Abu Dhabi: A number of events have been lined up in Abu Dhabi to mark the 43rd National Day celebrations throughout the emirate, the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA-AD) announced on Sunday.

A series of National Day concerts featuring some of the biggest Arab and Arabian Gulf musical performers will raise the curtain on the celebrations in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and three prime public areas throughout Al Gharbia in the Western Region for two nights, starting from December 1.

“This will be an impressive, entertaining and interactive public programme which will reflect our passion for the nation and our joy and willingness to celebrate the ‘Spirit of the Union’ on the country’s 43rd anniversary,” said Sultan Al Daheri, Acting Executive Director Tourism, TCA Abu Dhabi.

Concerts will take centre stage at the Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival stage at Al Wathba and Madinat Zayed Park on December 1 and 2, while the public parks on Delma Island and Al Sila’a play host to singing stars on December 2. All concerts will start at 9pm.

Performing at the Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival Stage in Al Wathba City on December 1 is Emirati star Fayez Al Saeed and UAE national songstress Aryam. The next night will see Emirati classical ballad performer Eidha Al Minhali and the UAE’s very own Fatima Zahr Al Ain – the flower of Al Ain.

Meanwhile, the iconic Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain will burst into colour from 8pm on December 2 and 3. At the stadium on December 2, the audience can hear Eidha Al Minhali and Mohammad Al Minhali in concert. The following night, the stadium will rock to the sounds of UAE star Hussain Al Jasmi and Balqees.

In addition, a series of firework displays from December 1 to 3 will coincide with public events at primary spots around the emirate. “It will be choreographed to reflect our pride in the nation, history and culture and allow us to celebrate these in a modern context,” said Al Daheri. “The display will reflect the national identity by focusing on the red, green, white and colours of the UAE national flag set against the black canvas of the emirate’s night sky.”

The firework shows will be held at the Khor Al Maqta area and at Abu Dhabi Corniche at 9pm on consecutive nights on December 1-2, and the Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba will host a spectacular display at 9pm on December 2. Running in parallel with the concert performances, the firework shows in Al Ain will centre on the iconic Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, a new landmark for the Oasis City, at 9pm, while Al Gharbia will host three shows on December 2 at 9pm at Madinat Zayed Park and the public parks on Delma Island and in Al Silaa.

The Delma concerts feature Palestinian star Saud Abu Sultan and Arab pop sensation Eisa Abdullah on December 2 while Kuwaiti Yousuf Al Omani and the UAE’s own Hassah take to the stage in Al Silaa Public Park the same night. At Madinat Zayed on December 1, audiences get to see Bahraini prodigy Hala Al Turk and UAE winner of ‘Gulf Star’ Mouadhed Al Kaabi with Emirati Rouwaida Al Mahrouqi and Arab crooner Adel Ebrahim heading the bill on December 2.

Also taking to the skies over Abu Dhabi and Al Ain for National Day will be the UAE Armed Forces premier aerobatic team, Al Fursan - The Knights - which will amaze crowds with its breathtaking displays and gravity-defying moves.