Up in the sky
From 11am today, aerial displays at the 10th Al Ain Aerobatic Show will paint the skies at Al Ain International Airport. General admission tickets are Dh40 for adults and Dh20 for children under 12.
In Abu Dhabi, some 63,410 fireworks will be let off in specially designed shows over two days. The emirate will see a ten-minute firework display at Abu Dhabi Corniche at 8pm tonight. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers will extend the opening hours of the Observation Deck to offer visitors a dramatic vantage point. In Sharjah, key areas to spot fireworks and light displays are The Flag Island, Qasba Canal, Al Majaz Waterfront, and main government buildings.
Art
The huge column of light that illuminated the skies above Sharjah until about two weeks ago and visible from Ajman and Dubai forms part of a larger exhibition, I Look To You And I See Nothing, which will run until February. The event explores immersive sound environments, light installations and contemplative spaces. Curated by Olivier Varenne and Nicole Durling, the exhibition is co-organised by the Museum of Old and New Art, in Tasmania, Australia, and the Sharjah Art Foundation.
Free to the public from today until Saturday is Abu Dhabi’s colourful Zayed Heritage Carnival at the Al Wathba centre, featuring a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, including camel races, horse parades, falconry competitions, display of Emirati handicraft, classic cars exhibition, camel-milking competitions, and much more. There will also be a traditional souq and a heritage village, Fun City for kids, and an exhibition from the General Women’s Union. On the opening night, expect a massive fireworks show and a live concert with top Emirati and Arab singers.
Awards
Du, one of the two telecom operators in the UAE, echoes Hassantoka Ya Watan, an initiative aimed at enhancing creativity and encouraging national pride in Emiratis and expats alike, through social media and other channels. The operator has been active this season with engaging run-ups to its annual Social Media Awards and du National Day Forum. The awards ceremony will be held today, with cash prizes worth Dh 150,000 to be won.
Displays of national pride
Watch the UAE National Day Parade in Dubai’s Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, the glorious thoroughfare that encircles The Centre of Now, at Downtown Dubai today at 3pm. Or head to Yas Island, where owners will drive their decorated vehicles around the Yas Leisure Drive today from 5pm — be at du Forum from 2pm to join in.
A live role play of military activities by the Armed Forces Support Units will take place at Global Village until Saturday at Gate One. The activities start from 4pm onwards. Global Village entry passes are available for Dh10.
Sports
Dedicating the UAE National Day to a celebration of sports, the Indian expatriate association Blue Star is organising the 16th edition of its annual Family Sports Festival on Friday at the UAE University in Al Ain. Events such as football, basketball, throw ball and kabaddi will be held at various venues in and around the stadium. To mark the special day, Dwarf Olympic gold medalist and world champion Joby Mathew, Olympian Shiny Wilson and ex-international swimmer Wilson Cherian are being flown in from India.
Women’s special
Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of Dubai Ladies Club, President of Dubai Women’s Establishment, has launched the 42nd National Day celebrations of Dubai Women’s Establishment, Dubai Ladies Club and the Cultural Office under the title of Happiest Women in the World.
The online campaign calls women residing in the UAE to post why they feel they are the happiest. The celebration is in recognition and gratitude to the generous patronage and continued support of Emirati women by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi, a unique women-only beach celebration is being planned for the day at Al Bateen Beach. Women can head down from 12am to 12pm. The entry fee for two is Dh80.
