Celebrations with national zeal

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

The historic 50th National Day of the UAE was celebrated across the country with new zeal and fervour through various cultural activities.  On the momentous occasion of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations various government and private organisations conducted a raft of programmes.

Events in Souq Al Jubail: Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, celebrated the 50th National Day of the UAE, by organising a series of events, in Souq Al Jubail in Sharjah. This is was in the presence of a large number of company officials and employees.

The celebration activities included the presentation of the arts of Al-Razfa and Al-Ayyala dance to the rhythm of traditional songs, in addition to henna engraving for women employees, as well as Emirati folk food. The happiness of the employees who expressed their pride and appreciation on this national occasion, was clear for all to see.

Saeed Sharar, Executive Director of Operations – Osoul Services at Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, said, “The celebration of the United Arab Emirates’ Golden Jubilee proves that it is one of the most successful unitary and development experiences in the region and possibly the world. We have been inspired by the spirit of the union, the force that motivates and pushes it to work hard and the sincere and unlimited giving that was embodied by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, as well as the founding fathers who provided an inspiring model for the whole world.”

Sharar added: “The National Day is an opportunity to enhance the values of loyalty in our souls and renew the covenant for our wise leadership, so that the flag of our nation continues to fly among nations. We resolve to be loyal to our country in order to continue its civilized path. This lies within a framework of a comprehensive development vision which is based on sound planning and supported by qualified national staff, capable of building on and developing our nation.”

A raft of activities and competitions: DMCC — the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise — celebrated the United Arab Emirates’ 50th National Day with a raft of activities that pay tribute to the nation’s rich culture and heritage. To mark the Golden Jubilee, DMCC launched a 50-day celebratory campaign, culminating with a main event in the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Park on 2 December.

The celebrations featured local celebrities and influencers, live performances of cultural dances, competitions, an Emirati food fusion competition along with various Emirati food stalls, and talent hubs showcasing different Emirati hand crafts. Rides, face painting and a special show kept children entertained throughout.

In the five weeks leading up to the nation’s 50th anniversary, DMCC launched a Golden Jubilee Challenge, putting the knowledge of residents and visitors of the JLT community to the test for a chance to win over Dhs50,000 in prizes. Totem poles were spread throughout the community with a QR code to enter the quiz. A total of over 1,000 people registered and tried their luck and the prize winners were announced at the celebrations.

On the occasion of UAE National Day, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “Today, we celebrate 50 years of innovation and progress, paying homage to our young country’s countless achievements and successes. Our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was a true visionary and his legacy is kept alive with the current wise leadership. We all have a duty to support them in looking at the Next 50 with the same determination and foresight, to ensure our nation remains a beacon of development and prosperity by staying true to our culture, heritage and values, and by repeatedly ensuring we make the impossible possible.”

DMCC’s campaign forms part of a nationwide campaign to celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary, organised by the UAE’s Golden Jubilee Celebration Committee. Highlighting the deep connections between people and nature, the official celebration at the Hatta Dam will showcase the UAE’s history, present and future.

Showcasing achievements: Ajman Free Zone celebrated the UAE’s 50th National Day with a host of activities showcasing the country’s achievements and legacy. The free zone’s management team, employees, and business partners took part in the celebration hosted to reaffirm its commitment and loyalty to the UAE and its wise leadership.

Engineer Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of Ajman Free Zone, expressed his pride and joy in the country’s Golden Jubilee. He said that the occasion is an important stage in the history of the federation and its unification process led by founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the first rulers. The government continues to build a strong and prosperous nation for the people.  

AlSuwaidi said: “We extend our warmest greetings to the leadership, the government, and the people on this special occasion. We renew our commitment to effectively contribute to the state’s many ambitious projects and initiatives, including the ‘Projects of the 50,’ which act as a map towards a better future for our nation. The ‘Projects of the 50’ initiative is vital to achieving the UAE’s goal of becoming one of the best countries in the world by 2071.”

Lyrical video:  On the occasion of the 50th UAE National Day, du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has joined the Emirati community in celebrating the historic milestone, paying tribute to the nation’s achievements and advancement with a special tribute video. Designed to convey the unanimous feelings of pride, ambition, security, and safety felt across the nation ever since the formation of Union, the leading telco provider’s “Under your legacy we thrive” lyrical video honours the UAE’s storied success. Moreover, the lyrics convey an extra sense of optimism and excitement as the nation embarks on a new chapter over the next five decades. The video clip premiere will take place on  December 1st, live on Dubai TV.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO, EITC, said: “As a leading national organisation that continues making key contributions to the UAE’s sustained development, du is proud to mark this monumental event by coming together not only with our personnel and those we work alongside, but the entire UAE. Such is the importance of UAE National Day this time around, we have designed our 50 Years of Patronage video to remember, reflect, and further inspire as move forward, together. Our shared journey since 1971 has been one of prosperity and progression led by innovation, transparency, and togetherness. And now, it is our collective responsibility to come together as we have always done, so we can build on these foundations and secure the future for our country that we all envisage.”

Under the direction of the wise leadership, the past 50 years have seen the UAE record an impressive series of economic, cultural, urban, and scientific achievements leading to the present day, where the wider international community is visiting the country as part of Expo 2020 Dubai. As celebrations transcend the nation on the 50th UAE National Day, attentions now turn to the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, with du fully committed to helping the future-focused government further build a diversified knowledge economy and happy, cohesive society by driving the technology and innovation agendas to greater heights.

As an additional customer-centric contribution to the National Day celebrations, du has announced that several consumer and enterprise offers will also be available for customers.

Patriotism and pride: Falconcity of Wonders celebrated the 50th National Day of the UAE in a function that reflected patriotism and pride of belonging to UAE, loyalty to the visionary leaders, and spirit of the union. All members of the management team and the employees attended the event held at the Falconcity community in the presence of Salem Ahmed Almoosa, Chairman of Falconcity of Wonders.

Almoosa remarked: “UAE National Day is a momentous occasion during which the belongingness to the nation and loyalty to the values instilled by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding leaders. This year is extra-significant as it marks the golden jubilee of the nation and fifty years of being an inspiring model to the world in renaissance and sustainable development. The Year of the 50th will also mark the beginning of the UAE’s journey towards its development goals for the next fifty years and strengthen its position as a global leader.”

He added: “Falconcity of Wonders extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their brothers Their Highnesses the Members of the Supreme Council and the Rulers of the Emirates. On this remarkable occasion, we are also renewing our firm commitment to actively support and contribute to the fifty strategic projects launched as part of Centennial Plan 2071 to boost the reputation of the UAE as a global leader and ensure future readiness.”