UAE universities celebrate their nation and its leaders

Abu Dhabi: Universities across the UAE gathered to celebrate the 42nd National Day on their campuses in support of their nation and its leaders.

Flags, Arabian-style tents and a traditional souq were prominent symbols displayed at UAE universities to mark the country’s 42nd National Day.

Colourful celebrations reflected the spirit of the union instilled by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and highlighted Emirati culture, heritage and the identity of the country.

The Higher Colleges of Technology’s Abu Dhabi and Khalifa City Women’s Colleges (HCT AD/KCWC) organised a festive day. As part of the college’s celebrations, students visited the Autism Centre as well as the Special Needs Centre in Abu Dhabi. Volunteers brought activities and gifts for the children.

“It is an honour for me as an Emirati to celebrate the formation and tremendous growth of our nation and to share our culture and heritage on the occasion of this 42nd National Day. We who work at the HCT are lucky to play a part in the development and future of a country as unique as this,” Sultan Hussain Karmostaji, director of Abu Dhabi Colleges, said.

Several activities such as Al Youla traditional dancing, bazaars, poetry readings and an art exhibition titled “Emirati expressions” were also held as part of the celebrations.

Visitors were invited to take part in the activities and offerings including local food and traditional sweets, henna painting and local cooking competitions.

“The National Day is not only a special day for Emiratis, but also for expatriates from different nationalities and religions because it has been a great home for all of us. It has provided us with the best services and high quality education,” Hager Abdullah, a visitor, told Gulf News.

Schools and special needs centres such as, Ibn Seena School, Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs and Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs have also participated in HCT’s celebrations.

The Abu Dhabi University (ADU) also organised a series of cultural and heritage activities aimed at bolstering the patriotism of young Emirati students as well as expats.

The entire campus of the University was decorated with UAE flags of all sizes.

“The UAE National Day celebrations amaze everyone with creative ideas and unique events carried out each year,” Saud Al Merri, 22, an employee in the capital, told Gulf News.

Folk dances, poetry recitals, car decoration competitions, and cultural art exhibitions were offered at Abu Dhabi University for both students and visitors alike.

As part of the UAE National Day celebrations, Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) organised a student poetry evening in collaboration with Zayed University and New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD).

The celebrations have also features a series of cultural activities, art presentations, and folklore exhibits on campus.

“Every year, PSUAD is keen to hold poetry evenings for student and young poets, as part of its National Day celebrations, given the significant role played by poetry as a key cultural component in the past, present and future of the UAE,” Eric Fouache, vice chancellor at PSUAD, said.