The renaming honors the site’s designation as the UAE’s third union site and its pivotal role in the nation’s founding history.
DUBAI: In a significant move to honor the nation’s historical legacy, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Dubai Road Naming Committee, has announced the renaming of Al Faghi Street in Al Khawaneej to ‘Sheikh Zayed Farm Street’.
The decision directly recognizes the immense national and historical weight of the Sheikh Zayed Farm in Al Khawaneej. The location holds a prestigious status in UAE history, having been officially declared by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, as the nation’s third union site—joining the ranks of the historic Union House and Arqoob Al Sedira.
The renaming initiative serves to honor the deep national symbolism of the site and the critical high-level meetings it hosted during the foundational chapters of the United Arab Emirates.
A Pivotal Chapter in the Union’s History
The Sheikh Zayed Farm is intrinsically linked to the birth of the nation. In March 1971, the late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stayed at the farm for nearly two consecutive weeks. During this historic residency, he convened a crucial series of meetings and strategic discussions with the Rulers of the Emirates. These discussions became a major milestone on the path toward unification, directly paving the way for the signing of the historic Union Agreement and the UAE Constitution in July of that same year.
Commemorating Cultural and National Legacy
According to the RTA, adopting the new name aligns with Dubai’s broader vision to commemorate national sites of deep historical and cultural value. By linking urban infrastructure—such as major roadways—with landmarks that embody the nation’s memory, the authority aims to strengthen national identity and firmly embed the UAE’s historical legacy in the minds of future generations.
Today, the Sheikh Zayed Farm stands as one of the UAE’s most prominent national landmarks. Beyond its political legacy, the site carries profound social and cultural significance, reflecting the core values of unity, authenticity, and forward-thinking vision established by the Founding Fathers in building a stable and globally recognized nation.
