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Dubai: Burj Khalifa lights up in honour of 'Day of Solidarity'
| January 17, 2026 5:39 PM CST

On the night of Friday, January 16, the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was transformed into a radiant beacon of national pride in honour of the Day of Solidarity. 

The iconic skyscraper glowed in pure white, its facade displaying the specially designed “17” logo, a soaring falcon, and the UAE flag, creating a visual tribute to unity and resilience. 

The display comes as the UAE commemorates the fourth anniversary of the deadly Houthi attacks on Abu Dhabi.

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On January 17, 2022, the Houthis targeted the Musaffah ICAD 3 area and a construction site at Abu Dhabi International Airport, both civilian infrastructure.

The attacks caused the explosion of three petroleum tankers, killing three civilians and injuring six others. The Houthis later claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Today, the UAE Armed Forces and the Emirates Knights Air Show team will also organise an aerial convoy on January 17, featuring a variety of helicopters and jet aircraft. 

The convoy will take off from Abu Dhabi, flying over Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, offering residents across the country a thrilling display of skill, precision, and national pride.

Below is the map for the aerial convoy locations:

"On January 17 each year, we reflect on the resolve, unity and solidarity shown by the people of the UAE – standing proudly behind their national flag to safeguard the country’s achievements and uphold its global standing," Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, wrote in social media platform X.

He also invited the public to tune in to national media channelson Saturday, at 11am for the national anthem, as the nation renews its pledge and determination to continue advancing and elevating the UAE.

On January 16, Friday prayers at mosques across the country today commemorated the  anniversary.

The weekly sermon titled 'Day of Determination' is dedicated to remembering the nation's resolve and resilience during the tragedy on that day. “On January 17, the Day of Emirati Determination, the UAE takes pride in its loyal people who have stood firmly behind their leadership, embraced its vision, and achieved remarkable accomplishments," said the sermon.

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