UAE's leaders congratulate Qatar on its National Day

Qataris celebrate the country's unification on December 18, also known as Founder’s Day

President Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar.

The UAE's leaders on Sunday sent messages of congratulations to Qatar on its National Day.

President Sheikh Mohamed sent Sheikh Tamim, Emir of Qatar, and its people his best wishes.

Qatar celebrates its National Day on December 18 to mark the country’s unification in 1878. It was declared an independent state in 1971.

“I extend my best wishes to my brother Tamim bin Hamad and the people of Qatar on the occasion of their country’s National Day,” said Sheikh Mohamed on Twitter

“We wish Qatar and its people continued happiness and success in the future.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, dispatched a similar message to Qatar's emir, noting the day coincides with the Fifa World Cup final in Doha.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, also congratulated Qatar, stating the UAE's relationship with the country is fraternal and historical.

As well as celebrating National Day, Qatar is also gearing up for the Fifa World Cup final on Sunday evening.

Argentina will face off against France at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.

It is the first time a World Cup has been held in the Middle East and has drawn fans to Qatar from across the globe.

Qatar World Cup 2022 opening ceremony — in pictures

The opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor. PA

Fireworks explode during the show. Getty Images

Mascots of former World Cups united. AP Photo

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim, centre, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, right, Jordan's King Abdullah II King of Jordan, left, and Fifa president Gianni Infantino, second right, at the opening ceremony. AFP

South Korean singer Jung Kook, centre, performs. AFP

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha. AFP

Singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi performs. Getty Images

Performers welcomed the world during the opening ceremony. Reuters

A giant inflatable emblem during the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup 2022 at the Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor City. PA

Performers during the opening ceremony. PA

Morgan Freeman performs on stage. Getty Images

The performers opened the show. EPA

The Qatar World Cup opening ceremony. Reuters

Dancers performing together. PA

The opening ceremony before the Qatar versus Ecuador game. EPA

Former footballer Marcel Desailly holds the Fifa World Cup trophy ahead of the opening ceremony. AFP

A young Qatar supporter at the stadium. EPA

Ecuador fans in the stands before the opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup. Reuters

A dancer performs at sunset before the Fifa World Cup kicks off with a Group A match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. PA

Fans record moments from the first match of Qatar 2022 inside the Al Bayt World Cup stadium. Reuters

Performers outside the Al Bayt Stadium entertain the crowds before the Fifa World Cup 2022 Group A opening match between Qatar and Ecuador kicks off. EPA

A Qatar fan wears his national colours outside the Al Bayt Stadium. Reuters

Fans arrive at the Al Bayt Stadium before the opening ceremony of the Qatar World Cup begins. Reuters

Qatar fans on rollerblades outside the Al Bayt Stadium. Reuters

Ecuador fans on their way to watch the opening match of the Qatar World Cup 2022. Reuters

A performer with a replica World Cup before the Fifa World Cup Group A match gets under way at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar. PA