‘LEGACY OF OUR ANCESTORS’ STUNS AUDIENCE
LEGACY OF OUR ANCESTORS THROWS LIGHT ON THE COUNTRY’S JOURNEY
Thousands witnessed the official 48th National Day celebrations at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi last evening, which featured a series of scintillating visual shows highlighting the life, sacrifices and achievements of UAE’s ancestors.
Titled Legacy of our Ancestors, the show was held under the auspices of His Highness President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VicePresident and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Present were Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers, Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Shaikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Shaikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Quwain and Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah.
With more than 20,000 people gathered at the Zayed Sports City Stadium, ceremonies started at 7pm with the unfurling of the national flag and playing of the national anthem. This was followed by a 50-minute theatrical masterpiece on what life in the UAE was like in the past, including the struggles experienced by Emirati forefathers who risked their lives to dive for pearls.
Emirati and expatriate families with their children started flocking in droves to the stadium from 4pm. Children dressed in national flag coloured clothes were waving flags while men sported mufflers in national flag colours.
‘A celebration for all’
Speaking to Gulf News, Emirati Humaid Al Hamli, 43, from Abu Dhabi, who had come along with his family and children, said” “National Day is not a celebration of Emiratis only, but is a celebration of all nationalities who reside here.
“We live together and celebrate together without any differentiation among caste, colour, creed and nationalities. We all are one community. That is the true message of Baba Zayed and we carry it forward.”
The UAE’s Founding Father Shaikh Zayed united all Emirates and we must be strong and united following the steps of our ancestors, Al Hamli said.
The audience comprised of mostly Emiratis, but other nationalities also joined the celebrations. Chinese national Juan Li, 40, an Abu Dhabi resident for five years, said” “I love the culture of the UAE, cuisines and people, always I participate in different traditional and cultural events. Even today, my daughter is performing in the grand show here. I feel fortunate that she is a part of such a unique National Day celebration.”
‘Brotherly relations’
People from other Arab countries also came in their droves. Akram Ahmad, 34, Egyptian, said, “The UAE and Emirates have brotherly relations and we love to be part of the UAE celebrations.
Children from Saudi Arabia also arrived at the venue to mark the day. Qaswara, a nineyear-old boy from Saudi Arabia said, “I am happy to celebrate the day here.”
Aseel, an eight-year-old also from Saudi also expressed her delight at seeing the grand celebrations.
The entire stadium burst with crackers, lighting and applause after each performance, which dated back to past struggles of the country in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Struggles of the past in barren deserts were prominent highlights of the celebrations.
The UAE’s 48th National Day was celebrated in spectacular fashion at the stadium, with stunning visual displays, live musical shows, and thousands of performers to entertain the onlookers.
The show was produced by the Organising Committee of the Official 48th UAE National Day celebration in collaboration with Flash Entertainment, and developed by 5,000 people from 70 countries.
After the unfurling of the national flag and playing of the national anthem, a 50-minute theatrical masterpiece on what life in the UAE was like in the past was played for the crowds of 20,000