Historical events for
Monday, 31 August 2026

Charged with the titanic task of reconciling the oil industry and green energy, Sultan Al Jaber is simultaneously the CEO of the state oil giant (ADNOC) and leader of the renewable energy company Masdar. He gained global prominence by presiding over and steering consensus at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

Birthday of Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of ADNOC.

Teophile Gautier, French writer, author of works such as "Mademoiselle de Maupin" and defender of the romantic movement, known for his refined prose and aesthetic poetry.

James Coburn, American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Magnificent Seven" and "Our Man Flint", which made him an icon of action cinema.

Otelo Saraiva de Carvalho, Portuguese soldier and politician, one of the central figures of the Carnation Revolution, which put an end to the dictatorship in Portugal.

Van Morrison, Northern Irish musician and singer, known for his unique style that mixes rock, jazz and blues, and for iconic albums such as "Astral Weeks" and "Moondance".

Sérgio Godinho, Portuguese singer, composer and writer, known for his emblematic songs and albums such as "Os Sobreviventes".

Richard Gere, American actor known for his roles in films such as "Pretty Woman" and "Chicago", which established him as one of Hollywood's leading actors.

Edwin Moses, American athlete, two-time Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400 meter hurdles, considered one of the greatest runners of all time.

Celebration of the birthday of Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa, born on August 31, 1991, Formula E champion and participant in endurance races.

Today we remember the first attack of Jack the Ripper, who murdered Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, starting one of the most infamous criminal cases in history.

Today the beginning of construction of the Sameiro Sanctuary, near Braga, is celebrated, with the laying of the first stone, marking the beginning of an important place of Marian devotion in Portugal.

Today we celebrate the start of circulation of the first electric cars in Lisbon, a milestone in the modernization of public transport in the city.

Today is Malaysia's National Day, marking the country's independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1957.

Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day celebration, commemorating independence from the United Kingdom on August 31, 1962. The day is celebrated with parades, official ceremonies and cultural events.

Today we celebrate the conquest of the second European marathon title by Rosa Mota, in Stuttgart, with a time of 2:28:38, consolidating her position as one of the greatest marathon runners in the world.

Today is Kyrgyzstan's National Day, commemorating the country's independence from the Soviet Union, achieved on August 31, 1991.

Today is National Day of Trinidad and Tobago, commemorating the country's independence, obtained on August 31, 1962.

Today we celebrate Saint Aristides' Day, one of the first Christian apologists, known for defending the Christian faith at the beginning of Christianity.

Today we celebrate the Day of Saint Raimundo Nonnato, patron saint of midwives, obstetricians and pregnant women, known for his dedication to the liberation of slaves and the preaching of the Gospel.

Kyrgyz National Day Celebration, commemorating independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991.

Malaysian Independence Day celebration, marking independence from the United Kingdom on 31 August 1957.