The UAE will embrace technology to ensure the traditional National Day show goes on amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Officials have vowed the Emirates will mark its 49th year in spectacular style – but with safety in mind in a year disrupted by the rise of Covid-19.
While tens of thousands traditionally pack into a stadium to soak in the patriotic fervour, this year's celebration will be staged in Abu Dhabi on December 2 without a public audience.
But it promises to be anything but a muted affair as a visually stunning production is beamed to homes across the seven emirates and beyond.
Dubbed "Seeds of the Union", the show will take the form of a moving sculpture surrounded by sea and illuminated by striking digital images representing key themes from the UAE's history and inspired by its values.
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, attend the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Seen with Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan (Back R) and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs (Back 2nd R). Abdullah Al Junaibi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs --- -
The Al Forsan aerobatic team perform a dazzling flyby during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Thousands of tribesmen took part in the March of the Union at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi. All pictures by Chris Whiteoak/The National -
Colourful celebrations were held as the country came together to mark National Day -
Tribesman proudly wave the national flag as they ride camels as part of the March of the Union -
The Yafaie tribe march as Emirati traditions are upheld at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival -
A vast crowd turned out in force at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival -
A young child holds the UAE flag aloft as Emiratis came together to recognise the remarkable rise of their country -
Members of the Socotri tribe prepare to stride out for the March of the Union -
More than 100 tribes united in celebration at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival -
The UAE's equine enthusiasm was showcased during the event -
The 48th anniversary of the formation of the United Arab Emirates was marked with a show of pomp, patriotism and pride -
The March of the Union honours the foundation of the United Arab Emirates -
The Yafaie tribe pay tribute to rich Emirati tradition -
The March of the Union proved to be a colourful carnival of culture -
Tribes participate in the Union March, during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Horsemen thrill the packed crowds during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Hamad Al Mansoori for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Camel riders fly the national flag during the March of the Union. Abdullah Al Neyadi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
A sea of red, white, green and black made for an impressive sight for thousands in attendance at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Eissa Al Hammadi for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
(L-R) Rear Admiral Pilot Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Major General Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Adviser, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office and Sheikh Mohamed bin Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, watch the Union March during the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
The nation will watch on television and online instead of filling seats inside a stadium as a live visual extravaganza honours the heritage and vision of the UAE.
The production was designed by a team of Emiratis and artistic director Es Devlin, known for creating large-scale performative sculptures and environments that fuse music, language and light.
She designed the closing ceremony for the London 2012 Summer Olympics, the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
"The Covid-19 pandemic required us to approach the official 49th UAE National Day celebrations in a new and ambitious way – one that uses digital visual technology to inspire an audience watching from home," said Khalfan Al Mazrouei, member of the organising committee of the Official 49th UAE National Day Celebration.
"The overarching theme of the live show is one of hope and optimism. Embracing the country’s rich legacy and traditions, it looks ahead to a vivid future in which we remain true to our values.
"The narrative of the show artistically revolves around the growth and transformation of a seed into a shoot and then finally into full bloom, mirroring the journey the UAE has taken in the last 49 years."
National Day pays homage to the landmark occasion the UAE was formed on December 2, 1971.
Emiratis and expatriates alike have joined together - just as seven emirates did 49 years ago - each year in a show of national pride in their homeland or land they have come to call home.
The Organising Committee said it was working to create a memorable live event that would capture the imagination of a public watching safely at home.
Strict Covid-19 measures will be in place to ensure the ambitious project is delivered safely.
A testing policy will be enforced for all crew and cast members involved in the elaborate production.
More details of the show’s content will be revealed in the weeks to come.
