Students take pride in heritage

Abu Dhabi: Flags, a traditional souk, Arabian tents, food and ornaments and other symbols of the UAE's heritage and folklore were prominently displayed at Zayed University (ZU) yesterday to mark the country's 39th National Day.

Nearly 3,000 students, from both male and female campuses, celebrated National Day with great zest.

ZU students think of the National Day as a link between an honourable past and a bright future.

"Our founding fathers may have passed [rest in peace] but the impact of their achievement on our generation is eternal. We wanted this day to be a recognition of their wisdom and a celebration of a bright future. We also wanted to honour Shaikh Zayed's name," said Maisoon Al Bakoush, Student Council president in the female campus.

The student council organised numerous activities, including music played by Abu Dhabi Police Band, folkloric dance, poetry, and heritage competitions.

Faculty and staff also participated in festivities.

Dressed in UAE national attire they participated in a fashion show where a panel of students serves as judges.

Folkloric stories

For their senior year project, Amna Al Hosani and Alyazi Al Qubaisi, organised a competition where students narrated folkloric stories using modern techniques they learnt in a public speaking workshop.

The best speaker was selected by a panel of four teachers and three students.

The student council also arranged a play performed by professional Emirati actors, who donated their time as a token of appreciation for the opportunities the UAE afforded them.

"The celebrations this year have a special meaning, as this is the first time our male students take part in this festivity," said Dr Sulaiman Al Jasem, Vice-President of Zayed University.

Folklore dance and songs were performed by students. They also participated in a competition for the best decorated car under the National Day theme.

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) also has organised a series of cultural and heritage activities aimed at bolstering the patriotism of young Emirati students. Secondary schools in Abu Dhabi were invited to take part in the programme.

Successful young men and women from the public and private sectors shared their personal achievements and their efforts to help make the UAE one of the most advanced countries in the world.

The National Day celebrations at ADU focused on the "active citizenship concept and the role of Emiratis in achieving the goals in accordance with the UAE's strategic plan.

"National Day should be a call for unified contributions to the continuing growth and development of the country," said Dr Nabeel Ebrahim, the Chancellor of ADU.