Dubai: A grand show on water celebrating UAE’s achievements and culture thrilled a huge crowd on Tuesday night, the eve of the 44th National Day (December 2) in Dubai.
Attending the show was Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, senior officials and other dignitaries.
The glittering event was held on the Business Bay canal, on a see-through stage slightly submerged in water, giving the impression of performers walking on water.
During one act, several horses thundered across the platform, kicking up water and drawing huge applause.
حمدان بن محمد يشهد احتفالية "روح الاتحاد" #اليوم_الوطني44 https://t.co/MmX0l1euPm pic.twitter.com/EaPYd1pX0z— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 1, 2015
Water 'curtain'
There were also fireworks, laser lights, music and videos projected on a ‘curtain’ made of a fine spray of water.
The short clips included a tribute to UAE martyrs and the armed forces. Patriotic songs rang out from huge speakers while people flew UAE flags.
Other clips and acts focused on a range of topics related to UAE culture, history, poetry, sportsmanship, environment, and energy.
The event, which began shortly after 6pm, was organised by the Dubai Committee for National Day Celebrations.
Pics: #Dubai celebrates #UAENationalDay #UAE44 pic.twitter.com/6G9PfBe2YZ— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 1, 2015
Children wearing Emirati clothes also took park in some acts.
Members of the audience were given a white square plastic pendant of sorts, which they later realised shone in UAE flag colours — red, white, green and black — when swung around.
People were taking videos, pictures and selfies during the show, which ended shortly before 7pm.
احتفالية "روح الاتحاد" التي نظّمتها لجنة دبي لاحتفالات بمناسبة #اليوم_الوطني44 pic.twitter.com/SsWgo16Ynz— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 1, 2015
Those attending included Emiratis and expats, who came with families, friends and colleagues. The stadium-style seating arrangement was full, with virtually no seat left unoccupied.
There was also a Heritage Village set up along the waterway, with Emirati wares, souvenirs and cuisine presented to people.
@DXBMediaOffice @Dubai_Calendar من اجمل الاحتفالات التي حضرتها شكراً لكم #اليوم_الوطني44 pic.twitter.com/iqUeFpA1Fc— Mirror (ام عبدالله) (@ailo0o) December 1, 2015
Security was tight at the venue, with only those registered with wrist bands or carrying invitation cards allowed in. Seating as well as parking was organised according to the level of access of the wrist band or card holder.
Metal detectors and admission checks were installed at key points.
Police patrols, including a K9 unit, and ambulance and fire services were on standby.
The UAE is celebrating its 44th National Day. Comprising seven emirates, the UAE is the only constitutional federation in the Arab world.
‘Spirit of the Union’ celebrations held on the occasion of the 44th #UAENationalDay in #Dubai #UAE44 pic.twitter.com/Agtzd3GgxE— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 1, 2015
The federation was unified by efforts led by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who became the first UAE president.
Before the union, the separate emirates were collectively known as the Trucial States regarded as a protectorate of Britain.
After independence, the UAE initially comprised Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. The seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, formally joined the federation two months later in February 1972.
Today, the country has developed into a prosperous and progressive oasis of peace in the region.
