Aldar Academies, Abu Dhabi’s leading provider of world-class education, in partnership with Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi based investment and development company, hosted a celebration in honour of the UAE’s upcoming 43rd National Day at the Zayed Sports City Football Stadium.

Entitled Pride of the Nation, the event saw thousands of students from all six of Aldar Academies’ schools tell the story of the UAE’s rich history and heritage through a mix of poetry, song and dance in the presence of dignitaries from the UAE and Abu Dhabi Government, Aldar, Mubadala as well as staff and parents from the Aldar Academies Community.

“In a short span of 43 years, the UAE has taken great strides to position itself on the international stage. Students at Aldar Academies represent over 100 countries and while we recognize the diversity at our schools and a future shaped by our children, we are also committed to celebrating the UAE’s heritage with our students to teach them UAE history,” said Mrs Nilay Ozral  CEO of Aldar Academies.  

“We are extremely proud to partner with Aldar Academies to deliver this spectacle, delivered by some of the brightest stars of the UAE’s next generation. As well as celebrating our heritage, Pride of the Nation also provides a fantastic opportunity to embrace the economic diversification at the heart of the UAE’s development in an engaging way for those that will be instrumental in delivering future growth,” said Nadine Saleh, Head of Social Development and Partnerships at Mubadala.

The hour long stage show and firework display started with the Abu Dhabi Police Band who performed the UAE National Anthem, Ishy Bilady, accompanied by students. Telling the story of the UAE and its development over the years, the audience were enthralled by stories of pearl divers and the nation’s fishing heritage. Performances about Bedouin life in the UAE, traditional Emirati dances and a powerful performance telling the story of the founding father of the UAE the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan captivated the audience.

The students then took attendees through milestones of the past few decades including the coming together of the seven Emirates to form the Union, today known as the United Arab Emirates. The performers then paid tribute to the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi highlighting his commitment to the development of Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure and the diversification of the economy, thereby strengthening the nation’s position for the future. 

The audience of thousands, were treated to a grand finale depicting the many nationalities that call the UAE and Aldar Academies home. The closing scenes saw students from all six schools, sing the National Anthem and parade in front of the audience to the backdrop of a spectacular fireworks display. 

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