independence from British rule in August 1971, it unites to mark its founding on December 16 each year to honour another milestone occasion ten years before that.
It was on December 16, 1961, when the late King Isa bin Salman – King Hamad's father – ascended the throne. It was under his reign that Bahrain secured its independence.
Bahrain’s modern history began in the late 19th century, when the island became a protectorate of the British Empire.
In 1947, the island became the seat of the Gulf Residency, and home of the most senior British official in the region.
This eventually came to an end with the country's full independence on August 15, 1971. Although independence was achieved in August, Bahrain's National Day is always held later in the year in honour of the late monarch.
