UAE National Day celebrations at Al Dhaid.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

A majestic parade in Sharjah’s oasis, Al Dhaid city, signalled the start there of the UAE’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which continued till December 1. The parade garnered great public participation as it marched along with a band to the town’s heritage village, with flags and pictures of past Rulers held high.

At the heritage village, celebrations commenced with the UAE’s national anthem, followed by a speech by Mohammed bin Huwaiden Al Ketbi, Chairman of Al Dhaid Municipal Council. Soulful recitals by Emirati poet Sultan bin Ali, traditional Emirati shows and an orchestrated performance by the military band, also accompanied the event.

Participating families brought local crafts and traditional meals to the celebration. Several family competitions were held, and children went home with attractive prizes. One of the highlights of the celebrations was the 50th National Achievements Exhibition and a competition for the best youth project idea. The town of Al Bataeh in the outskirts of Sharjah began their UAE National Day celebrations on November 28, with an official parade that was joined by the town’s residents, who expressed their appreciation for their country.

 An Emirati tradition showcased at Sharjah National Park.

With the arrival of the parade at the municipality building, vibrant festivities unfolded, with folk shows and other traditional presentations. A performance by the students of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services expressed their love and pride for the UAE. The American University of Sharjah (AUS) celebrated the UAE National Day with a series of activities marking the Year of the 50th.

Organised by the Emirati Cultural Club at AUS, visitors to the event had the opportunity to enjoy a host of traditional performances and walk around the fully decorated AUS Plaza, to learn about the history and traditions of the UAE. The event included folkloric dances such as Al Ayalla and Al Harbiya that were performed by Al Fursan Band and a poetry recitation in collaboration with the Sharjah Heritage Foundation. A music performance by the AUS Choir was followed by a piano recital.

Heads of several Sharjah government departments and entities participated in the inauguration of UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations at the Sharjah National Park (SNP), which started on November 29, with the UAE national anthem. The fun and festivities for families and visitors were launched with a song titled ‘Sultan Al Qoloub’ (Sultan of Hearts) eulogising the achievements of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. A group of shadow play artists portrayed the story of the UAE’s formation and progress via an orchestrated theatre show titled ‘Sarray Al Khamseen’ (Palace of Fifty).

 Sharjah Museums Authority has announced free entry to commemorate National Day.

Quizzes were organised for children, with the winners taking home prizes. Sharjah Education Council’s (SEC) pavilion at the SNP hosted three activities. The formation of the UAE by the Founding Fathers was screened as part of the first activity, under the theme ‘My Story’. Themed ‘Play and Learn’, the second edutainment activity, served to enhance the children’s general knowledge. The last activity, named ‘UAE’s Vision’, motivated children to envision the future of the UAE for the next 50 years. A variety of folk and artistic performances by the Al Harbiyah band brought alive the cultural heritage of the UAE.

In a bid to ensure that the nation’s residents and citizens access all the entertaining and educational content, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) announced a comprehensive coverage plan of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. Sharjah’s popular English language radio station, Pulse 95, brings a variety of programmes focused on the many milestones the UAE crossed in the past 50 years, while also highlighting the nation’s plans for the next 50 years.

The channel will be broadcasting a live programme from Al Majaz in Sharjah, on December 2. During the live outdoor broadcast, the station will be engaging with listeners as well as live audiences through short quizzes. Winners will be given attractive prizes. Pulse 95 also posts short video clips extracted from interviews with 50 individuals from different nationalities residing in the UAE, in which the interviewees will be sharing personal stories of how their lives and jobs have transformed from the past to the present, and how they see their future in the UAE.

Sharjah TV broadcasts six informative shows celebrating the UAE’s Golden Jubilee highlighting achievements across sectors, including the challenges that were faced after the formation of the nation, which were overcome. Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) has announced free entry to all its museums on December 1 and 2, in celebration of UAE’s 50th National Day and its journey of successes over the past 50 years.

As part of its celebration, SMA will host an array of entertaining and educational activities including guided tours in English and Arabic that will introduce visitors to the rich Emirati heritage and achievements in various areas. Sharjah Media City (Shams) celebrated the UAE’s 50th National Day with a ceremony held at its headquarters with Shams staff and high-ranking officials in attendance, on November 30. The event included numerous events and activities, most notably the ‘village’ – a display that reflected Emirati heritage and told the story of the Union of the Seven Emirates.

Shams is joining the celebrations at Sharjah National Park from November 29 until December 3, where a corner dedicated for participations from government entities will serve as a platform for many of its educational and entertainment activities. Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Digital Office (SDO), has said that: “The Union’s 50th anniversary marks the milestone achievements over half a century which created the environment for new ambitions.”

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is celebrating 50 years of historic achievements made by the formation of the union by organising a series of activities and events on its historical and heritage sites over three days, December 2- 4. It has developed a series of cultural and entertainment activities aimed at the Emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors at the most prominent and historic sites across Dubai, including Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Hatta Heritage Village.