Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended on Wednesday the official celebration of the UAE’s 44th National Day at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
King Mohammad VI of Morocco was present.
Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers, Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah, Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, were present at the celebration.
Also attending the celebration were Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Finance Minister, Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Fujairah Crown Prince, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Umm Al Quwain Crown Prince, and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah.
The event was also attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser and Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, and other Shaikhs, senior officials and a number of the Armed Forces’ senior chiefs and officers.
The Rulers and Crown princes and deputy rulers congratulated Shaikh Khalifa on the glorious national occasion.
The celebration featured various interactive shows and traditional performances that highlight the big achievements made by the UAE as well as the authentic values and traditions of the UAE People.
Rich tributes were paid to the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the nation during the celebration.
Performances portrayed the unity of the UAE people, and a documentary narrated the story of the Union since its establishment in 1971, and the various historical phases it passed through with a focus on the development and progress experienced in all walks of life without compromising the authentic Arab traditions.
A moment of silence was also observed to commemorate honour and pay tributes to martyrs, the nation’s heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Traditional songs and folk dances were performed, and a range of poems by the late Shaikh Zayed were recited during the celebration.
Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, also attended the grand celebration of the UAE's 44th National Day, was present.
