UAE leaders congratulate Bahrain on 52nd National Day

December 16 marks the accession of King Hamad's father, who led the nation to independence

President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, sent congratulations to King Hamad of Bahrain on his country's 52nd National Day. AFP / Wam

President Sheikh Mohamed has congratulated King Hamad of Bahrain as his country celebrates its 52nd National Day.

“I congratulate my brother, King Hamad bin Isa, and our people in the Kingdom of Bahrain on the occasion of National Day, wishing the kingdom further progress and prosperity,” he wrote on X.

“The relations of the UAE and Bahrain are fraternal and historic, and we continue to work together for everything that achieves a better future for the two brotherly countries and peoples.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, joined him as he wished Bahrain security, stability and prosperity for the future.

“We congratulate our brothers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the leadership and people, on their 52nd National Day and the anniversary of my brother, King Hamad bin Isa, assuming the reins of government in the kingdom,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X on Friday.

“Our relationship with Bahrain is fraternal and stable, well-established and developed, official, popular and real.

“May God grant them security, stability and prosperity, and may he maintain love and brotherhood between our peoples.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, sent his best wishes.

“We congratulate the king, government and people of Bahrain on its National Day, and we ask God to protect Bahrain and its people and to grant them goodness, nobility and prosperity,” he wrote on X.

This weekend’s celebration marks the accession of King Isa bin Salman – King Hamad's father – on December 16, 1961.

It was under his reign that the country became independent some 10 years later.

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.