ABU DHABI // The nation’s people poured into Zayed Sports Stadium in their tens of thousands on Wednesday night to celebrate the unique, 44-year success story that is the United Arab Emirates.
More than 50,000 were witness to a spectacular show that included troupes of performers, singers, an amazing precision military parade and an array of special effects that evoked the tale of the nation.
Among the crowd were Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces; and King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
Also attending were Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain; Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah; Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers.
Sheikha Fatima, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and widow of Founding President Sheikh Zayed, accompanied the wives of the Egyptian and Sudanese presidents.
The extravaganza was the result of two months’ work by 3,500 people, said Scott Givens, president of major events production company Five Currents.
“We have been working day and night to deliver one of the most memorable and emotional shows for the people of the UAE,” Mr Givens said.
Adil Juma, 30, an Emirati who flew in from Kuwait for National Day, said the show encapsulated the past, present and future.
“Today is that most special day where there is no difference between us, the ordinary citizen and the Rulers,” said Mr Juma. “It is the most special day of the year. How could I miss it?”
Fahad Mohammed, 21, and friends drove from Sharjah.
“It is such an amazing moment,” said the engineering student. “We are witnessing both the past and the future.
“We will work hard and do whatever we can so that our elders feel proud of us, exactly the way we feel proud of them. We will write the history with zeal and commitment.
“My friends and I have realised our responsibilities of being part of this amazing nation and have promised our elders to take this extraordinary country to the highest level.”
The show had three major parts, the first of which was Becoming Emirati, illustrating the journey from a desert-dwelling Bedouin society to the creation of the Federation.
It told the story of the Founding President, Sheikh Zayed, and the other Rulers who brought the emirates together under the one flag.
The second was Being Emirati, showing the country's shared values of generosity, dedication, sacrifice and hope. It included a tribute to the UAE servicemen, especially those who had given their lives in the line of duty.
The final act, Forever Emirati, portrayed the growth, development and prosperity of the country.
The centrepiece of the show was a gigantic ghaf, the national tree of the UAE, on centre stage.
“It represents the strength, unity and identity of Emirati society,” said Mohammed Al Qubaisi, a member of organising committee and spokesman for the event.
After a dreamlike opening sequence in which a young girl seemed to float around the stadium, the event moved on to a military parade in which hundreds of officers and soldiers, including men and women’s units, conducted a disciplined marching drill through the stadium.
Traditional poetry was also an important part of show, with the famous singer Eidha Menhali reciting a poem praising the nation and its Rulers, especially Sheikh Zayed.
A light show then depicted the fallen heroes as falcons, flying towards the heavens.
The event concluded with a traditional dance routine, with an army of men in a yola dance and young girls performing the raqs sha’ar hair dance.
Most of those in attendance were Emirati, with many expressing awe, delight and shedding a few tears.
Five Currents specialises in grand-scale stadium shows and has put together events including the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics and last year’s Sochi Winter Olympics.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
