Dubai: Several government departments across the country marked the 44th UAE National Day with a series of events and activities on Sunday, ahead of the holidays.
Marking the occasion, Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), toured the 44-shaped Heritage model that comprises 44 booths, displaying innovative products made by RTA’s employees.
The RTA also decorated main roads in Dubai with 1,000 flags and wrapped 44 taxis as well as 10 bus stations in UAE flags. World Trade Centre Metro station, three buses, an abra, a ferry and a water taxi also wore the UAE national colours.
Dubai Civil Defence
Dubai Civil Defence held a glittering ceremony to mark the occasion at their headquarters, with several high-ranking officials in attendance.
Among those present was Major General Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, director-general of Dubai Civil Defence, who delivered a speech congratulating the country on all its achievements.
The event was also marked by patriotic songs, and folk dances by kindergarten students.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) joined the list of government agencies that hosted a variety of activities on Sunday.
The DIFC’s Gate Building wore a festive look, with a live performance by a local band, henna decorations and chefs dishing up authentic Emirati cuisine.
“The UAE has come a long way since its establishment 44 years ago and we at DIFC are committed to celebrating the country’s success and proactively contributing to its socioeconomic growth,” said Arif Ameri, chief executive officer, Dubai International Financial Centre Authority.
Dubai South
Dubai South brought together staff and business partners to mark the occasion on Sunday.
Khalifa Al Zafein, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), the parent organisation of Dubai South, led the proceedings at the Dubai South headquarters.
A Dubai Police band and Sky Dive Show enthralled the audience and were key highlights of the day.
The event featured a host of traditional activities around a specially designed Emirati village including traditional food and market, camel rides, a military display and kids’ corner.
The Al Noor Centre for Special Needs hosted a bazaar as part of the village to display and sell handicrafts made by students.
Dubai South also honoured its first 44 employees in appreciation of their commitment to the organisation.
DP World
DP World marked the occasion with innovation and technology as its theme in line with the first ever countrywide Innovation Week.
Led by Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, a colourful ceremony was held at the DP World Head Office in Jebel Ali.
The celebrations saw traditional cultural displays, including handicrafts, old souqs and a typical Bedouin tent, to showcase the UAE’s rich heritage.
A special display to remember the members of the armed forces who were martyred in Yemen recently was also featured.
Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre
Marking the occasion, Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre (HHC) helped set up a series of heritage-focused activities across various locations.
A host of events were held at Dubai Ladies Club Dubai Police — Al Ghusais station, the Office of the Ruler of Dubai, Government of Dubai Media Office, Al Firdaus Kindergarten, Latifa Hospital, as well as the office of the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre.
The activities included a traditional Emirati Ayala performance that celebrated the country’s strong artistic and cultural legacy, setting up of traditional hospitality tents as well as opening a library.
The Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre Library was opened in Umm Suqeim 2 on Jumeirah Beach Road.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa)
Dewa marked the National Day with the continuation of its neighbourhood campaign. The campaign involves field visits to several neighbourhoods and housing complexes across the emirate by a specialist team from Dewa.
The team advises the public on how to rationalise consumption and live a sustainable and environment-friendly lifestyle.
Dewa’s conservation team visited residential neighbourhoods in Oud Al Muteena and Al Muhaisnah to distribute gifts of UAE flags and scarves and Noor and Hayat dolls dressed up in the UAE national dress to mark the special occasion.
