Opera depicts country's progress under Zayed

The nation is grateful to President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for his support and efforts to maintain national security that has led to the economic and social development of the country, said Major General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Interior Ministry's Undersecretary, on Tuesday night.

Sheikh Saif said this while praising the struggle and efforts of Sheikh Zayed to maintain peace and stability in the country before opening an opera on Sheikh Zayed, to mark his 36th Accession Day anniversary as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in the capital.

The opera, The Zayed Era, organised by Abu Dhabi Police with the cooperation of local artistes, was inaugurated at Abu Dhabi Police Officers' Club, where a four-day grand festival was launched to mark the 36th Accession Day celebrations.

Sheikh Saif said: "Today, we see the country on the world map as a leading and prosperous nation and economy. These have been achieved thanks to His Highness Sheikh Zayed's keenness and struggle of more than 30 years."

He said the country has experienced uninterrupted progress and development under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, making the UAE a leading developed country in the region.

"Today we have gathered here to pay our gratitude to Father Sheikh Zayed for what he has done for the country and its people. This tribute is nothing compared to Sheikh Zayed's persistent struggle to guarantee the best socio-economic living standard for his people."

A number of diplomats and senior police and interior ministry officials were among the audience. The opera was produced, directed and performed by local artistes.

The opera began with a short welcome speech by Major Aref Al A'ajel, Director of the Public Relations Department of Abu Dhabi police, followed by a brief 15-minute film on police efforts to safeguard the country.

With the theme reflecting relationship between the police and the public, and highlighting Sheikh Zayed's teachings, his visionary leadership and the achievements of the emirate under Sheikh Zayed as its Ruler, the opera was performed using a blend of traditional and modern art and performance.

Abdullah Hadiah Al Sheihi, a local writer and poet, structured the theme weaving all aspects of present and past lifestyles of the emirate, and the achievements of the country under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed.

Earlier, Sheikh Saif toured the Heritage Village set up at the club. The village was organised by the Abu Dhabi-based Folk Heritage House Establishment.

The village was inaugurated by Brigadier Mohammed Khamis Al Junaibi, Acting Deputy Director General of Abu Dhabi police.

It features both the modern and traditional lifestyle, from life at sea to desert tenting and animal grazing.

It also includes a traditional souq, cafe, games and other aspects of life. A number of domestic animals, including camels and goats, have also been kept in the village to depict the Bedouin lifestyle.

In addition, models and other implements that were used in early pearling industry and agriculture are also on display.

Sheikh Saif also visited an exhibition of Sheikh Zayed's photographs from 1948 till now. The exhibition also has weapons and other battle equipment from a very early period.

This section was organised by the Department of Antiquities and Tourism, Al Ain
Mariam Harib Al Dhahiri, a Senior Guide at the department, presented Sheikh Saif with a silver coin issued by the department to mark Al Ain Museum's 30th anniversary.

She said more than 36 early Islamic and later era swords, arms and ammunition and other equipment, which reflect Sheikh Zayed's efforts of attaining national security and stability, are on display.

Quiz competitions and musical shows were also held at the heritage village to entertain visitors. The village organisers have also arranged special visit hours for women and children, and students participating in summer camps.