DUBAI // As the country prepares to celebrate National Day, 28 gifted Emirati school pupils have begun their travels across the seven emirates on a journey of national identity.
The Journey of The Union, an initiative from Al Bayt Mitwahid, an association formed by employees of the Crown Prince Court, aims to teach the pupils about the achievements of each of the emirates over the past 43 years and foster greater awareness of the path and strength that shaped the United Arab Emirates.
The day 3 of the 10-day bus journey took the students to Burj Khalifa in Dubai. For many it was their first time visiting the 823-metre high skyscraper.
As their journey continues, The National asked three of the students a few questions about the country they are exploring for the first time:
FATMAH AL SALAWI, 15, FUJAIRAH
If a visitor who had never been to the UAE were here for a day and you could show them anything, what would it be and why?
First of all, I would welcome our visitor and introduce him to our traditions and customs. I would also recommend that he visits some of our major tourist sites such as Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is the UAE’s biggest mosque. I am sure that he will be impressed.
What is the one thing you would like the rest of the UAE to know about your home emirate?
I hail from a very peaceful and calm emirate between the coast and surrounding mountains. I personally believe that Al Badiyah Mosque is one of Fujairah’s, but also the UAE’s, most important sites as it is the oldest mosque in the country.
What did you learn about the emirate you are in today that you did not know?
I have learnt that Sheikh Zayed first lived in Al Ain City.
What are you most proud of as Emirati that you learnt today?
We have visited many impressive places such as Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, the architecturally rich Al Ain Palace and plenty of beautiful oases.
If you had to pick one word to sum up this journey, what would it be?
Amazing.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the UAE in the past 43 years?
Burj Khalifa.
What is a national or cultural characteristic that you admire most about Emiratis?
Respect for others.
ALI SALIF SHAWI, 16, UMM AL QUWAIN
If a visitor who had never been to the UAE were here for a day and you could show them anything, what would it be and why?
Dubai. Recently, Dubai has made record achievements, regionally and internationally.
What is the one thing you would like the rest of the UAE to know about your home emirate?
Historic palaces and museums – Umm Al Quwain gathers about 14 archeological museums and palaces.
What did you learn about the emirate you are in today that you did not know?
I heard that the city of Al Ain has beautiful green landscapes but I had never imagined it was that wonderful until we visited Al Ain’s Oasis.
What was the highlight of your journey so far?
We visited the Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium – God bless him – and met Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
What is the one thing that stood out about your meeting with Sheikh Abdullah?
I was overwhelmed with happiness when we took pictures with His Highness and I wish it could happen once more.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the UAE in the past 43 years?
The country has had many achievements and successes – and they are ongoing.
What are the ideals that you would suggest to young people to give back to their community and country?
We have to raise our new generations to love this country and hold to its Islamic customs and traditions.
RUAA AL SHEHHI, 16, RAS AL KHAIMAH
If a visitor who had never been to the UAE were here for just one day, and you could show them anything, what would it be and why?
To be honest, that has to be a hard one as there are so many great places in the UAE that I would love to take them to. Al Ain would be great. It combines the modern days and the old days of the UAE. It really does inherit a lot of our culture.
What is the one thing you would like the rest of the UAE to know about your home emirate?
RAK is one among the many places in the UAE. It attracts the tourists as it does have a lot of places that showcase the culture and show who we really are. One cannot forget the kind people who live here.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the UAE in the past 43 years?
To pick just one thing is hard, so I’d like to say that my whole country on its own is a great achievement.
What does National Day mean to you?
It is about all the greatness of my country, which I feel most proud to belong to.
If you could teach the world one thing about the UAE, what would it be?
How it became great.
What is the one thing you learnt on this journey that you did not know before?
The story of Sheikh Zayed’s home at Al Ain.
What would you suggest to young people who would like to learn more about UAE?
Read more, ask more, and join this trip next year.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
