Emirates Group celebrates 46th UAE National Day
The Emirates Group celebrated the UAE’s 46th National Day last week. Numerous departments came together for a packed program of activities that were enjoyed by both Emiratis and their expat colleagues alike.
The celebrations were officially opened by Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Al-Maktoum commemorated the UAE National Day with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Group’s headquarters, which was followed by local Emirati dance performances.
He said: “UAE National Day is a time to reflect on the nation’s remarkable success and celebrate our rich cultural identity. The UAE’s rapid rise on the world stage has been underpinned by the spirit of unity, determination, and continual progress, driven by our nation’s leaders and their vision. Across the Emirates Group, this same spirit is proudly reflected as our Emirati and expat colleagues today come together to mark and celebrate the UAE’s 46th National Day.”
As part of the celebrations, employees enjoyed an Emirati heritage house in the atrium of the Emirates Group headquarters. The heritage house showcases the UAE’s rich traditions and history, and included attractions such as a traditional café offering Emirati cuisine, silent character performances, Layla the camel mascot for kids and henna decorations, all of which employees actively participated in. An ice cream cart, offering ice cream specially developed for Emirates, also made its debut in the heritage house this year. The ice cream is currently being offered at Emirates’ airport lounges in Dubai, and will be available on board from Jan. 1, 2018. In addition, employees who brought their families to join in the occasion kept their children entertained at a special arts and craft area.
In keeping with the UAE’s Year of Giving, the Emirates Group also helped to facilitate a donation from these festive activities to the Al-Jalila Foundation. Donations will help the philanthropic organization dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and research.