Tag: national day

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

Festivals, Fireworks to Mark National Day

Festivals, Fireworks to Mark National Day

As well as incredible performances in the sky, the celebrations will also see equally spectacular performances on the ground, with a whole host of live concerts set to thrill audiences…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

A spectacular line-up of events to celebrate National Day has been unveiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), with residents and visitors set to enjoy a whole host of family and community events from 1 to 3 December – and beyond.

A fantastic programme of thrilling events all over the emirate will invite everyone to share in the success of the nation, celebrate the last 50 years and look forward to the next five decades. The schedule of more than 20 immersive events will celebrate the UAE’s culture, diversity, and people through heritage-focused festivals, spectacular music and dance performances, thrilling sporting activities and breathtaking fireworks displays.

UAE FLAG

As a highlight of National Day weekend, on 2 December, Abu Dhabi’s night skies will be illuminated by the popular National Day Fireworks display. Dazzling spectacles of colour will light up the city skylines on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, in Al Ain and in Al Dhafra. Fireworks will also paint the skies above Al Maryah Island on 2 and 3 December. Each exhilarating show will start at 9pm. There will also be an additional National Day Fireworks Show at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall on 2 December at 8pm.

As well as incredible performances in the sky, the celebrations will also see equally spectacular performances on the ground, with a whole host of live concerts set to thrill audiences – with the fun set to begin even before National Day weekend, with popular Emirati singer Eidha Al Menhali performing at Qasr Al Hosn on 26 November.

This will be followed by concerts across National Day weekend, led by Iraqi artist Majed Al Mohandis and Iraqi singer-songwriter Aseel Hameem, who will take to the stage at Emirates Palace on 1 December. Emirati singer Hamad Al Ameri will perform at Qasr Al Hosn on 2 December, with Emirati singer Ahlam closing the weekend at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 3 December.

Performances of another type will be on offer at the Abu Dhabi Sports Aviation Club on 2 December, with a one-of-a-kind Skydive Show and Formation Jump, featuring 16 skydivers carrying the UAE flag and creating a ‘50’ formation above the city. Additionally, in cooperation with Jazira Club, there will be a fly-over featuring approximately 50 airplanes and local pilots, Paramotor and Parasailing Shows with the UAE flag, and for spectators watching on the big screen, gift giveaways of skydiving, parasailing and aviation vouchers. 

Also on 2 December, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall will host a National Day Flash Mob along with their fireworks show, from 6pm to 8pm. The mall will also host the Sheikh Zayed Hologram interactive experience and screenings of Majlis the Story of the 50th, a film which uses archival footage to recount the UAE’s successful journey over the last 50 years. Both attractions will be open from 10am to 10pm until 4 December. There will also be a film screening at Qasr Al Hosn , where there will be a special ‘50 Year’ film screening with the first 50 guests on 2 December also treated to a private experience of the attraction.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations continue with Marsana at Hudayriyat Island’s special Year of the 50th activations from 1 – 3 December, as well as celebrations at Sheikha Fatima Park and Qasr Al Muwaiji. Cultural Foundation will see performances of Sailing the Silk Road by the renowned Caracalla Dance Theatre, the interactive exhibition Al Mujamma, plus art installations and screenings of films by Emirati filmmakers. Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat will host immersive art installations and workshops over the weekend.

Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa and Al Jahili Fort will also be participating in National Day celebrations with exhibitions of historical artefacts from life in Abu Dhabi over the last 50 years on show, and activations which embrace Emirati culture through art, music and gastronomy. In addition, over on Yas Island, the Island’s many entertainment, hospitality and dining attractions will be celebrating the UAE’s Golden Jubilee with 50 days of exclusive offers and competitions.

Festivals, Fireworks to Mark National Day

There will also be two fantastic ‘Seasons’ that coincide with the National Day celebrations. Firstly, Abu Dhabi Culinary Season will continue until 9 December, celebrating the UAE’s gastronomic landscape from the last 50 years, with outlets taking guests on a food journey through a special culinary activation: the Trademark Story campaign. Taking part in the campaign are 17 malls and over 100 restaurants offering trademark dishes for a special price of AED 50.

There will also be the start of the Abu Dhabi Winter Shopping Season – which starts on 2 December and run until 31 January 2022 – offering exclusive deals and discounts, with plenty of shop-and-win promotions, across popular brands at the emirate’s malls.

ALSO READ: Sharjah to mark UAE’S 50th year with series of festivities and family entertainment

Enhancing the National Day experience for everyone across the weekend, Abu Dhabi residents and visitors will also be mesmerised by the National Day Golden Jubilee light decorations, which are lining the city’s roads, leading to the attractions and events. The vibrant lights, adorning streetlamps and rails, show modern abstract shapes, the UAE flag intertwined with a ‘50’ and the UAE emblem.

In celebration of the nation’s momentous milestone, DCT Abu Dhabi has launched the Jubilee Cultural Pass, granting free or discounted access to a diverse range of cultural sites and museums across the emirate

Categories
Arab News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah to mark UAE’S 50th year with series of festivities and family entertainment

Sharjah to mark UAE’S 50th year with series of festivities and family entertainment

The celebrations will start on November 23 in Khorfakkan, and continue in the cities ofAl Madam, Al Hamriyah and Dibba Al Hisn until November 25…reports Asian Lite News

Cities and towns across all regions of Sharjah will mark the nation’s remarkable 50-year journey with a series of festivities and family entertainment, November 23 – 25, the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee has announced.

Sharjah to mark UAE’S 50th year with series of festivities and family entertainment

Khorfakkan, Al Hamriyah, Al Madam and Dibba Al Hisn are all gearing up for a spectacular cultural feast that will be dotted by artistic shows, poetry sessions, theatre, film screenings, music concerts and acrobatic performances suitable for all ag groups.

Khorfakkan celebrations

On November 23, a hot-air balloon, with the image of the ‘UAE President’, will be launched at 6pm from the iconic Greek-inspired Khorfakkan Amphitheatre and fly high across the eastern coastal city. Poet Fayez Al Yamahi will enchant audiences with a recital that will honour the country’s heritage and history.

Performances by musicians, artists and dancers highlighting the rich UAE identity will turn the streets and squares of the picturesque ancient city into theatrical stages.

Residents and visitors can also look forward to live music concerts, acrobatic shows and theatre, in addition to a special film screening which will recount the country’s successful 50-year journey.

Sharjah to mark UAE’S 50th year with series of festivities and family entertainment

Al Madam

Visitors and residents of Al Madam city are in for a vibrant programme of musical shows and poetry sessions on November 25 that will kick off at 9am at the city’s municipality building, with prominent artists and classical Arabic poets in attendance. The audience can also win prizes by participating in the ‘How do you envision Al Madam after 50 years?’ video clip competition.

ALSO READ: Sharjah Publishing City facilitates 38 publishing companies

Al Hamriyah celebratory parade

The coastal town of Al Hamriyah will celebrate UAE’s 50th National Day with a grand celebratory parade. Additionally, at 4:30 pm on November 25, the heritage village of Al Hamriyah will bring Emirati maritime traditions to life through a broad range of activities, including workshops and games for all age groups.

Dibba Al Hisn

On November 25, Dibba Al Hisn will host a wide variety of activities beginning with a parade, followed by folk shows and musical performances. The festivities will begin at 4pm.

Categories
-Top News Events UAE News

UAE@50: Global Village kicks off month-long celebration

UAE@50: Global Village kicks off month-long celebration

Global Village launches the 50 Years of Togetherness photography contest…reports Asian Lite News

Global Village, the UAE and wider region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, attractions and entertainment, begins its month-long UAE National Day celebrations on the 50th Flag Day of our Nation.

UAE@50: Global Village kicks off month-long celebration

Partnering with Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), Global Village launches the 50 Years of Togetherness photography contest. The competition is designed to create a collection of photographs exploring shared identities and values through the lens of individuals with a unique vision of cultural diversity. Starting on Flag Day until the UAE National Day on 2nd December, the contest welcomes submissions celebrating multiculturalism, diversity and tolerance from amateur and professional photographers alike.

Participants must be over 18 years of age and those using professional cameras are required to apply for a permit on the Global Village website. All entries must be uploaded on HIPA’s website.

Commenting on the partnership, Ali Bin Thalith, Secretary-General, HIPA, said, “Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award is pleased to collaborate with Global Village, for their fiftieth National Day celebrations of the UAE, with the launch of an exciting photography competition. The UAE is one of the leading countries in the world that promotes multiculturalism, diversity and tolerance, and Global Village with its unique attractions, appeal to all nationalities locally and internationally.”

“In line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and Patron of HIPA, we are continuously spreading the culture of photography and the essential role it plays in promoting diversity and coexistence in today’s modern world. We invite all amateur and professional photographers to join this exciting competition and submit their photographs representing the theme ‘50 Years of Togetherness’ in this unique destination that welcomes everyone. We wish you all success.”

ALSO READ: Global Village Opens With Unique Experiences

Beyond winning a HIPA photography contest the 1st Prize winner will receive a AED50,000 cash prize and a gold trophy, the 2nd Prize winner will receive AED26,000, a silver trophy and a Global Village goodie bag, the 3rd Prize winner will receive AED26,000 and a glass trophy. The Top 10 runner ups will receive Global Village Experience Packs, including Entry Tickets and Wonder Pass cards. The contest will close on National Day, 2nd December. The Winners will be announced on 4th January in an award ceremony at the Global Village Main Stage.

Bader Anwahi, CEO at Global Village, said, “50 Years of Togetherness celebrates the strength and beauty of the UAE’s inclusive spirit, where modern living, prosperity and technological innovation are born from cultural harmony and creativity. We are honoured to collaborate with Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award for this unique photography contest featuring three interweaving themes – multiculturalism, inclusion and openmindedness. The jury will be looking for exceptional images and a strong narrative illustrating the wonder that is created when different cultures join together as one.”

Global Village hasn’t forgotten the younger shutterbugs either. Photographers under the age of 18 will have their own social media contest with the same theme. To enter young photographers simply need to upload images illustrating “50 years of togetherness” on Instagram using hashtags #GVWOW and #Together between 3rd November and 30th November. Winners for the children’s contest will be announced on 2nd December, the UAE’s National Day. The jury are looking for participants who push their creative boundaries by capturing spectacular, split-second moments and introduce viewers to fascinating people and unique cultural perspectives at Global Village.

Numerous other events and activations will be revealed throughout the month including the Dubai Cultural Authority UAE Quiz on weekends through every Thursday and Friday of the month and some very special guest performances from 1st – 4th December.

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

UAE Codes Day to witness over 65 nationwide events

UAE Codes Day to witness over 65 nationwide events

The ‘UAE Codes’ Day coincides with the anniversary of inaugurating the first e-government in the region twenty years ago by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, on 29th October, 2001…reports Asian Lite News

The ‘UAE Codes’ Day is set to begin on Friday, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to adopt 29th October an annual day to celebrate coding.

The day acknowledges the most prominent achievements in the fields of coding and computer science, and recognises successful initiatives aiming to attract and enable a new generation of coders who would help boost the UAE’s march towards the future and achieve the UAE Centennial 2071 goals.

On this occasion, Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, stated that the UAE’s digital transformation, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, secured the UAE’s position as a global destination for empowering youth with future skills, tools and modern technologies to enhance their participation in developing innovative solutions to address challenges and create a better future.

Al Olama added, “The ‘UAE Codes’ day encourages youth to adopt coding and AI technologies and master the language of the future. It further helps them enhance their capabilities in technological innovation, provides them with an exceptional platform to celebrate their achievements, and highlights the efforts of the UAE in building a new generation of coders and innovators. These efforts aim to consolidate the UAE’s global position as an incubator and enabler for talents and skills employing modern technologies in an advanced ecosystem as a main pillar of the UAE’s development towards the Next 50.”

The ‘UAE Codes’ Day coincides with the anniversary of inaugurating the first e-government in the region twenty years ago by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, on 29th October, 2001. It aims to provide a platform for coders, exceptional talents and future skills in the fields of AI and coding, celebrate their achievements, and highlights the UAE’s progress in fields of the 4IR, coding, and adoption of AI technologies.

ALSO READ: The rise in international visitors will provide relief for the UAE’s retail sector

The UAE Codes Day will witness more than 65 events organised by about 50 organisations and entities across the UAE. Activities will include mainly workshops, competitions, coding hackathons, and other events aiming to introduce community members to the basics of coding and motivates them to gain knowledge. The events also aim to acquaint participants with the contribution of coding to the great evolution the world is witnessing today and its role in promoting societies’ development.

The UAE Codes Day focuses on enhancing exchange of experiences and knowledge, upskilling coding and computer science capabilities, and providing unique opportunities to new generations to participate in designing the future. This reflects the efforts of the UAE government and complements the National Program for Coders’ efforts to promote learning programming language, coding and excel in it.

Categories
-Top News Dubai UAE News

50 Days To 50

For the first time in the history of the UAE, celebrations of the National Day will begin 50 days before 2nd December to mark the country’s Golden Jubilee milestone…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

As part of the Year of the 50th celebrations, the UAE’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee invites the public for nationwide celebrations to mark a 50-day countdown to the 50th UAE National Day on 2nd December, 2021.

For the first time in the history of the UAE, celebrations of the National Day will begin 50 days before 2nd December to mark the country’s Golden Jubilee milestone. The initiative, titled 50 days to 50, invites all those who call the UAE home to participate in the celebrations by following a series of activations, rituals, and challenges on the official UAE National Day social media platforms @OfficialUAEND.

Commenting on the 50 Days to 50 initiative, Shaikha Al Ketbi, Head of Creative Strategy of the Year of the 50th, said, “We cannot but acknowledge and admire the UAE’s achievements for the past 50 years, culminating towards an exceptional year.”

“With over 200 nationalities living in the UAE, we invite everyone who calls the UAE home to celebrate by learning more about the traditions and rituals that make our great society, and participate in our daily activities in the lead up to the official National Day Ceremony,” she added.

Every day, people in the UAE are invited to visit attractions, discover hidden gems around the country, learn and sing the UAE’s national anthem, submit photographs of different locations in the country that are meaningful to them, and participate in the joyous celebrations leading up to the National Day with their friends and family.

The Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee also invites all government entities, private companies, schools and organizations to join the nation in celebrating every day for the next 50 days.

The Official 50th National Day Celebration will take place on 2nd December. More information about the ceremony will be announced soon.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE is country of choice for Arab youth for 10th straight year’

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared the year 2021 as ‘The Year of the 50th’ to commemorate 50 years since the nation’s founding in 1971. Since April 2021, those who call the UAE home have been invited to celebrate their achievements, honour the ‘Early Dreamers’ in their families, and write ‘Letters to the Future’ about the progress they wish to see in the next 50 years to come.

More information is available on the official UAE National Day social media accounts @OfficialUAEND on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter; and on the official website www.UAENationalDay.ae.

EXPO 2020

Expo opens doors to new era of tourism

In a reflection of the huge boost that Expo 2020 Dubai has given to global tourism recovery, key stakeholders and partners opened the doors to a new era for Dubai’s tourism industry at a ceremony marking the symbolic opening of the Expo 2020 Dubai entry portal.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), flanked by a group of stakeholders and partners, participated in the opening of the Expo 2020 Dubai’s towering entry portal to the Sustainability district.

The opening of the gates was accompanied by the playing of the Expo 2020 Dubai theme song ‘This is our time’ before the distinguished group of visitors from the tourism industry were warmly welcomed by an Emirati traditional band.

ALSO READ: Najah to set its debut in Dubai at Expo 2020

The daily symbolic opening of Expo Portals is part of the programme to welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai and also to celebrate the pivotal role played by diverse domestic sectors and establishments, stakeholders and partners in the true spirit of collaboration in the making of a new world. Similar entry portals are also established at the other two thematic districts of Expo 2020 Dubai – Opportunity and Mobility.

With the participation of over 190 countries and people from all walks of life and age groups, Expo 2020 Dubai has placed Dubai’s tourism sector in a unique position to drive growth while further reinforcing the city’s position as a global icon of multiculturalism.

The event is well set to deliver an exceptional showcase of Dubai to visitors and participants and to millions following the event from around the world.

Categories
-Top News Europe

Italy marks 75th national day with low-key celebrations

Addressing the nation on TV, President Sergio Mattarella stressed the need for Italy and the European Union to be united during difficult times…reports Asian Lite News.

People across Italy marked the country’s 75th national day with scaled-back celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the government scrapping the traditional military parades and public speeches.

But Rome’s streets on Wednesday were still filled with people venturing out amid the newly eased coronavirus restrictions, Xinhua news agency reported.

On June 2, 1946, a national referendum created the first Italian Republic, which removed the monarchy that had officially ruled the country since it was unified in 1861.

One of the most recognisable traditions of the day remained unchanged for this year’s celebration: a formation of nine fighter jets trailing green, white, and red smoke — the colours of the Italian flag — soared over the Altar of the Fatherland, the over-sized monument standing over Rome’s main square, Piazza Venezia.

But other traditions including a military parade along the city’s Via dei Fori Imperiali and speeches by political and military leaders were scrapped for the second consecutive year.

Addressing the nation on TV, President Sergio Mattarella stressed the need for Italy and the European Union to be united during difficult times.

“The conception of a common good, more important than any idea since, has led us to be a dedicated part of the European Union, which is an essential element of its own national identity,” he said.

“This terrible experience of the pandemic … has made evident the profound interdependence of the destiny of our people and has shown that the only effective forms of coordination have proved able to defeat it.”

Earlier in the day, Mattarella laid a wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland at Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The scaled-back celebrations marking the anniversary did not reduce the number of people on the streets of the capital.

“This is a holiday about the new Italy after World War II and this time it also has the feeling about a new Italy after the worst of the pandemic,” said Leo Esposito, a municipal government worker enjoying ice cream with his wife and two young children.

“We are all hoping things will continue getting better for us.”

Annalisa Bettin, a university student out in Rome’s Trastevere neighbourhood with two classmates, agreed.

“We all spend most of the last year or more inside social distancing,” Bettin said.

“We need to get out and to take a step back toward normal. The situation is improving. Using the June 2 holiday as an excuse to get outside and do some things and relax a little makes good sense to me.”

ALSO READ-Italy cable car crash kills 13

READ MORE-flydubai resumes its operations to Italy