Emirati heritage remains a source of pride: AD CP

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikhs, attended on Tuesday the ‘March of the Union’ as part of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2019 in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on the occasion of the 48th National Day.

The march, organised by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, drew huge crowds of Emiratis representing various emirates and regions of the UAE, who all expressed their joy at the 48th National Day and pride of their wise leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Supreme Council Members, Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates.

Sheikh Mohamed said the country’s history is a source of ‘pride for our people.

“Today I witnessed the March of the Union, in which the people of the UAE took part on the occasion of the country’s 48th National Day. The strength and cohesion of the UAE people, and their connection to their heritage and the values of their nation’s founders is our source of our happiness and pride.”

The march featured a number of traditional performances, including Emirati dances, music, and horse and camel riding, with the audience cheering and applauding for the spectacular show.

A poem was also recited as part of the celebrations, where virtues of patriotism and loyalty to the UAE were recited.

On Monday Sheikh Mohamed received a phone call from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, who congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on the UAE’s 48th National Day.

During the conversation, Sisi greeted President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the occasion.

He also wished more progress and prosperity for the UAE’s leadership, government and people.

In turn, Sheikh Mohamed thanked the Egyptian President for his fraternal feelings and wished further development, prosperity and progress for the Egyptian leadership, government and people.

Also on Monday under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister 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 Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates and Crown Princes, the official 48th UAE National Day celebration wowed more than 20,000 attendees with an unprecedented theatrical production at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Titled ‘Legacy of Our Ancestors’, the 50-minutes monumental stage production, which was made possible thanks to the united efforts of 5,000 experts spanning from 70 countries, and featured 900 performers aged six to over-60, took an enthralled audience on a journey through UAE heritage under the light of the moon.

Spectators were treated to a show, which has never been witnessed before in the UAE, with a timeless narrative of stories showcasing the values deep-rooted in the cultural fabric of the proud nation, which have been passed down through generations.

The celebration began with a tribute to the life and legacy of the late Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s Representative who passed away in November. Sheikh Sultan left behind a rich heritage that will join the eternal legacy of the UAE ancestors.

He was committed to preserving the heritage of the UAE and the customs and traditions of its people. The tribute featured videos and poems that highlighted the pivotal role of Sheikh Sultan in fostering the unique elements of Emirati identity. The tribute was followed by the UAE National Anthem.

Throughout the epic ‘Legacy of Our Ancestors’ production, the performers on the 10,000 square metre stage narrated historical UAE stories featuring the wisdom, resilience, faith, courage and dignity of the country’s forefathers who were the beacon of light that guided the UAE. The performers shed light on these stories, values and lessons upon which the UAE continues to flourish today.

The show told the story of a girl who dreamt of the moon and drew from its light wisdom and knowledge to write inspirational poetry that is immortalised in UAE history. Ousha Khalifa Al Suwaidi’s name became known throughout Arabia as Fatat Al Arab.

WAM