Month-long National Day festivities take off

As the UAE’s 40th National Day draws nearer, a series of events have been lined up and will be launched starting Tuesday. The National Day Committee, which was established to co-ordinate the national programme of celebrations, has been working alongside representatives from each emirate as well as with government authorities, community groups and the private sector to oversee the activities that have been organised to mark the occasion. The programme of events will span over a longer period than ever before — a month — to provide residents with several opportunities to unite in their celebrations. Capital carnival To mark the special occasion, the UAE capital’s iconic skyline and landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & the Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain will be brought to life through a montage of light, colour and 3D projections. Meanwhile, with a carnival atmosphere, families will be treated to street performers, traditional foods, live music acts and sports shows at the Corniche Festival in Abu Dhabi. National Day concerts will celebrate the diversity of Arab music and entertainment, through a series of performances in venues across Abu Dhabi by popular UAE and GCC singers and artists. Complementing these events is the UAE Experience Pavilion, which aims to celebrate the nation’s unique heritage. Much of the content exhibited will consist of exclusive artefacts and photographs never before seen, which explore themes from the UAE’s past, present and future. This temporary exhibition will take place in the UAE Pavilion, which has been brought back from the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, located on Saadiyat Island. A vibrant parade including up to 5,000 traditional Emirati-style dressed up cars, flags, face-painted children, marching bands and performers will stride through the Yas Marina Circuit at the Vehicle Parade, another event scheduled to mark National Day. The line-up of events will conclude with an offical ceremony attended by over 40,000 spectators on Dec.2 at Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi on National Day. The stadium extravaganza will showcase the UAE story through a choreographed show illustrating the rich heritage and culture of the UAE, the vision and spirit of the Emirati people and the achievements of the nation over the past 40 years. Student opera Meanwhile, 51 Emirati artists have recorded an opera, entitled ‘Loyalty and affiliation in love with the UAE and its founder’ dedicated to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates and Crown Princes. The opera will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, on the occasion of the 40th National Day of the state and is a joint venture by Abu Dhabi TV and Fayez Al Saeed Media. Spirit of union Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Investment Company (TDIC), said, “I encourage everyone to participate in the celebrations and embrace the spirit of the Union as we look forward to building our Nation’s future together. Together we have the unique opportunity to create long lasting and worthwhile memories, and to unite in celebration across this great nation.” The official UAE 40th National Day website provides complete programme listings for events taking place across the seven emirates, interactive activities and is updated on a daily basis as events are announced.