UAE leaders heralded the start of a 50-day countdown to the country's landmark Golden Jubilee celebrations.
On December 2 the nation will mark 50 years since its historic unification.
Members of the public are being invited to embrace the country's rich traditions and join the march to 50 years.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the hearts of the people of the UAE are united under the country's flag.
"Fifty days, and the Emirates will complete 50 years as one state," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"Its emirates are united ... its hearts are united ... its people raise one flag and rule for one constitution and wrap around one president.
"Fifty years to start our celebrations on December 2, 2021, God willing."
His message was shared by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
"In fifty days, our beloved country will celebrate its 50th UAE National Day. We approach this historic milestone with pride in our country’s achievements, gratitude to all contributors to the building of the nation and shared optimism for the promising future that lies ahead of us," Sheikh Mohamed said.
Preparations are gathering pace for the landmark National Day festivities this December.
Public can join 50 days to 50 countdown
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President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan poses with the rulers of the seven UAE federation member states in February 1972, just after Ras Al Khaimah became the seventh member. WAM -
Dubai Creek in 1976. Dubai is today one of the Arab world's most developed and important commercial centres. WAM -
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan walks in a Rabat street with the late Moroccan monarch, King Hassan II, during a visit to Morocco in 1980. WAM -
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan walks past supporters in the emirate of Fujairah during his in January 1972. WAM -
A boat in the port in Dubai, in December 1971. Shutterstock -
Picture dated December 1963 shows a general view of Al Ain city in the UAE. WAM -
The creek in Dubai, crowded with dhows. On the right is The National Bank of Dubai, in 1971. Shutterstock -
Sheikhs, falconers and guards during an audience at the palace in Sharjah, in November 1971. Shutterstock -
Folkore dancers perform at the inauguration of Dubai's international airport, in 1971. Shutterstock -
A car being loaded into an Arab Dhow in Dubai, in1971. Shutterstock -
View from a minaret at Umm Al Quwain, in 1971. Shutterstock -
An audience at the palace of the Ruler of Sharjah, where armed guards, falconers, cabinet officials, sheikhs and others mingle with invited guests, in November 1971. Shutterstock -
Cows enjoy the run of Dubai's streets in 1971. Shutterstock
The Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee is calling on the public to count down the days until the 50th anniversary.
The initiative, titled 50 days to 50, will feature a series of activities and events that will be promoted on the official UAE National Day social media platforms, @OfficialUAEND.
"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," said Shaikha Al Ketbi, head of creative strategy for the Year of the 50th.
Each day in the run-up to December 2, people are being invited to visit attractions, discover hidden gems around the country, learn and sing the UAE’s national anthem, submit photographs of locations in the country that are meaningful to them, and take part in the celebrations leading up to National Day with their friends and family.
Government departments, private companies, schools and organisations are also being asked to support the Golden Jubilee project.
The official National Day celebrations will be held on December 2. More details on the event will be announced soon.
UAE makes its mark
The UAE is setting out ambitious plans for another half century of achievement, while also reflecting on the remarkable rise of the Emirates since 1971.
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Egyptian singer Najat Al Saghira performs in Abu Dhabi for the 1972 National Day celebrations, which saw the first performance of the UAE national anthem. Photo: Al Ittihad -
The first Gulf Co-operation Council meeting at the InterContinental hotel in Abu Dhabi in 1981. Photo: Al Ittihad -
Passengers board the inaugural Emirates flight in 1985. Photo: Emirates -
Founding Father Sheikh Zayed flanked by Queen Elizabeth ll and Prince Philip before a lunch at the Hilton hotel in Abu Dhabi in February 1979. Getty Images -
The UAE national football team during a training session at Imola in Italy before the World Cup first-round matches in May 1990. AFP -
Jerry Bailey on Cigar celebrates after edging out Soul of the Matter to win the $4 million Dubai World Cup race in in March 1996. Horse of the Year Cigar claimed the $2.4 million first prize with its 14th consecutive victory. Allsport -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces at the time, joins Emirati officers during a training session in Canjuers, southern France, in July 1999, before their deployment in Kosovo. AFP -
Leaders and officials at funeral prayers for Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, at Abu Dhabi's Sultan bin Zayed Mosque on November 3, 2004. AFP -
Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family, returns to Dubai in August 2004 after winning a historic first gold medal during the Athens Olympics in the men's double trap shooting. AFP -
Fans watch second practice round action from the main grandstand at Etihad Airways Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit, on October 30, 2009. Stephen Lock / The National -
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the world's tallest building, lit by fireworks at the opening ceremony on January 4, 2010. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, officially opened the building, which is 828 metres tall. AFP -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during a moment of silence at a Commemoration Day flag-raising ceremony at Wahat Al Karama, November 20, 2016. Photo: Crown Prince Court -
Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri before boarding a Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station in September, 2019. EPA
The country has cemented its place on the global stage in recent years and has a blueprint for even greater success to come.
The Emirates is pressing ahead with renewed optimism as it continues to stage a watchful recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last week, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the UAE had "overcome the crisis" and called for people to return to normality.
The UAE has enjoyed a number of notable achievements in recent years, on the home front, internationally and into outer space.
In September, 2019, Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati to journey into space.
His momentous mission aboard the International Space Station paved the way for the rapid growth of the space sector.
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Hazza Al Mansouri, shortly after arriving back on Earth. Photo: MBRSC -
Hazza Al Mansouri wears an Emirati kandura on board the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri takes live Q&A from space and gives a tour of ISS. Screengrab via Youtube Live -
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid talks with Emirati astronaut, Hazza Al Mansouri, during a live satellite feed from the International Space Station. Photo: Dubai Media Office -
Hazza Al Mansouri answers questions from Emirati students studying in Japan during a live session on Monday. Photo: Jaxa -
One of the pictures Hazza Al Mansouri took while onboard the International Space Station. Photo: Hazza Al Mansouri -
Hazza Al Mansouri having breakfast aboard the International Space Station. The UAE's first astronaut received the Nasa Distinguished Public Service Medal in recognition of his service. Photo: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, welcomes Hazza Al Mansouri to Abu Dhabi. Wam -
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, presents a certificate to Astronaut Major Hazza Al Mansouri at Khalifa University Graduation Ceremony at Emirates Palace in 2019. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi tell of their experiences on the UAE space mission during a press conference in Dubai on Tuesday. Pawan Singh / The National -
Maj Hazza Al Mansouri with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office -
UAE's first astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri inside the Kibo lab on the International Space Station. Courtesy: Jaxa -
Hazza Al Mansouri was the first person from the United Arab Emirates to go into space. National Geographic -
Hazza Al Mansouri (left) and Sultan Al Neyadi carried the hopes of a nation as they prepared to venture into space. Courtesy: Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre -
Hazza Al Mansouri arrives at the Presidential Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Saturday. Wam -
Hazza Al Mansouri is tended to by ground crews. Nasa / Youtube screengrab -
Hazza Al Mansouri posted the image of the Soyuz to his Twitter page.
Including Maj Al Mansouri, the country has three other astronauts-in-training – including the first female from the Arab world.
The Hope probe successfully reached Mars orbit in February of this year, with the Moon and Venus in the sights of ambitious space chiefs.
Closer to home, the UAE oversaw the opening of the Barakah Nuclear Plant – a first for the Arab world – and the signing of the Abraham Accord that ushered in diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel.
The Etihad Rail megaproject, which will stretch about 1,200 kilometres across the country and will carry passengers and freight when completed, is also quickly taking shape.
The UAE announced on Thursday an ambitious strategic initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
The plan will mean Dh600 billion being invested in clean and renewable energy sources in the next three decades.
It comes in a crucial year in the fight to protect the planet, with the UAE building momentum ahead of the Cop26 climate talks in the UK next month.
UAE builds for next 50 years
While much has been achieved, the journey is far from over.
In September, the UAE rolled out plans for 50 new projects and initiatives to lead towards further prosperity.
The initiatives will be the cornerstone of growth as the country marks 50 years since unification.
Key projects announced include a plan to spend up to Dh24 billion ($6.53bn) on getting 75,000 Emiratis into private sector jobs and a Dh1 billion fund, under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to provide micro-loans for new graduates to support their business projects, in collaboration with UAE universities.
In March, President Sheikh Khalifa declared 2021 to be the 'Year of the 50th', ensuring a year-long celebration of the momentous occasion.
The Year of the 50th officially started on April 6 and will last until March 31 next year.
The declaration was coupled with the announcement of year-long initiatives, activities and grand celebrations.
These are being governed by the UAE Golden Jubilee Committee under the chairmanship of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, with Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed as deputy chairwoman.
