UAE President Extends Lunar New Year Greetings
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, extended his warmest wishes to those celebrating the Lunar New Year both within the UAE and around the globe. The President’s message, delivered on Saturday , expressed hope for a year characterized by peace, stability, and prosperity for all.
In a post on his official X account, Sheikh Mohamed stated, “I congratulate those celebrating the Lunar New Year in the UAE and around the world, wishing them happiness and a year of peace, stability, and prosperity for all.” The sentiment reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering goodwill and understanding across cultures.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a significant cultural event observed by millions across Asia and increasingly recognized worldwide. marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse, a particularly auspicious occasion. According to tradition, the Fire Horse appears only once every 60 years, with the last occurrence being in 1966 and the next not expected until 2086.
The Year of the Horse symbolizes energy, freedom, success, and nobility within Chinese tradition. The addition of the Fire element to this year’s designation further amplifies the themes of passion, transformation, and bold ambition, making it a time considered especially favorable for new beginnings and career advancement.
Celebrations surrounding the Lunar New Year vary across different cultures. In China, the holiday is known as the Spring Festival and is marked by family reunions and traditional customs. Vietnam observes Tết, with a focus on honoring ancestors and exchanging symbolic gifts. South Korea celebrates Seollal, featuring family gatherings, ancestral rites, and traditional games. Mongolia observes Tsagaan Sar, and Tibet celebrates Losar, both with unique rituals, and customs.
The President’s message underscores the UAE’s inclusive approach and its recognition of the importance of cultural diversity. The gesture of extending greetings in multiple languages – including Chinese, Arabic, and English – further demonstrates this commitment to global harmony. The Lunar New Year is a time for reflection, renewal, and the strengthening of bonds between family and friends, values that resonate universally.
As families prepare for traditional reunion dinners and heartfelt exchanges of well wishes, the President’s message serves as a reminder of the shared aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future. The Lunar New Year is not merely a cultural celebration, but a time for communities to come together and reaffirm their commitment to mutual respect and understanding.
The Chinese Mission to the UN also held a Spring Festival celebration in New York, further highlighting the global recognition of this important holiday. The event served as a platform for cultural exchange and a demonstration of the enduring traditions associated with the Lunar New Year.
