Dubai: Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, spearheaded on Monday the “Spirit of The Union” celebrations marking UAE’s 43rd National Day.
Organised by Dubai National Day Celebrations Committee near Burj Al Arab, the celebrations included festive events and witnessed extensive official and public participation.
Shaikh Hamdan congratulated President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, rulers of the emirates, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces Shaikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Shaikh Hamdan also expressed his happiness for the public participation in “Spirit of The Union” celebrations which mirrors the community’s awareness about the significance of the occasion.
He also expressed his appreciation for the organisers’ efforts to host this national occasion that symbolizes the values of loyalty, patriotism and allegiance and recognises the achievements of the founding fathers.
Dubai Crown Prince asserted that the National Day celebrations must continue throughout the year, and it should stand as a lighthouse for development, modernisation and innovation.
He said that union itself is an innovative idea introduced originally by Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and endorsed by Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and rulers of the emirates.
Shaikh Hamdan was accompanied by Shaikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Director of Dubai Information Dept., and a number of ministers and directors of local departments in Dubai.
Heritage celebrations
“Spirit of The Union” celebrations expressed the true feelings of Dubai’s people toward this occasion that constitutes a significant change in the history of region as the formation of the union provided the means for the prosperity of UAE’s people and the development of the country.
The unity of the seven emirates was the core reason for the outstanding achievements that granted the country its global position.
Marking UAE’s 43rd National Day, a heritage village was constructed near Burj Al Arab to host number of traditional and cultural festive events. Inspired by UAE folklore, the events included traditional dances and Emirati cuisine.
Dubai National Day Celebrations Committee used elements of traditional values as a theme to connect the new generations with their roots and heritage.
A huge theatre hosting over 3500 spectator was constructed specially for the occasion. Utilizing the latest technologies and visual effects, the theatre offered creative musical shows that are mixing folklore with modern arts. Fireworks lit Dubai’s sky to mark the event.
Highlight of the event was the spectacular 3D show on the facade of Burj Al Arab. Combining a range of light and sound effects, the accurately designed show attracted a lot of attention and admiration.
As the heritage village opened at 4pm, massive numbers of citizens, residents and visitors arrived to participate in the celebrations.
The vent premises included convenient parking lots and signs to guide the visitors and avoid traffic congestion. The organizers also
provided free buses to transport people from parking lots to celebration location.
The event attracted thousands of people from different community segments, overwhelmed by joy and happiness.
Happiness and Pride
The citizens participating in the event expressed their happiness and pride to revive this precious memory, and they congratulated His
Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, their highness rulers of the emirates and
crown princes.
Dubai National Day Celebrations Committee stated that the design of “Spirit of The Union” celebrations reflects the values of allegiance
and marks the achievements of a young country that now compete with the world’s most advanced nations to occupy first positions in various
global rankings.
Additionally, the committee said, the celebrations were designed to attract different community segments.
About the event’s location, the committee indicated that choosing the area near Burj Al Arab was due to the symbolic value of the building
as one of Dubai’s icons in addition to its design, the sail, which represent Dubai history and future.
Moreover, Burj Al Arab enjoys international reputation for its outstanding design and extraordinary services.
Dubai National Day Celebrations Committee was established in 2010 pursuant to a resolution issued by the Crown Prince of Dubai to
synchronise and implement National Day celebration’s plans in Dubai and define the objectives for each celebration in collaboration with
the Supreme Committee for National Day Celebrations that includes representatives from the seven emirates and chairmanship of Minister of
Culture, Youth and Community Development Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Dubai National Day Celebrations Committee is composed of representatives from the General Secretariat of Dubai Executive Council, Dubai
Police, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Road and Transport Authority, Dubai Culture, Community Development Authority, Knowledge and Human
Development Authority, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Dubai Media Incorporated.
