DUBAI // A desire to strive for excellence was ignited in young Emirati students when they visited the world’s tallest tower on the second day of a 10-day tour across their homeland.
For many it was their first time on the observatory deck of the 828-metre high Burj Khalifa and they were overwhelmed by the scale of the construction.
“I can’t put in words what I felt when I stood at the top but it was just an amazing experience,” said Othaiba al Mazroui, 15, from Sharjah, who aims to study to be a design engineer.
“I want to design a building like the Burj Khalifa that has made the UAE proud and the world look at it. My dream is to make the UAE a world leader.
“We are seeing new places in our country and learning more about it and the history of Sheikh Zayed. It is a wonderful experience.”
Ms Al Mazroui is among 28 high-school students who began a bus trip on Friday that will take them across the seven emirates as part of the Journey of the Union initiative. They will meet leading business figures and cultural personalities while stopping at landmark historical sites and visit top companies.
“This is such a wonderful chance for me and all the other students,” Ms Al Mazroui said.
“If I didn’t come on this journey I would have lost my chance. We can all have only one chance so I came and I will tell all my friends about my journey.”
The fountains at Burj Khalifa were switched on for two special shows in the afternoon in time for the students’ visit yesterday.
“I saw the beautiful fountain and I took some wonderful pictures of Dubai with my friends. Today for me was 1,000 times wonderful,” said Mariam Al Shamsi, a 15-year-old pupil from Ajman.
“When I went up to the top of the Burj Khalifa I felt my heart beat faster again and again. I would like to do this trip many times. My sister is in university to be a doctor. My dream is to be an engineer and a doctor and to serve my country.”
Many students draped scarves with the UAE flag colours around their shoulders, others sported pins with the nation’s flag.
“This trip is making me more proud of my country,” said Humaid Al Shamsi, 16, from Ras Al Khaimah.
“It has made me think of how hard I must work and it has also made me know that I must not stop working for my country to be the best in the world.”
The tour has been organised by the Al Bayt Mitwahid, an association was formed this year by employees of the Crown Prince Court.
The aim is to increase awareness about the achievements and growth of the seven emirates over the past 43 years.
The teenagers began their journey with a visit to the home of Sheikh Zayed, the Founder of the UAE, that is preserved as Al Ain Palace Museum.
Their trip will also take them to Masdar City, the under-construction Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi and the Ed-Dur archaeological site, one of the largest in the UAE.
In Dubai, they also visited the Al Ahmadiya School and Heritage House and the Bastakiya historical area of the city.
Sheikha Al Bayraq, 15, from Umm Al Quwain, said she planned to write an essay about her journey to reach out to more people.
“I want to be a writer and I want to write about this journey because it can reach people who have not come to Dubai or to the Burj Khalifa or gone to the places we are seeing.
“When I reached the top of the tower I was dizzy but I was also excited. I want others to experience the emotions I have felt.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
