The 52nd Union Day in the United Arab Emirates was commemorated with a splendid celebration at Expo City Dubai’s Jubilee Park, coinciding with the third day of the Cop28 summit. On December 2, the country observed the annual anniversary of its formation, marked by a unique show that highlighted the rich heritage of the UAE, conducted in both Arabic and English languages.
The festivities were embraced by millions of residents from diverse backgrounds, including different faiths, races, cultures, and nationalities across the seven emirates. The event was graced by the presence of the rulers of six emirates and invited heads of state who were visiting for the climate summit, led by President Sheikh Mohamed. The occasion put the past, present, and future of the UAE in the spotlight.
The celebration seamlessly intertwined the legacy of the country’s ancestors with its technological advancements. Through captivating performances and storytelling, the Union Day event portrayed the UAE’s vision of a sustainable future, emphasising global collaboration to address climate challenges through innovation and collective action. While the performance at Expo City was limited to exclusive spectators, it was broadcast on television and online. Those who missed it will have the opportunity to join the celebrations in person at the 700-seat theatre in the upcoming days, as the Union Day show will be a ticketed event at Expo City Dubai’s Jubilee Park from December 5 to 12.
The festivities commenced with a portrayal of an elderly Emirati woman engaging in Al Sadu, a traditional UAE weaving technique deeply rooted in Bedouin culture. This technique, involving the weaving of camel fur, goat hair, or sheep’s wool into a variety of items, has been an integral part of Emirati heritage for centuries.
The celebration continued with scenes showcasing the diverse nature of the UAE, with school pupils presenting sustainable dioramas representing their favourite landscapes in commemoration of the “Year of Sustainability.” This was followed by tightly choreographed dances themed ‘Navigating Climate Shifting together’ and ‘Actioning Innovation,’ which highlighted climate activists worldwide, including Zayed Sustainability prize winners.
The final segment of the show, ‘Progress to Global Unity,’ underscored the role of young people in shaping the nation’s future while exemplifying the convergence of tradition and technology with a young Emirati engaging in Al Sadu weaving and a young woman delicately guiding a mechanical arm with dance-like movements. The show concluded with a heartwarming display as children of various nationalities, dressed in vibrant outfits, joyfully waved the UAE flags.
Given that the celebration took place at the site of the Cop28, fireworks were not included. Instead, the event concluded with a presentation of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, designed to chart a path towards peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
The UAE’s 52nd Union Day celebration was truly a remarkable blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, symbolising the country’s commitment to sustainability and global unity. As the world looks towards the UAE for climate leadership, this event served as a poignant reminder of the nation’s continuous efforts towards a greener and more equitable future.
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