National Day is just around the corner. While some will use the time to travel, others will stay in the country they now call home to enjoy the holiday festivities.
Long weekends are great, and we all enjoy the extended time off, but what exactly is the significance of National Day in the UAE? And what is happening in the country to mark the occasion?
We break down the origins, the interesting facts and the best places to mark the country's 46th anniversary.
What is National Day?
National Day in the UAE is celebrated on December 2 each year. This holiday marks the day the emirates banded together at Union House (now Etihad Museum) to form the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan was the country's first president.
What are the names of the seven emirates?
Abu Dhabi … the capital of the UAE has many attractions including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and some of the world's best roller coasters and theme parks.
Ajman … an emirate that has many cultural attractions including the Ajman Museum.
Dubai … home to the world's tallest tower – for now. Burj Khalifa is 828m in height, 830m to tip.
Fujairah … houses the UAE's oldest mosque, Al Badiyah (Ottoman Mosque).
Ras Al Khaimah … an emirate boasting one of the highest peaks in the country. Jebal Jais is 1,934m above sea level and is part of a mountain range on the border of the UAE and Oman. It also is home to the Alma Retreat, perfect for a getaway.
Sharjah … Unesco designated Sharjah as the Cultural Capital of the Arab world in 1998. So attractions such as the Sharjah Arts Museum, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation and the Eye of the Emirates Wheel are all well worth a visit.
Umm Al Quwain … the emirate where the world's oldest pearl was discovered.
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Read more: The first cultured pearl farm in the world
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What is the UAE’s national anthem?
The UAE's national anthem or Ishi Bilady, translated into English is Long Live my Nation. The anthem was initially composed by Mohammed Abdel Wahab. In addition to the UAE's anthem, the Egyptian singer and composer is also credited for the Tunisian and Libyan anthems too.
In 1986, Dr Aref Al Sheikh was given just three days to write the lyrics. The poet and columnist was commissioned by the Acting Minister of Education, Ahmed Humaid Al Tayyer, to write the lyrics. In an interview with The National, he recalls the process of writing the lyrics. "I kept replaying the music of the anthem over and over again, waiting for the words to come to my mind," he said. "You can't imagine how beautiful and amazing it feels to be part of history and to remember you had a role in the words every time you hear the national anthem sung by its citizens".
Read the full interview here
The anthem:
Live my country, the unity of our Emirates lives
You have lived for a nation
Whose religion is Islam and guide is Quran
I made you stronger in God's name oh homeland
My country, my country, my country, my country
God has protected you from the evils of time
We have sworn to build and work
Work sincerely, work sincerely
As long as we live, we will be sincere, sincere,
The safety has lasted and the flag has lived oh our Emirates
The Symbol of Arabist
We all sacrifice for you, we will supply you with our blood
We sacrifice for you we will supply you with our blood
We sacrifice you with our souls oh homeland
Who designed the flag?
The designer of the UAE’s flag is Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah. More than a thousand entries were submitted into a competition to design the country’s flag, and after a process of elimination, it was his design that was chosen as the winning entry.
The flag was hoisted above Mushrif Palace in 1971.
How Al Maainah reacted to the news of him winning the competition
How many days off do we have?
Government offices will be closed on Thursday, November 30, and reopen on Monday, December 4 in celebration of the country’s 46th birthday. Private sector employees will have a three-day weekend, with work commencing on Sunday, December 3.
What can I do on National Day?
Most schools and businesses are closed for two days over the National Day period, depending on whether they belong to public or private sector. During this time, many choose to travel, but for those staying in the country, there are a whole host of festivities, activities and entertainment on offer, including concerts, parades and firework displays.
Some may choose to decorate their cars and get involved in parades. Here are some guidelines when decorating your car:
And here are a few suggestions for some National Day activities:
Etihad Museum
Use the weekend to learn more about the country; its history, people, food and culture by visiting this historic landmark on 2nd of December Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Check the website for opening hours.
Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi
The mall has a host of exciting activities and events in the build-up to and during the National Day weekend. Some the entertainment includes mini golf, bubble soccer, and National Day-themed exhibitions for the whole family to enjoy.
Dubai Rugby Sevens
It’s time to put on your most festive fancy dress attire in support of your favourite team as the Dubai Sevens returns from November 30 to December 2.
Read more: Dubai Rugby Sevens 2017: All you need to know
Getaways in the UAE – check out this hideaway in Ajman
The National's Hayley Skirka recommends a trip to Ajman. It might be the smallest emirate, but it boasts some exquisite sandy beaches and amazing wildlife. Plus, it's less than an hour away from Dubai. The Oberoi Beach Resort recently opened, so if you're looking for a night or two away, be sure to get your bookings in soon. If you're feeling quite active, you can dive into the 80-metre lap pool, run on the beach track or play some golf on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course.
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See more National Day activities here:
Check out the rest of our staycations list
Celebrations span arts, culture and lifestyle experiences in the UAE
Guidelines issued on car decorations for UAE National Day
Private sector employees get long weekend for UAE National Day 2017
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Dragon Mart heritage-themed village
Dragon Mart 2 will be celebrating the 46th UAE National Day with a host of activities from 28 November, including free traditional food and drinks between 5 and 10pm. Immerse yourself into the UAE culture by exploring the many Emirati handicrafts, fashion accessories and traditional clothes on show. You can also snap a selfie with the regal national bird of the UAE — the falcon.
What will you be doing for National Day 2017?
Tell us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenational.ae/, send in a National Day photo on Instagram or tweet us @TheNationalUAE
Company%20Profile
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Brown/Black belt finals
3pm: 49kg female: Mayssa Bastos (BRA) v Thamires Aquino (BRA)
3.07pm: 56kg male: Hiago George (BRA) v Carlos Alberto da Silva (BRA)
3.14pm: 55kg female: Amal Amjahid (BEL) v Bianca Basilio (BRA)
3.21pm: 62kg male: Gabriel de Sousa (BRA) v Joao Miyao (BRA)
3.28pm: 62kg female: Beatriz Mesquita (BRA) v Ffion Davies (GBR)
3.35pm: 69kg male: Isaac Doederlein (BRA) v Paulo Miyao (BRA)
3.42pm: 70kg female: Thamara Silva (BRA) v Alessandra Moss (AUS)
3.49pm: 77kg male: Oliver Lovell (GBR) v Tommy Langarkar (NOR)
3.56pm: 85kg male: Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE) v Rudson Mateus Teles (BRA)
4.03pm: 90kg female: Claire-France Thevenon (FRA) v Gabreili Passanha (BRA)
4.10pm: 94kg male: Adam Wardzinski (POL) v Kaynan Duarte (BRA)
4.17pm: 110kg male: Yahia Mansoor Al Hammadi (UAE) v Joao Rocha (BRA
HAEMOGLOBIN DISORDERS EXPLAINED
Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.
Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.
The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.
The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.
A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
Background: Chemical Weapons
Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBhuvan%20Bam%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fbhuvan.bam22%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%2016.1%20million%3Cbr%3EBhuvan%20Bam%20is%20a%2029-year-old%20comedian%20and%20actor%20from%20Delhi%2C%20who%20started%20out%20with%20YouTube%20channel%2C%20%E2%80%9CBB%20Ki%20Vines%E2%80%9D%20in%202015%2C%20which%20propelled%20the%20social%20media%20star%20into%20the%20limelight%20and%20made%20him%20sought-after%20among%20brands.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EKusha%20Kapila%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkushakapila%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%203.1%20million%3Cbr%3EKusha%20Kapila%20is%20a%20fashion%20editor%20and%20actress%2C%20who%20has%20collaborated%20with%20brands%20including%20Google.%20She%20focuses%20on%20sharing%20light-hearted%20content%20and%20insights%20into%20her%20life%20as%20a%20rising%20celebrity.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDiipa%20Khosla%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fdiipakhosla%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%201.8%20million%3Cbr%3EDiipa%20Khosla%20started%20out%20as%20a%20social%20media%20manager%20before%20branching%20out%20to%20become%20one%20of%20India's%20biggest%20fashion%20influencers%2C%20with%20collaborations%20including%20MAC%20Cosmetics.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EKomal%20Pandey%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkomalpandeyofficial%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%201.8%20million%3Cbr%3EKomal%20Pandey%20is%20a%20fashion%20influencer%20who%20has%20partnered%20with%20more%20than%20100%20brands%2C%20including%20Olay%20and%20smartphone%20brand%20Vivo%20India.%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENikhil%20Sharma%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fnikkkhil%2F%3Fhl%3Den%22%20target%3D%22_self%22%3EInstagram%3C%2Fa%3E%20followers%3A%201.4%20million%3Cbr%3ENikhil%20Sharma%20from%20Mumbai%20began%20his%20online%20career%20through%20vlogs%20about%20his%20motorcycle%20trips.%20He%20has%20become%20a%20lifestyle%20influencer%20and%20has%20created%20his%20own%20clothing%20line.%3Cbr%3E%3Cem%3ESource%3A%20Hireinfluence%2C%20various%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
IF YOU GO
The flights: FlyDubai offers direct flights to Catania Airport from Dubai International Terminal 2 daily with return fares starting from Dh1,895.
The details: Access to the 2,900-metre elevation point at Mount Etna by cable car and 4x4 transport vehicle cost around €57.50 (Dh248) per adult. Entry into Teatro Greco costs €10 (Dh43). For more go to www.visitsicily.info
Where to stay: Hilton Giardini Naxos offers beachfront access and accessible to Taormina and Mount Etna. Rooms start from around €130 (Dh561) per night, including taxes.
Scorecard
Scotland 220
K Coetzer 95, J Siddique 3-49, R Mustafa 3-35
UAE 224-3 in 43,5 overs
C Suri 67, B Hameed 63 not out
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Left Bank: Art, Passion and Rebirth of Paris 1940-1950
Agnes Poirer, Bloomsbury
Brief scoreline:
Manchester United 2
Rashford 28', Martial 72'
Watford 1
Doucoure 90'
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Floward%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERiyadh%2C%20Saudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdulaziz%20Al%20Loughani%20and%20Mohamed%20Al%20Arifi%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EE-commerce%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbout%20%24200%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAljazira%20Capital%2C%20Rainwater%20Partners%2C%20STV%20and%20Impact46%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E1%2C200%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
TICKETS
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
