Quick answer: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Dubai are remembered as the founding fathers of the United Arab Emirates. Their agreement in February 1968 to unite their emirates set in motion the federation declared on 2 December 1971, with Sheikh Zayed as President and Sheikh Rashid as Vice President. Artist Moosa Al Halyan honours them in a series of warm, sepia-toned drawings that appear on the UAE Notebook and UAE Greeting cards at the Tashkeel shop.
The handshake that became a country
In February 1968, after Britain announced it would withdraw from the Gulf, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid met at Argoub El Sedirah, between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and agreed to form a union. Their meeting is often remembered as "the handshake". Over the following years, other rulers joined the discussions, and on 2 December 1971 the United Arab Emirates was founded, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in February 1972. That is why the two men so often appear together in UAE art: the country began with their friendship.
Why portraits of the founders matter
- Memory: for many Emiratis, the founders are remembered as fathers and grandfathers of the nation, not distant historical figures.
- Values: their portraits are reminders of unity, generosity, vision and closeness to the land and people.
- Continuity: a new generation, born long after 1971, meets the founders through images.
A hand-drawn portrait feels different from a photograph. The pencil line slows the viewer down, shows the artist's care, and gives the subject warmth.
The drawings, one by one
The UAE Notebook is available in six designs, all rendered in soft sepia line on a white hardcover:
- Sheikh Rashid Dubai: Sheikh Rashid standing in his bisht against flowing lines that suggest the city he built.
- Sheikh Rashid: a close, seated portrait, thoughtful and calm.
- Sheikh Zayed Desert: Sheikh Zayed seated on the sand, reflecting his deep connection to the desert and the land.
- Sheikh Zayed & Sheikh Rashid Palm: the two founders side by side, framed by palm trees, a symbol of shared roots.
- Sheikh Rashid Falcon: a seated portrait with a falcon on the wrist, honouring the heritage of falconry.
- Sheikh Rashid & Sheikh Zayed: the two founders together beneath the UAE flag, the most direct image of union.
Each UAE Notebook is 19 x 25 cm, hardcover, with ruled 160 gsm natural white pages.
About the artist
Moosa Al Halyan is the artist behind the founder portraits on the UAE Notebook and the UAE Greeting cards. Each drawing is credited to him on the product pages.
When to give a founders notebook
- UAE National Day (2 December) and Commemoration Day (30 November).
- Graduations and first jobs: a notebook with a founder on the cover is a meaningful start.
- Official and corporate gifting: respectful and rooted in national identity. For corporate or bulk orders, contact the team at tashkeel@tashkeel.org or +971 4 336 3313.
- For visitors and new residents who want to understand the story of the UAE.
Pair it with Ali Mrad's Emirates collection or Mouza Al Hamrani's The Founding Generation Poster for a complete National Day gift. See more ideas in A Year in the UAE.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the founding fathers of the UAE?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum are widely regarded as the founding fathers, together with the other rulers who joined the federation.
When was the UAE founded?
On 2 December 1971.
What was the 1968 handshake?
The February 1968 agreement between Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid to unite Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which led to the federation.
Who is Moosa Al Halyan?
The artist whose founder portraits appear on the UAE Notebook and the UAE Greeting cards.
Prices and availability change, so check the product page for the latest.
