UAE NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS!

Celebrations end with a bang

Dhanusha Gokulan / 3 December 2012

The 41st National Day celebrations of the UAE came to a grand close at the Dubai Festival City grounds on Monday, with the region’s first 3D stage show showcasing the country’s history and culture.
With the national colours draped around them, several thousand Emirati nationals and expatriates cheered on as the events unfolded at the venue, with a number of young national men and women singing patriotic songs and celebrating.
The event, which kicked off with a colourful display of fireworks and a 3D light and water show, was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Information; among several other dignitaries.


The 3D show held along the waterfront, near the promenade, projected national symbols in light which were suspended in the water. The show was displayed on a big screen, and lasted for about 10 minutes.
Emirati national Hamad Isbin Zayed, 20, said he and his friends had participated in numerous National Day events and parades throughout the city this year. “(Today’s) event at Festival City was perhaps the best. I also attended the line-up of events at the Union Circle near Jumeirah and we drove towards Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. I am proud to be part of such a great nation.”
The event was also attended by people belonging to other nationalities. Pakistani Naqib Qureshi, 30, said this year’s celebrations were fantastic.
“I came to UAE seven years back and two of my children were born here. I brought them here so that they learn about the history and culture of this nation.”
And even tourists partook in the festivities. 
Russian tourists Valeria and Ivan Morozov wore mufflers of red, white, green and black. 
“Its our first visit to Dubai and it happened to coincide with the National Day celebrations here. It feels great to see the celebrations. Also, the residents here made us a part of their celebrations,” the couple said.
Another Emirati Ahmed Al Jesmi, 20, who is a student at Ajman University, said getting stuck in traffic for several hours was worth being able to participate in Monday’s celebrations.
“(They) are getting better with the years...I personally went to check out the lineup of activities in Ajman, Sharjah, Downtown Burj Khalifa area and the Mamzar strip. It was great.”
And 22-year-old Emirati Mutlaq Mohammed said he and his family had spent a lot of time together, joining in various festivities.
“Every street corner looked beautiful, the festivities this year was just great.”
Fellow Emirati Mohammed Al Jasmi, 20, said he loved his country. “I am a proud Emirati and this National Day I went to all places where events were being held. The country looked beautiful and celebrations were great. The National Day is not just a day away from our routine lives, but an opportunity to celebrate the success and growth of our country.”

Source: Khaleej Times of Dubai