UAE celebrates Mother's Day 2026: President Sheikh Mohamed extends wishes to martyrs' mothers amid ongoing regional crisis

UAE is celebrating Mother's Day today and the rulers of the emirates have extended their heartfelt wishes to mothers across the land. In times of geopolitical conflict and regional tensions, authorities have ensured that civilians live with safety and normalcy, celebrating a secure life in their homeland protected by the fighters on all borders. Thus, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his wishes on Mother's Day to honour the Emirati mothers who raise children who love and serve 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 said. He also paid tribute to the mothers of the martyrs, acknowledging their extraordinary courage and sacrifices for the nation. The UAE President described a mother as the "safety valve in her family and a source of strength for her nation and community, especially in times of challenge." He wished for health and happiness to all mothers in the UAE and prayed for blessings on their lives and efforts as they continue their important roles in education, family and society. Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, also extended his wishes for Mother's Day. He hoped every year brings health and well-being to all mothers, calling them "a source of confidence, a school for generations and a maker of values."He also praised the mothers of the 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." “May God protect the Emirates…and may God protect the mothers in every corner of the Emirates," he concluded.In most Arab countries, Mother's Day is celebrated on March 21st, the first day marking the beginning of the spring equinox. It was in 1956 Egypt that the first celebration of the day in a Middle Eastern country took place. The story goes back to Mustafa Amin, an Arab journalist, who first wrote about it in his book, A Smiling America. However, it wasn't until 10 years later, when his brother, Ali, was visited by a single mother who shared her hardships, that the idea found its roots. The story inspired Ali to bring back his brother's idea and he wrote about it. “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,” he wrote, according to local reports.Soon, the idea gained popularity, and in 1956, Akhbar el-Yom newspaper’s March 9 front page acknowledged the date, indicating it would be celebrated on March 21. Since then, the day honouring all the mothers across the world has been celebrated annually on this date in Middle Eastern countries including the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.