UAE National Day 2020: How Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests become part of ‘Seeds of the Union’

UAE celebrates its 49th National Day on December 2, and this year it will celebrate the milestone with a number of unique projects. This includes an event called ‘Seeds of the Union’ with a moving sculpture surrounded by sea and illuminated by digital visuals.

Mangroves, small trees that grow in saltwater, are an important part of the UAE’s ecosystem. They protect the coastlines from erosion, provide a breeding ground for various fish species, and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Khalfan Al Mazrouei, member of the organizing committee of the Official 49th National Day Celebration, said: “The mangroves are a big piece of our heritage and are part of our country’s natural beauty and it was decided that they would aesthetically be a wonderful inspiration for the visuals of the event.

Did you know? Historically, mangrove trees have been used by local populations as a source of fuel and building materials for houses and ships, due to their durability.

“The title of the show is ‘Seeds of the Union’ and our mangroves represent the growth of the UAE – from a seed at the formation in 1971 into a full bloom we see 49 years later,” Al Mazrouei added.

The production is to be broadcast live to millions around the world. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, all precautions are being undertaken while celebrations are on.

The ‘Seeds of the Union’ show will be accompanied by a tribute to the UAE’s Founding Fathers. The event will act as a curtain-raiser for celebrations for the 50th UAE National Day Golden Jubilee.

The Mangrove Rehabilitation Programme has been responsible for the planting of 3.1 million mangrove saplings on the coasts of Al Gharbia, Saadiyat, Jubail and Habitat Island.