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.
As their journey continues, The National asked three of the students a few questions about the country they are exploring for the first time:
MARYAM DARWISH, 16, DUBAI
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?
I would let them learn the past and present of the UAE in an unconventional way, by seeing heritage sites first, then less-developed places, and then the more advanced attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa.
What did you learn about that you did not know before?
I got to know the city of the great leader and father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed. I also got to know the most famous oasis in Al Ain city.
What have you enjoyed most about the Journey of the Union?
The Journey of the Union is a unique opportunity; it is full of surprises and every visit we make to a place in a UAE city is an achievement for us and for the journey.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the UAE in the past 43 years?
Winning the Expo 2020 bid is one of the greatest UAE achievements.
What are the ideals that you would suggest to young people to give back to their community and country?
Try to pursue excellence from an early age, and to serve your country with little things such as volunteerism, until you get to the point of getting a job, which should be one that allows you to serve your country.
SHEIKHA AL BAYRAQ, 15, 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?
I would suggest that they visit the Burj Khalifa and see how flawless the tower is.
What is the one thing you would like the rest of the UAE to know about your home emirate?
Everything is important in my country but I’d show them Sheikh Zayed’s achievements, because without him this would not exist.
What did you learn about that you did not know before?
I’ve learnt a lot and I’m curious to learn more. I learnt a lot about the Strata company, which is the only company in the Emirates that is making aircraft pieces.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the UAE in the past 43 years?
I learnt that my country will always be one in a million and we will never stop creativity.
What message will you take away from the Journey of the Union?
The Journey of the Union’s mission is to teach us how to take responsibility, how to work with each other and that we should be united as one.
What are the ideals that you would suggest to young people to give back to their community and country?
In my opinion we should work hard in school so we can achieve the best in future.
NOURA HABEEB AL ATTAR, 16, RAS AL KHAIMAH
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?
With much pride and no hesitation, I would take you to Al Bastakiya in the Emirate of Dubai, for it reflects the warmth of a welcome and ancient heritage. A tourist who is not familiar with our heritage and local customs and does not know the duress of our past will not grasp how much we pride ourselves on our Emirati identity. Al Bastakiya embodies such a past in a simple journey between its walls, explaining every link we have with our ancient history.
What is the one thing you would like the rest of the UAE to know about your home emirate?
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah features a unique archaeological heritage. It is a touristic destination as it gathers different landscapes from mountains and deserts to plantations and beaches.
What did you learn about that you did not know before?
I was unaware of how hard the emirate of Abu Dhabi was working for the sake of future generations and Masdar City is a direct reflection of such work.
What are you most proud of as an Emirati that you learnt on the Journey of the Union?
I am so proud of my fellow Emiratis. They are striving to be the first in various fields and internationally, and planning for a bright future. I strongly believe the UAE will reach its goals and I shall be very proud of this.
What have you enjoyed most about the Journey of the Union?
The trip taught me much about my dear country. The more my knowledge and culture grows, the more my honour grows.
What, in your opinion, is the greatest achievement of the UAE in the last 43 years?
The UAE witnessed tremendous development in various fields over the past 43 years and all we see today are but true achievements. Since the union 43 years back and until this day, the UAE has strived to achieve until it has surpassed everyone, ranking first in the Arab world and internationally with innumerable achievements.
What national or cultural characteristic do you most admire about Emiratis?
Emiratis are known for their generosity and good manners, and anyone who takes the Journey of the Union will certainly know what I mean.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
